Some players will always have their detractors whilst others tend to have unwarranted complaints laid at their door but here are ten players who have managed to overcome criticism this season. Nani (Manchester United) The Portuguese international is finally starting to come out of Cristiano’s shadow and may yet prove himself worthy of a regular first team spot. Recent performances have been outstanding but still needs to maintain consistency and not get too big for his very small boots. Darren Bent (Sunderland) Harry Redknapp didn’t value the England man very highly and had no qualms about offloading him to the Stadium of Light where he has been prolific and adept at scoring against the big boys of the Premier League. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t keen on shelling out big bucks for the Argentine and Mr. Tevez angered some by moving to near neighbours City and the subsequent in fighting has helped matters but there can be no doubt that on the field of play Carlos has proven himself most worthy. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) The only criticism ever leveled at Wayne Rooney prior to this season was that he doesn’t score enough well that clearly hasn’t been an issue this term has it! Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham) The Brazilian keeper dropped so many clangers last season that many would have thought he would be on his way at White Hart Lane but he continued where he ended last term by becoming a far more confident custodian between the Tottenham sticks. Lucas (Liverpool) There are still a great many questions left unanswered by the Anfield midfielder but there can be no doubting that he has become a far more complete player and one that Rafa can now place on his teamsheet without fearing an avalanche of boos. Still has a long way to go though. Lee Bowyer (Birmingham City) Regardless of what you might think of Lee Bowyer the person, and lets face it he is pretty much reviled, it can not be argued that his abilities on the field of play have greatly improved of late. He has been instrumental in the excellent season Birmingham City have had thus far. Abou Diaby (Arsenal) Commonly regarded as one of the most frustrating players in the game, Abou Diaby clearly has talent to burn but has spent the lions share of his Emirates career irritating the fans with his unwavering ability to lose the ball needlessly and to repeatedly fail to fight to win the ball back after he has done so. This term however he has purred brilliantly around the Arsenal midfield and has started to repay the faith shown in him by Mr. Wenger. Louis Saha (Everton) Many would have thought the former Fulham and Man United man was beginning to fade out of the top flight and that his move to Everton was doomed to failure but he has found his lethal goalscoring touch and without his goals David Moyes would surely be in a relegation battle rather than looking to push on toward the Europa League slots. Carlton Cole (West Ham United) Far too often derided and very much maligned Carlton Cole has shown, prior to a nasty injury, that he knows where the back of the net is and has also become a dab hand at creating something out of nothing. He is currently badly missed at Upton Park where his tireless work rate and ability to make things happen have made him a cult hero. Top ten Premier League players who proved their critics wrong
