2016 Ballers Blog Football awards

Welcome to the Ballers Blog 2016 Football awards, The biggest event in the sporting wards calendar. Football in 2016 has been all about the underdog. I'm obviously referring to Leicester City's title win and Portugal's bizarre Euro triumph. In this weeks blog I will be recognizing players and managers who have made a particular impression in a certain area, serious or not.

Most Overrated Player of the Year

The overrated player of the year is........ Paul Pogba. This is a slightly predictable award because of his obscure £89 million price tag after a few good seasons at Juventus. The main example of him being overrated was at Euro 2016 when he was constantly outshown by players such as Griezmann, Payet and most of the french team for that matter. He seemed to go missing in most games and maintained his inconsistency in his move to Manchester United. Manchester United fans thought christmas and their birthdays had all come at once when he was signed as they made allegations about him becoming the best player in the premier league even though all they had really seen of him was a few 30 yard goals against average serie A goalkeepers, an ego and a Dab. To be fair recently he has been showing glimpses of his old form at Juventus but needs to be more consistent to be even considered as the best player in the premier league, nevermind the world. £89 million? ...... not for me. Honorable mentions also go out to Jack Wilshere and Mario Balotelli.

Most underrated Player of the Year

To present this award we have Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, "And the winner is..... My wee Joe". That's right it's the Welsh Jesus/Xavi/ Pirlo or whatever you want to call him but I will be referring to him as Joe Allen. He started the year under the Jurgen Klopp regime at Anfield and was not regarded as an outcast by Klopp but was given game time to replace the injured and made an impression putting in good performances and chipped in with 2 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances. He then played for Wales at Euro 2016 and was one of their star players on their run to the semi finals. He then got his move away from Anfield to Stoke City to play regular first team football. He has had a great first half of the season scoring 5 goals and getting 2 assists. Hopefully he can maintain his form and prove to Jurgen Klopp that he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Young player of the year

My choice for Young player of the year is every Liverpool fans favorite Brazilian (sorry Roberto Firminio but it's true). I'm of course talking about Phillipe Coutinho, If you hadn't worked it out from the image already. The 24 year old was Liverpool's main talisman throughout the season and this was evident when he was injured or suspended. He chipped in with crucial goals to keep Jurgen Klopp's side playing their 'Heavy metal football'. He was one of the top players at creating chances in the Premier League and has continued his instrumental role in the Liverpool team this season as they are now 2nd in the premier league under Jurgen Klopp's complete control instead of trying to make the best of Brendan Rodgers dodgy creation. Phillipe Coutinho managed to keep his consistency through the season and also performed on the international stage for Brazil. In my opinion I believe Phillipe will move away from Liverpool in 3-4 season if Liverpool don't win a title in that time. I think he may move to Barcalona as players such as Andre Iniesta will be getting older but I believe if he did move to Barcalona he may struggle to play consistently as he will have to beat Ivan Rakitic, Andre Gomes and Sergio Busquets to a place in the starting line up. However as I am a Liverpool fan I hope Coutinho will be able to bring Liverpool titles and stay to gain a legendary status at Anfield.

Manager of the Year

For this award I could go for a simple, obvious option of Claudio Ranieri or Jurgen Klopp. Instead it's an international manager I have gone for. His name is Joachim Löw. The Germany manager is a pioneer for the male species as he demonstrated that men should do what they want in public and feel comfortable when doing it. He is also a great example that men can multitask. I am of coarse referring to his cheeky scratch and sniff whilst managing Germany at Euro 2016, Many men would only dream of doing this in a public place when doing your job. We salute you Joachim Löw. Honorable mentions also go to Roy Hodgson for his services to Icelandic football and Sam Allardyce for his 100% win record as England manager.

Goal of the Year

This goes to Mario Gaspar against England in a friendly. It was 0-0 in the 71st minute until Cesc Fabregas chipped a through ball over Gaspar's head and turned acrobatically in the air to overhead kick it across Joe Hart into the far top corner.

Player of the Year

This player is someone who has been consistent throughout the year and hasn't dropped off in the new season. His name is N'golo Kante. He played a pivotal role in Leicester city's charge for the title and has maintained his standard of performance to help Chelsea fly high at the top of the league. He was not a stand out player as he was doing the hard yards and grafting so players such as Vardy, Mahrez and Costa could score their goals and create chances. He also managed to create chances himself getting 4 assists last season and getting a goal last season and the first half of this season. He had a pass completion rate of 89% for Chelsea this season and has been worth his £32 million price tag. He made 4 appearances at Euro 2016 for France and continued his role of tough tackling midfielder and helped them get to the final. I believe if he keeps up his consistency he will be regarded as a world class player. Maybe in 2017 he can win the London marathon and the Tour De France and play in the premier league the same day, wouldn't surprise me.

Thank you for all attending the Baller Blog football awards and hopefully we will see you again next year after another great footballing and sporting year. Happy New Year everyone.

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