Goalkeeper - Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
One of the easiest picks for me, although his performances attracted praise towards the end of the season, his consistent performances at the top level rightly secure his place in my team. The decision to re-sign Guzan who had been released by Aston Villa at the end of the 2011/12 season with Shay Given occupying the number 1 jersey has turned out to be a master stroke. The bold decision to displace one of the most consistent and numerous team of the season goalkeeper seemed odd, but Lambert's faith was justified with Guzan showing what a top player he is, integral to Aston Villa.
Right Back - Sascha Riether (Fulham)
It's not very often you see a 29 year old going out on loan, but that was what happened last season with Sascha Riether joining Martin Jol at Fulham. His consistent performances in an average team may have gone un noticed by many, but the ever reliable full back more than earned himself a full transfer to West London for the upcoming season. Reliability may not always be the most attractive quality but a good team builds on a solid foundation, with Riether providing that, as well as width going forward.
Centre Back - Chico Flores (Swansea City)
Swansea's incredible time in the premiership has been drawing much praise not only for the shrewd transfers by both Michael Laudrup and Brendan Rodgers before him, but the style of play that has been provided. One of Laudrup's best signings has to be Chico Flores, the combative centre back formed a formidable partnership last season with Ashley Williams, with Williams drawing attention from other premier league teams most notably Arsenal. This being said Chico's contribution alongside Williams deserves much praise and he arguably outperformed his counterpart.
Centre Back - Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion)
West Brom's impressive form owed a lot to the impressive displays of Romelu Lukaku, but also a lot to the solid centre back pairing of Olsson and Mcauley. Olsson makes it into my team due to his leadership and aerial ability. An almost ever present in West Broms team that shocked many with a solid top half finish in Steve Clarke's first season. Olsson has proven himself to be a very good premier league centre back.
Left Back - Jose Enrique (Liverpool)
Perhaps not under rated by viewers of his game, but Jose Enrique found himself out of the team and seemingly under valued by Brendan Rodgers at the beginning of the season. The extent to Rodgers' lack of faith in Enrique saw regular right back Glen Johnson as well as midfielder Stewart Downing occupying the Liverpool left back position. Since coming back into the team in the second half of the season, Enrique showed what a quality player he was making him undroppable for the remainder of the season. He offers width going forward as well as a good delivery to balance our team.
Right Midfield - Robert Snodgrass (Norwich City)
Goals from midfield are a precious commodity, so a winger who provides width, a great delivery as well as chipping in with a few goals is a strong player. This is exactly what Robert Snodgrass is, with Norwich scoring a large proportion of their goals from set piece situations, Snodgrass' cultured left foot is a major threat. In addition to his delivery, Snodgrass also scored 3 direct free kicks last season, the joint most in a single season since Christiano Ronaldo in 2008/9. Snodgrass' final string in his bow is his work rate, tirelessly supporting the defence in Norwich's compact formation in addition to his attacking duties.
Central Midfield - Ashley Westwood (Aston Villa)
Self styling his football on Michael Carrick is not a bad place to go for an under rated footballer and that is exactly what Ashley Westwood has done. Staying out of the limelight on the pitch has also meant staying out of the limelight off the pitch. Villa's start to the season may not have been great but Westwood was a shining light throughout the season and deserves praise for his jump from Crewe to premier league football. Westwood's calm distribution of play all round the pitch, keeping Aston Villa ticking over is an integral part of my under rate XI.
Central Midfield - Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
Back to back promotions for Southampton may have seen some of their stars from the lower leagues dropped in place of premier league talent. This is not the case of Morgan Schneiderlin who adapted with consummate ease to the premier league. Holding the midfield together for Southampton in the defensive position, allowing the more creative players around him time and space. Every team needs a player like this and I think Schneiderlin is one of the best at it, he makes it into my team above Claudio Yacob purely on the 5 goals he scored. An extra threat for the team from a position you may not expect to score from.
Left Midfield - Steven Pienaar (Everton)
Maybe the most publicised under rate player in the premiership, so much so Spurs came knocking for him under Harry Redknapp but it wasn't to be with Spurs. His relationship with Leighton Baines this season provided stability and threat down the left hand side for Everton, as well as contributing vital goals and assists. His versatility across the midfield also allows for inter play and his intelligent movement adds creativity to the midfield making him a highly talented and under rated midfielder.
Centre Forward - Shaun Maloney (Wigan)
Shaun Maloney's unsuccessful spell at Aston Villa and subsequent return to Celtic seemed to spell the end of his premier league career. This was until he joined Wigan in August 2011. Although he endured a troubled time to his Wigan career, this season showcased Maloney's ability as a premier league player. An important part of any team is craft and guile, Maloney has this in abundance. Not only does he have the technical ability but this season he demonstrated his effectiveness scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists in a relegated team, as well as catching the eye with 2 spectacular free kicks at the back end of the season.
Striker - Demba Ba (Newcastle/Chelsea)
This may seem an odd choice, as it was highly publicised that Chelsea had striking problems last season. Ba makes it into my team for his performance at the start of the season for Newcastle scoring 13 goals in 21 appearances before his move to Chelsea. The style of play at Chelsea as well as rotation enforced by Rafa Benitez halted Ba's emphatic goal scoring record that he experienced at Newcastle, but the striker that terrorised defences in the first half of the season providing a physical presence as well as prolific goal return is the man that makes it into my team as the lone striker.
