Steven Beacom: Rio, Ronaldo and Torres, beat that!

Steven Beacom

Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres celebrates after scoring against Spurs yesterday - his 33rd goal of the season

Monday, May 12, 2008

So, the Premier League season is over. Manchester United held their nerve on the final day to retain the title and somehow Fulham managed to stay up.

As is normal at this time of year, today I name my team of the season in conjunction with Budweiser, the league's 'Official Online Partner'.

DAVID JAMES (Portsmouth): The goalkeeping position came down to a choice between James, Blackburn's Brad Friedel and Liverpool's Pepe Reina with the Pompey number one edging it. For many years James was considered a bit of joke. I sense in the autumn of his career he is finally taking his job seriously and look what that has done for him.

JOLEON LESCOTT (Everton): Manchester United's Wes Brown has enjoyed a superb season, but I had to find a place in my team for Lescott, who has excelled for Everton. He has played most of his football at left back, and even though he is a centre back by trade I'm sure he could fit in at right-back. Improving all the time as a defender, he has scored a hatful of goals and has proved to be a real threat in the opposition penalty area.

RIO FERDINAND (Manchester United): The centre-back of the season. He has been magnificent, especially in big games against big players. Finally living up to his vast potential.

JOHN TERRY: (Chelsea): It was a tough call who to put beside Ferdinand, with his United team-mate Nemanja Vidic very close. I have gone for Terry though. He has once again been an inspiration for the Blues.

PATRICE EVRA (Manchester United): Just behind Ferdinand as the defender of the season. I have been really impressed by the Frenchman at the back and more so going forward. He has given United another exciting option. A true star.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (Manchester United): There remains a cloud over him in the really big European games. For instance Barcelona's Lionel Messi was much better in the Champions League semi-final but domestically Ronaldo is king. His pace, skill and goals have been something to behold. Awseome.

CESC FABREGAS (Arsenal): A class act. Started the season brilliantly and while along with the rest of the Gunners had an alarming dip in form in the spring, he has been the best central midfielder in the league.

MICHAEL ESSIEN (Chelsea): Just like finding a partner at the back for Ferdinand, it wasn't easy selecting who would play beside Fabregas in the middle of the park. United's Paul Scholes and Anderson came into my thinking as did Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Liverpool's Steven Gerarrd. But while it will probably surprise a few people, I've gone for the tireless Essien, who has been outstanding all over the pitch for Chelesa. He would be incredible alongside Fabregas.

ASHLEY YOUNG (Aston Villa): It certainly wasn't a classic season for left-sided players. I thought about Everton's Mikel Arteta but ultimately I went for Villa's Young because he has produced some daring displays for Villa in the last six months.

ROQUE SANTA CRUZ (Blackburn): Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor has impressed this season, but I've chosen the Blackburn front man ahead of him. Santa Cruz has provided presents for the Ewood Park faithful all season long - his first in English football. Rovers will do well to hang on to this fantastic forward in the summer.

FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool): But for the brilliance of Ronaldo, Torres would have been the player of the season. He has been magnificent for the Reds, scoring goals galore and like Santa Cruz, in his first Premier League campaign. Is even better in the flesh than on TV. His running off the ball and partnership with Steven Gerrard is wonderful to watch. Could win Spain Euro 2008.

Subs: Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Mikel Arteta (Everton), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal).