Fabrice Muamba picks two Liverpool stars for his England Players of the Year

Fabrice Muamba has had a year he will forever remember.

On 17 March at White Hart Lane, The FA Cup Sixth Round tie between Tottenham Hotspur and Muamba's Bolton Wanderers was 41 minutes old when the Congo-born midfielder collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The medical teams of both clubs, as well as the paramedics were swift to react, which played a major part in saving the former England Under-21 player's life.

He spent a month in hospital but his condition meant that in September he was forced to retire from playing professional football.

But while it has been a trying year for the 24-year-old, he's still kept invovled in the game.

He was a special guest at The FA Cup Final in May and at the start of December returned to the national stadium to make the draw for this season's Third Round.

It was there that he spoke to FATV about The FA England Awards and made his choices for the Senior and Under-21s Players of the Year.

"There are many good players coming through the system and who are playing well for the team at the moment. It’s quite a tough one," Muamba told FATV.

"For me, Steven Gerrard would be Player of the Year.

"He’s consistent whenever he plays for the country. He can play in many different positions but whenever he pulls on the shirt he always plays to his best."

When talking about the Under-21s, Muamba has a clear favourite. Gerrard's Anfield team mate Jordan Henderson got the former Arsenal midfielder's vote.

The pair played alongside each other on seven occasions for Stuart Pearce's team during their Euro 2011 campaign, so Muamba knows a lot about the 22-year-old.

"I think Jordan Henderson is one of the guys who has been most consistent when he plays for the Under-21s."

"It’s always good to see him get in the team and play. I’m so happy for him."

Muamba added: "He’s been playing for Liverpool, too, after a tough start, so Jordan would be my Under-21s Player."


Do you agree with Robshaw's choice?

Cole, Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Glen Johnson and Danny Welbeck are all in the hunt this year and it's up to you which star will claim the 2012 England Player of the Year award at the inaugural FA England Awards in association with Vauxhallat St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February 2013.

To make your choice count select your chosen player in each category in the polls below and click ‘VOTE’.
The voting period will close at midnight on Sunday 13 January 2013.