ASSOCIATED PRESS
With the 19th matchday upon us this weekend, it would take an outstanding performance by an individual to force their way into the Premier League team of the year so far.
The side is comprised of five clubs, with some obvious choices and some less obvious choices, in a 4-3-2-1 formation, since it is Christmas time.
So although we're not halfway there just yet, here are the selected 11 men...
Premier League team of the season so far
Goalkeeper: Asmir Begović(01 of11)
Not one goalkeeper has stood out like David de Gea did last season, or Joe Hart the year before that, but Begović seems to have improved on the excellent form which made a summer transfer inevitable.It didn't materialise but it seems a matter of time. Stoke have conceded 26 goals so far although it would have been many more but for the Bosnia-Hervegovina international, who would improve a number of clubs in the top five. Stoke certainly missed him during their 5-1 hammering at Newcastle (credit:PA)
Right-back: Séamus Coleman(02 of11)
One of David Moyes's best buys (£60,000 from Sligo Rovers), Coleman has played a chunk of his career on the right-wing but has emerged as one of the best right-backs in the country under Martínez after three solid seasons.He has scored four goals this season and should at least match his 2010-11 haul of 11 (credit:Getty Images)
Left-back: Kieran Gibbs(03 of11)
Arsenal's best performer in games when they've dished out thrashings, Gibbs is evolving into the heir to Ashley Cole many Gooners hoped he would be (credit:PA)
Centre-back: Per Mertesacker(04 of11)
Although Manchester City showed how vulnerable Arsenal are against pace, Mertesacker has enjoyed a stellar four months. His underrated leadership has given Arsenal more authority in defence and he compensates for his lack of speed with a superb reading of the game (credit:Getty Images)
Centre-back: Sylvain Distin(05 of11)
The Frenchman turned 36 earlier this month but it doesn't show. His understanding with Phil Jagielka is belatedly garnering praise, and Distin's experience is one of many reasons why Everton have performed so well this season (credit:Getty Images)
Midfield: Yaya Touré(06 of11)
Indomitable and still the best central midfielder in the Premier League, Touré appears to have thrived even more with Fernandinho holding beside him. He's either going past you or you are going with him (credit:Getty Images)
Midfield: Aaron Ramsey(07 of11)
Creative, confident and prolific (until recently), Ramsey has never enjoyed four months as good as this in his career and the test now is to maintain that form for Arsenal (credit:Getty Images)
Midfield: Ross Barkley(08 of11)
Predictably overhyped by some, his progress under Martínez is all the more remarkable when you consider how cautious David Moyes was with him.Barkley is starting to dominate games against tougher opponents and only recently turned 20. His free-kick winner at Swansea proved he is shouldering responsibility already (credit:Getty Images)
Attack: Mesut Özil(09 of11)
Quiet of late, Özil instantly enriched the Premier League and is one of the most enjoyable players to watch on the continent. Often fades from games but Arsenal would not be top without him (credit:Getty Images)
Attack: Luis Suárez(10 of11)
The player of the year, so far. He has hit a phenomenal 19 goals in 13 games, and that's after missing the first six League of the season through suspension.The quantity of the goals is matched by quality, when it comes to Suárez, who is comfortably the best player in the Premier League (credit:Getty Images)
Attack: Sergio Agüero(11 of11)
Utterly prolific, Agüero has hit 14 in 15 League appearances for City and is three years short of hitting his peak. He has scored against every top nine side City have faced this campaign (credit:Getty Images)