The Premier League has never been as close as it is this season, with sides at the top and bottom of the table battling for every single point. As the January transfer window shuts, we look at the players who have impressed us most this season...

1 Goalkeeper
Edwin Van der Sar, Manchester United

The Manchester United no 1 has set a new record for clean sheets this season, going 12 games without conceding. The Dutchman overtook the previous record holders Petr Cech (1,025 minutes) and Reading's Steve Death (1,103 minutes) and has now gone 1,122 minutes without conceding a goal. At 38 he is playing as well as ever, and if United do go on to win the league, Van der Sar will have played a huge part.

2 Right back
Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea

One of Scolari's most effective summer signings, Bosingwa has fitted straight into the Chelsea first-team and has featured in every league game this season. An attacking full-back who loves to get forward, he has been the world-class right-back the Blues have always lacked.

3 Left back
Ashley Cole, Chelsea

In recent seasons Cole has been accused of simply going through the motions. Not this year. Under Scolari's tutelage he has excelled, rampaging up and down the left flank, the England international has looked invigorated, providing Chelsea with more width and another attacking option. Reliable at the back - except for that slip-up at Liverpool – he has deserved the plaudits.

4 Centre back
Brede Hangeland, Fulham

One of the surprise success stories of the season, Fulham's stability at the back has been largely been down to Hangeland's solid displays. The giant defender has organised Fulham's defence week-in, week-out, repelling countless attacks and has helping the Cottagers to eight clean sheets, including four away, where they have picked up vital points.

5 Centre Back
Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United

As ever, Vidic has been a rock at the heart of Manchester United's defence. A defender with no ambitions other than to clear the danger, he rarely gets caught out attempting something risky. An excellent weapon at both attacking and defending corners, in his three years at Old Trafford Vidic has filled the void Jaap Stam left when he moved to Lazio in 2001.

6 Right midfield
Dirk Kuyt, Lierpool

The Dutch Alan Smith is enjoying his best season at Anfield. Kuyt's career at Liverpool has by no means been prolific with the Dutchman best known for being a “hard worker” – which is a bit like winning the most improved player award. This year however, he has started finding the back of the net and has notched up five league goals from the wing. With his lack of pace and modest dribbling ability, Kuyt might not look like a natural wide man, but his tireless work ethic and growing confidence have seen him finally get results.

7 Left midfield
Ashley Young, Aston Villa

There is no doubt that Ashley Young has been one of the stars of the season. Villa fans adore him, and the country is baying to see him get a run in the England side. His dazzling feet, raw pace and hunger for success have made him one of the most exciting young players in the country and his performances have inspired Villa in their assault on the top four.

8 Centre midfield
Xabi Alonso, Liverpool

Speculation surrounded Alonso's future in the summer when Rafael Benitez seemed content to offload him to raise funds for Gareth Barry. Rafa must be relieved that the deal fell through, as Alonso has been Liverpool's player of the season. The Spaniard is in the form of his life, sitting in the centre of midfield and controlling the game. He is the finest passer in the Premier League, rivalled only by his compatriots Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta, and his sweeping displays in the middle have allowed Gerrard space to roam.

9 Centre midfield
Tim Cahill, Everton

One of the best headers of the ball in the league, Cahill has been a driving force in the Everton midfield since his arrival from Millwall in 2004. This year the Australian has been at his mercurial best, thwarting Liverpool twice and inspiring Everton countless times, even playing up front during Everton's dearth of strikers.

10 Forward
Robinho, Manchester City

The Brazilian has been one of the highlights of the season, lighting up games with his pace, creativity and technical ability. The former Real Madrid man has played with some of the best players in the world and is now bringing that quality to these shores. He may struggle to meet his personal target of 30 goals by the end of the season, but Robinho has breathed life into Manchester City and is a joy to watch.

11 Forward
Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea

Despite struggling in recent weeks, Anelka's goals have kept Chelsea in the title race and have put them in touching distance of Manchester United and Liverpool. The Frenchman struggled to find the net after his move from Bolton, but this year he is the Premier League's top scorer with 14. His partnership with Drogba may be unconvincing, but give him the ball with a defender to beat and there are few better at finding the net.