The 2011/12 Premier League season will go down as one of its finest, with great games, goals, sackings and spats ensuring there's never been a dull moment. Our Football Desk never agrees at the best of times and it's no different here, as we choose our emerging stars of the season
Thursday 17 May 2012 08:48, UK
Our Football Desk select their emerging stars of the season for 2011/12 and invite you to pick your own.
James McClean, Sunderland: The young winger arrived under the radar last summer from Derry City, but he has been a revelation since being thrown into the starting XI under Martin O'Neill. The 23-year-old is a throwback to an old fashioned wide-man and his form has seen him called-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2012. PO'R Joe Allen, Swansea: Brendan Rodgers' side have earned the plaudits for their attractive game with Leon Britton, the team's passer-in-chief, topping the Premier League for pass completion. But 22-year-old Allen is the real star. Not only is he fourth in the league for passing accuracy but he outshines Britton in terms of key passes and assists as well as accurate crosses, long-balls and through-balls. A huge future beckons for the Wales international. AB Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea City: Brendan Rodgers in January produced one of the signings of the season when he plucked the Icelandic midfielder on loan from relative obscurity at Hoffenheim. Sigurdsson fitted perfectly to the Swansea pass-and-move model and also had an eye for goal. Manchester United are understood to be paying attention and it seems certain the 22-year-old is destined for one of Europe's big clubs. PF Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle United: Whilst Papiss Cisse has hit the headlines in recent weeks, there has been few bigger impacts made in a debut season than that of Cabaye - sensational from first match to last, he could emerge as a true Premier League superstar next season. GB Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal: The talented 18-year-old burst onto the scene this season, impressing for the Gunners in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with his power, presence and ability on the flank. Mentioned as an outside bet for England's Euro 2012 squad, it would be a surprise to see the former Southampton youngster selected by the pragmatic Roy Hodgson, but he already looks assured of a successful career for club and country. RP Papiss Cisse, Newcastle: The Senegalese arrived at Newcastle as a relative unknown carrying a hefty price tag and with the unenviable task of amply filling the coveted No.9 shirt of MacDonald, Shearer and co. Undaunted, he wasted little time announcing his arrival to the Toon Army with a debut winner against Aston Villa. Twelve more followed in just 13 further appearances including a goal of the season contender against Chelsea. CH Posted by Peter O'Rourke, Adam Bate, Pete Fraser, Graeme Bailey, Rob Parrish & Chris Harvey
