Team Of The Week March 19 2008
Andrew Hallett looks at the players who performed to their potential in both the Premier League and Carling Cup competitions at the weekend.
Goalkeeper: Paul Robinson
You would think a player who was at fault for the opening goal in a cup final would not deserve a mention in a team of the week, but in Robinson's case, it is only fair. After a torrid start to the season he was eventually dropped by both club and country, compounding his woes.
A return to Tottenham's starting line-up last Thursday offered him a glimmer of hope at starting at Wembley against Chelsea, a hope which came to fruition. His display was assured and he showed glimmers of the old Robinson when called upon to make two match-winning saves in extra time.
He may take some time to regain his best form but a winners' medal in a major cup final will do nothing but boost his confidence for the rest of the season. Well done Robbo!
Right-back: Paul Scharner
The Austrian was once again in the thick of things for Wigan on Saturday. His goal set them on their way and his constant running saw Scharner contribute to nearly ever attack which the Latics staged.
His visible love for the game is something which the JJB outfit are going to need if they are to keep their Premier League status and if Scharner is able to stay fit for the run-in, he will make sure his side do just that.
Centre-backs: Ledley King & Jonathan Woodgate
Injuries have been the bane of the Tottenham defensive duo's football lives for a long time and it was only fitting that the pair were handed starts for such an important game. And they did not let their manager down as they totally dominated at the back. Be it aerially or on the floor, they had Chelsea's number whenever they were needed. Woodgate won the official man of the match award, but if it were possible, the accolade should have been shared.
Their performance just goes to show how far Spurs have progressed under Juande Ramos and if they can stay fit, they may well prove to be the best defensive unit in the league.
Left-back: Wilfred Bouma
Aston Villa's rise this season has been built around a strong defensive unit and Bouma has been one of those defenders who has shone.
His no-nonsense approach to games makes it difficult for the opposition down the right flank and the Dutchman gives very little joy to those who challenge him for aerial balls. His strength and positioning are his main attributes and they came to the fore against Reading on Sunday, with Stephen Hunt having very little luck down Bouma's flank.
This season has proved to be Bouma's best in a Villa shirt and long may it continue.
Right midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo
The season just keeps getting better for the world-class Portuguese international.
His unbelievable goalscoring record this term has helped Manchester United maintain their title ambitions and has left many a Premier League striker looking on in envy. He was no different at Newcastle on Saturday as he ran the show in what was another poor day for Toon fans. His skill on the ball and superb eye for goal left the Magpies defenders second guessing and most of the time dumbfounded.
If Ronaldo is able to maintain this level for the remainder of the season, he will surely surpass Alan Shearer's record of 34 goals in a single Premier League season.
Attacking midfielder: David Bentley
This has been the season of the real emergence of David Bentley and all Blackburn fans are loving what is seen as a new signing for the club.
His power and creativity are his main attributes and those delighted the Rovers faithful once again on Sunday. His eye for goal came in handy too as he found the net in a rout of Bolton, in which he tormented the Trotters defence time after time.
This is just the beginning for Bentley, not only at club level, as many see him as the ideal replacement for David Beckham now that new England boss Fabio Capello is looking to stamp his own authority upon the national side.
Attacking midfielder: James McFadden
On this display alone, it is easy to see why Alex McLeish rescued the Scottish international from his misused time at Everton.
McFadden was in impressive form against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon. His enthusiasm for the game shone through as he notched a brace against the league leaders. His skill on the ball was very rarely seen at Everton and it is a delight to finally see him reaching his potential.
If McFadden is able to continue this kind of form going into the final stages of the season, there should be no reason why Birmingham can not stave off relegation.
Left midfield: Ashley Young
The sky is the limit for Villa's young star. His contribution to their performances never goes unnoticed and he is one of the main reasons why the Villans have begun to show their potential this season. He adds an extra dimension to Villa's play along with Gabriel Agbonlahor and has an eye for goal which has paid off this term.
His well-taken goal against Reading was one of the quality which you expect from a seasoned striker. His fine form this campaign was rewarded with an England cap against Switzerland and if he is able to continue producing fine displays, it may not be long before he is able to call himself an England regular.
Striker: Wayne Rooney
Along with Ronaldo, Manchester United are able to boast two of the most exciting young footballers in world football.
Rooney, however, adds an extra dimension to their already impressive attacking style of play. His aggressive attitude towards the game makes him a difficult player to keep quiet and Newcastle will be the first to tell you of that trait. His brace on Saturday capped off a typical Rooney performance of power, skill and instinct.
Although he is often outplayed by Ronaldo, with Rooney on the pitch, you are always assured of something exciting.
Striker: Fernando Torres
The Liverpool striker was at his best on Saturday, showing why the Reds forked out £20.3million for him in the summer.
His predatory skills came to the fore as he made the Middlesbrough defence look rather average on his way to claiming his first league hat-trick for the club. The goals pushed Torres beyond the 20-goal mark for the season, making him the first player since Michael Owen in 2003 to breach that landmark.
If he is able to stay injury-free for the remainder of the campaign, it is easy to see him breaking more records for the Anfield club.
Andrew Hallett