The PFA awards took place last Sunday with Gareth Bale being voted player of the year and 19-year-old Jack Wilshere winning the young player of the year award.
Bale, who was voted for by his fellow professionals, was in fantastic form during the first half of the season but faded after Christmas due to injury. So is he a worthy winner of such a prestigious award?
Bale's most prolific performances this season have come in the Champions League, with the winger never really producing similar displays in the Premier League on a consistent basis. It is fair to say Bale has been the most talked about player of the season but has he consistently been the best?
He falls behind ten other midfielders in the current Premier league goalscoring chart, including some players who weren't nominated for the prize such as Everton's Tim Cahill, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and the top scoring midfielder in the league, Kevin Nolan.
In terms of assists Bale is nowhere near the leading midfielders in the league, falling well short of Manchester United winger Luis Nani who tops the assists chart with 18. If it wasn't for Tottenham's participation in the Champions League this season Bale would not have had half the publicity and praise he has received this recently.
He is a promising player and has shown moments of absolute magic at times, but consistency over the whole season should count for more than one or two inspirational games.
It can also be said that it's not fair for players to be named Player of the Year when voting takes place in mid-March, two months before the end of the season. Surely the players should have the chance to show what they can do all season and voting should be done after the last game?
The PFA team of the year was also announced during the awards and was dominated by Manchester United and Arsenal players. The line-up, which featured four United players and three from the Gunners, had quality in every position but it will be argued that it is missing some vital players from this season.
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has been brilliant this season despite his side facing a relegation battle. His ability to take control of a match has been praised by many and earnt him a starting place in the England side that faced Wales last month.
Kevin Nolan's 12 goals for a mid-table Newcastle side have almost unnoticed, while Everton full-back Leighton Baines has had the best season of his career to date.
With no obvious stand out player this season, it's clear to see why Bale won but also fair to say he would have got nowhere near the award in any of the last few seasons. Changes in the voting criteria and system may need to happen in order for future winners to be undisputedly the player of the year.
Aaron McBride
Source: DSG
Source: DSG