The 2007/08 Premier League season was one of the best for years, as both the title and relegation battles went to the last weekend. There were many outstanding individual performances throughout the season from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas et al, but I would like to make my selections for team of the season from outside the top four clubs.

Goalkeeper - David James (Portsmouth):  An outstanding season from the previously much-derided Portsmouth stopper. Second only to Liverpool’s Pepe Reina for clean sheets kept in the league James was also instrumental in the FA Cup run which ultimately saw Pompey lift the trophy at Wembley and bring European football to the south coast next season.

Left-back - Joleon Lescott (Everton): Not exactly a surprise choice as Lescott made a lot of people’s teams but it is hard to ignore his performances this season. Playing out of position for the majority of the campaign Lescott added a goal threat to his consistently solid defensive work, finishing the season with an impressive eight league goals.

‘Santa Cruz has to be THE buy of the season ... Strong on the ground and deadly in the air, I wouldn’t back against him getting the better of most defences again next season’


Centre backs - Richard Dunne (Man City) & Martin Laursen (Aston Villa): Republic Of Ireland international Dunne’s partnership with rising young star Micah Richards at the heart of City’s defence helped them top the table early in the season. Although unable to sustain their challenge – City ended the season in 9th – Dunne was a model of consistency with numerous man-of-the-match performances.

Laursen overcame the horrendous injury problems that have plagued his Villa career since he joined the club in 2004 to incredibly start every league game this season. Putting in some commanding displays at the back, the cool and calm Danish international helped Villa to 6th place and potential UEFA Cup football next season via the Intertoto Cup

Right-back - Glen Johnson (Portsmouth): 23-year-old England defender Johnson’s career has been rejuvenated at Portsmouth under his old West Ham boss Harry Redknapp. Out of favour at Chelsea, Johnson initially joined on loan in 2006 before signing a permanent deal at the beginning of last season. His athletic performances on the right certainly impressed new England coach Fabio Capello as he was named in the Italian’s first squad.

Left midfield - Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough): Improving every season, Downing was comfortably Boro’s star player during this campaign. An old-fashioned winger, Downing gives defenders nightmares with his dribbling skills and crossing ability. Add to this his accuracy from dead-ball situations and a healthy contribution in the goals scored column, and his future seems bright.

Centre midfield - Mikel Arteta (Everton) and Gareth Barry (Aston Villa): Arteta is the creative force in the Everton midfield. Skilful and comfortable on the ball, with a wide range of passing, expert dead-ball delivery and an eye for the spectacular goal, it is a mystery how he has yet to earn an international call-up at senior level for Spain.

Barry has enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career. The Villa skipper led from the front with nine goals and 10 assists – also strong in the tackle and good in the air, he is now a complete midfielder. Recalled to the England squad and with top clubs looking to acquire his services, Martin O’Neill will do well to hold on to him.

Right midfield - David Bentley (Blackburn Rovers): The new David Beckham? Bentley must be tired of the comparison but if he keeps performing as well as he has been it is inevitable. A superb crosser of the ball, he provides plenty of ammunition for his strikers. One of the most technically-gifted English players of his generation, Bentley can hurt the opposition from anywhere on the pitch.

Strikers - Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) & Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur): The main beneficiary of Bentley’s passes, Santa Cruz has to be THE buy of the season. Signed from Bayern Munich in the summer, the Paraguay international scored an impressive 19 league goals in his first season in English football. Strong on the ground and deadly in the air, I wouldn’t back against him getting the better of most defences again next season.

Robbie Keane has been a permanent fixture near the top of the Premier League goalscorers' chart since joining Spurs in 2002. Overlooked somewhat by the media since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov two seasons ago, Keane certainly hasn’t taken a back seat. Forging an impressive striking partnership with the Bulgarian, Keane continues to score on a regular basis and his intelligent movement creates space for others to exploit.

So there you have it, a nicely balanced side with plenty of goals in it and a healthy number of English players to boot. See, it’s not all doom and gloom!