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Premier League Alternative XI features Philippe Coutinho and Jermain Defoe

We've all seen the official PFA team of the year, but what about the less fashionable footballers from the less fashionable teams? Strip away the top four (and Dmitri Payet, who made the PFA list). Who shone this season? Iain Macintosh delves down the table to the likes of Watford, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Liverpool.

GK: Heurelho Gomes, Watford

Back in November, Quique Sanchez Flores responded to two absolutely hideous and hugely costly mistakes by giving the goalkeeper his full public support. And there wasn't a Watford player or fan who disagreed. Gomes will always have an error in him, but it's worth it for the bravery, agility and defiance that he brings to every game. Eleven clean sheets have certainly helped too.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne, Liverpool

Not a strong field at this position but mention should be made of Clyne's contribution to Liverpool's better moments. Jurgen Klopp knows that his side's defence (which has conceded 198 goals in four seasons) needs an almost total rebuild. It's only "almost" because Clyne's position is quite safe. He should go from strength to strength next season.

CB: Virgil van Dijk, Southampton

Poor old Southampton seem to lose their best players every summer and they'll have to work hard to keep hold of Van Dijk. The big Dutchman is fast, strong and surprisingly decent on the ball. The new six-year contract he signed last month will ensure that if he does leave, at least the Saints will make a massive profit.

CB: Simon Francis, Bournemouth

Once a right-back with lowly Southend United, 31-year-old Simon Francis was forced to fill in at centre-back for injury ravaged Bournemouth this season but he's made the position his own. Indeed, no less an authority on the position than Terry Butcher was recently calling for him to be considered for international duty by Roy Hodgson.

LB: Aaron Cresswell, West Ham

There are some things you can always rely on at West Ham: A free-kick from Payet that terrifies the goalkeeper, an Andy Carroll leap that blots out the sun -- and a fine performance from Cresswell. He gets up, he gets back, he gets crosses in. Little wonder that Manchester City and Liverpool are sniffing around. It's still hard to believe that he only cost the Hammers £2 million.

RW: Willian, Chelsea

The only Chelsea player who didn't let anyone down this season, Willian was the only choice in the club's player of the year competition. He refuses to give up on anything, is confident enough to take on his man again and again and, as we found out this season, has an extraordinary success rate when it comes to free kicks.

CM: Mark Noble, West Ham

Poor Mr. Noble. He's redoubtable and resilient, he can make and score goals, he's a one-club man (save for a couple of loan spells) boasting a sensible side parting and a comprehensive skill set. But he just cannot attract the attention of Roy Hodgson. He'll always have West Ham though and next season, he'll lead them out at their new stadium. I guess that's compensation of sorts.

CM: Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace

The idea was that the Australian would leave Crystal Palace this season given that his inspirational work at the club was complete. But a mooted move to Stoke fell through and as the form of Alan Pardew's side collapsed, he was required to inspire once again. Imperious and influential, he's one of the main reasons that the Eagles are at Wembley this weekend.

LW: Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool

Okay, so he was barely visible against Sevilla in the Europa League Final this week but Coutinho has been one of the few bright spots in a patchy, transitional season for Liverpool. He isn't as consistent as Klopp would hope, but he can a change a game so swiftly that he's worth the wait.

ST: Jermain Defoe, Sunderland

Where would Sunderland be without Defoe? Well, the Championship. Sam Allardyce wasn't sure about him leading the line alone but even while labouring off limited supply, Defoe was able to score freely. The length and size of his contract was much mocked when he arrived in the Northeast, but no one's laughing now. Least of all in Newcastle.

ST: Troy Deeney, Watford

An utterly selfless forward who overcame a troubled past to lead his side with dignity and style, Deeney is everything you want in a team captain. He struggled to score in the opening months of the Premier League, but he never stopped working, tirelessly making space for Odion Ighalo. And then goals came freely, five in six through the winter and 15 in total. You'd love him in your team.