The 2012 Breakout Stars XI

With the back pages and airwaves filled with transfer rumours and speculation, we thought we’d ask you who you think is going to break through in 2012.



You got in touch in your droves on Facebook and Twitter using #2012XI.



The majority of you focused on those who are already plying their trade in the UK, with the exception of, Xherdan Shaqiri, currently of FC Basel – but one who could soon be elsewhere.



He’s joined up front by Scottish sensation Jordan Rhodes who’s been knocking them in for Huddersfield in League 1 – but may be doing it at a higher level before the year is out.



The midfield consists of two who could be very important as their sides try to balance a number of competition at the same time – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Josh McEachran – and already a regular at Swansea, Joe Allen.



The quartet is completed by James McClean of Sunderland, who captains the side, by virtue of the fact he was the most hotly tipped player out of the lot.



The back four proved contentious – especially given Phil Jones’ recent run of form – and debate around Davide Santon, but Nathaniel Clyne and Ciaran Clark seemed to be undisputed by most of you.



Picking a keeper was difficult. Tim Krul came close, but many of you regarded Fulham’s David Stockdale as a possible breakthrough player in 2012, if he’s given a run in the first team.



Team Sheet:



David Stockdale (Fulham/Ipswich)



Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace)

Phil Jones (Man Utd)

Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)

Davide Santon (Newcastle)



Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)

Josh McEachran (Chelsea)

Joe Allen (Swansea)

James McClean (Sunderland)



Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FCBasel)