Is Ryan Giggs REALLY Worthy of the Player of the Year Award?
With this season’s player of the year voting looking as open as it’s been in a decade, many names have been put forward for the much sought-after prize.
The likes of Ashley Young and Nemanja Vidic are seen by many as genuine contenders in a year where there is seemingly no standout candidate for the award.
However, in the last month a new name has emerged.
At 35 years old, Ryan Giggs was expected by many to be a bit-part player in Manchester United’s quest for honours this season, having begun both the Champions League final and the Premier League title decider at Wigan last May on the substitutes’ bench.
This wasn’t a surprise to many, who felt his best days were behind him after a series of poor performances in the previous campaign.
However, after strong showings against the likes of Chelsea and West Ham in the last month, it appears that Giggs is no longer past it, but as good as ever.
And in the process, the Welshman has emerged as many people’s favourite for the coveted crown.
A worthy contender, perhaps? Or is this just an act of nostalgia?
There’s no doubting Giggs’ undoubted quality and consistency during his 19 year tenure at Old Trafford. After all, he’s notched up 147 goals in 687 starts and 101 substitute appearances, and has managed to score in 19 consecutive league seasons.
It’s testament to his ability and how he’s looked after himself throughout his career that he can still perform at the highest level, and that Sir Alex Ferguson still trusts him in the big games for his experience and know-how.
But with only nine Premiership starts and a solitary goal to his name, the choice of Giggs as footballer of the year would be no more than a sentimental one.
Recent performances have certainly been special, as he has rolled back the years with a series of quality displays in a variety of positions.
However, it has to be said other players have been more consistent throughout the season, with Vidic in particular a key ingredient in United’s recent success.
The Serbian has been outstanding in a United side seemingly intent on breaking defensive records as they go along, and with 23 appearances to his name, he’s been a model of consistency for his side as they continue to strive for success on all fronts.
In a campaign where clean sheets have formed the basis of United’s success, he has been a key factor. His importance cannot be understated, and the accolade would be richly deserved in an award where defenders are largely ignored in favour of attacking players.
Indeed, Vidic has shown the true form that is required from the footballer of the year. Even Giggs himself would testify to that.
No debate here – Giggs is a top player and a great professional on a run of decent form. Surely, though, the number of appearances he’s made in the Premiership this season should have ended any debate before it began?!
No. Why is this even up for discussion? He’s only had two or three particularly good games.
Vidic is a reasonable choice, but I’d be more inclined to pick Gareth Barry. While United’s clean sheet run is impressive, I think it’s more down to the whole squad than just defenders, since the best way to keep the opponents for scoring is to keep the ball in their half. Barry on the other hand is at the heart of just about everything Villa do.
I think there’s also a decent case for Tim Cahill.
It’s got to be Vidic, why not a defender?
I think strongly that vidic is the best choice at the moment.He’s been so influencial in both the defence and the scoreshit.Is it a wonder ManU conceded a goal in their last FA cup match in which Vidic wasn’t featured.
I think strongly that vidic is the best choice at the moment.He’s been so influencial in both the defence and the scoresheet.Is it a wonder ManU conceded a goal in their last FA cup match in which Vidic wasn’t featured?
Agree totally with the article. Giggs would undoubtedly be a sentimenal choice only. While he deserves many accolades and all the praise is more than justified, the Player of the Year Award is not the vehicle for this.
It should recognize the outstanding player of the season and, as Shaun points out, giggsy has not played nearly enough.
I disagree though that there isn’t a standout candidate. It’s Vidic head and shoulders for me (excuse the pun).
He’s 6/4 with the bookies who make him the favourite by a distance.
Utd’s success last year and this has primarily being built on an outstanding defence, despite all the flair players, and Vidic has been the stand-out player in the defence.
As a ex-defender I have to smile at Dollymix’s assessment of defence! Good defence is down to team effort but goal scoring is only down to midfielders and strikers (is what he seems to be saying). But he’s not alone, as the awards nearly always go to flair players and goalscorers.
Time to fix that this year.
It’s Vidic!
VIDIC.
HE’ll MURDER YA.
Defenders can win such prizes, Canavaro is the example.
i think thats absoulate bollocks , i know hes a good player but hes only started 12 games other players like vidic , gerrard and lampard should have won and its a stupid decision to pick him for pfa player of the year