See what names you came up with. All amazing players. The fact that Townsend is up there competing with these players means that he's great. Gross has the advantage that he takes all set pieces and his number of assists is big (but a great player in my opinion nonetheless, though relatively unknown).

Swap Townsend for any of Mahrez, Shaqiri, even Tadic or and I'll agree. But see if you can do that.

Heck, even swap him for Izquierdo, Jordon Ibe or Richarlison (though they are right footed and you'll be stuck without a proper left footed winger).

But truth is- Townsend is in top 5 left footed wingers in the PL outside of top 6 teams (and even with them included).

I think the main problem here is that you clearly have no idea what makes a good defensive midfielder.

Luka is not a classic defensive midfielder anyway, he likes to break forward a fair amount, not your typical sit back and hold like Jedi used to be, and from what I can see what Amadou looks like too.

Luka's passing is very good and he helps us move up the field a lot - this stuff isn't going to result in assists or chances created very often, but is still very valuable - particularly when Benteke is not playing and we can't go long.

You can't find stats on who has taken how many set pieces, but I am fairly confident that until recently Cabaye was taking most of the corners, and Andros takes a fair amount too so seems bizarre to judge him on those.

He also contributes a high amount of tackles and interceptions for a central midfielder. In my opinion he is pretty perfect to have in a 2 man midfield.

Yes he's made a couple of mistakes this season - but who hasn't?

And looking at offensive output - even allowing for his penalties, he has contributed more than Cabaye who is naturally more attacking.

After all that I wouldn't have him POTY, Wilf has been our best player by a considerable margin.

My top 5 this season:
1. Zaha
2. Luka
3. Tomkins
4. Townsend (I agree his creativity is underrated)

Blog: Andy Johnson's Magic Hat [Link]

Twitter:

[Tweet Link]

My apologies I meant the free kick against Bournemouth, surely with your extensive knowledge you remember that one.
Luka was not assigned as corner taker at the beginning of the season, it was Cabaye

Hit a nerve did he? Not a very pleasant response and must be bordering on a Yellow Card offence

POTY - Zaha
YPOTY - RLC

Tomkins POTY.

Young player is tough, as AWB hasn't played many games and RLC has looked average as often as he's looked good, whilst missing a load of games.

Well I think Simon's head is large; always involved in espionage. (Name that tune)