Title: ESM Team of the Month: February 2025 – A Reality Check
Let’s cut through the fluff and get real about this so-called “Team of the Month.” Alisson gets a nod with four votes. Sure, he’s a solid keeper, but let’s not pretend he’s been a fortress. Liverpool’s defense has been leakier than a sieve, and Alisson’s been more of a firefighter than a shot-stopper.
Achraf Hakimi with three votes? PSG’s defense has been a circus act, and Hakimi’s been the ringmaster. Flashy runs don’t make up for defensive lapses. Pau Cubarsi and Virgil van Dijk? Cubarsi’s still wet behind the ears, and Van Dijk’s living off past glories. Seven votes for Virgil? More like a sympathy vote for nostalgia.
Alphonso Davies gets three votes. Bayern’s speedster is exciting, but let’s not confuse pace with defensive prowess. He’s been caught out more times than a dodgy VAR decision.
Fede Valverde and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield. Valverde’s been decent, but four votes? Real Madrid’s midfield has been a shadow of its former self. Szoboszlai with six votes? Liverpool’s midfield has been a revolving door, and he’s been more miss than hit.
Pedri with three votes. Barcelona’s golden boy is talented, but he’s been more style than substance lately. The hype train needs a reality check.
Mohamed Salah with 11 votes. Finally, some sense. Salah’s been Liverpool’s saving grace, dragging them through games like a one-man army. But let’s not ignore the fact that he’s been carrying a team that’s been underwhelming at best.
Robert Lewandowski with four votes. Barcelona’s marquee signing has been more of a ghost than a goal machine. He’s living off reputation, not current form.
Kylian Mbappe with eight votes. Real Madrid’s poster boy has been electric, but let’s not pretend he’s been flawless. His inconsistency is as frustrating as it is thrilling.
This list is more about reputation than reality. It’s time to stop living in the past and start recognizing current form. The ESM Team of the Month is a popularity contest masquerading as an accolade. Let’s call it what it is: a farce.