The love of English football is as strong in Bermuda as it is in Europe. With the Premiership League attracting the best of the best worldwide it is no wonder as to why the English Football League is rated to many as the best league in the world.This season has certainly seen a wide range of players step their game up as it relates to individual player performances.The following are my top ten team players for the first half of the English Premier League along with the best and worst performances by a team, thus far:No 10: Probably the most talented player in the league, Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal). He has been and continues to be a very influential player at Arsenal. Fabregas is the total mid-fielder; he has skill, flair, vision, and the ability to create something out of nothing, with an accurate passing game.No 9: The ever so dangerous Carlos Tevez (Manchester City). Tevez is a workhorse who always gives you 100 percent effort on the field. He scores goals no matter where he goes. So far Manchester City has scored 33 goals and Tevez has scored 12 of them, by far the league’s most consistent striker.No 8: A player who has taken the league by storm in the first half with some dazzling performances and that is none other than Gareth Bale (Tottenham). Bale’s performances have been so good he has received accolades worldwide as being the player to watch. He has been a major reason why Tottenham are where they are in the league.No 7: The surprise player in the top ten, but one who definitely deserves to be here at number seven is Scott Parker (West Ham). Parker, although playing for a relegation threatened team, has put in consistent performances week after week. So consistent have been his performances that several of the top clubs are considering buying him in the January transfer window. If ever you need a ball winner, a fighter, someone that will give his all, Scott Parker is your man.No 6: Tim Cahill (Everton). Cahill has been a ray of hope for Everton as he has popped up to score some very important goals. Cahill has already scored nine goals from a midfield position, which makes his accomplishment that much better.His versatility and lethal goal scoring ability makes him a top ten player.At this junction I will take a break from the top ten and focus on the worst team in the Premier League throughout the first half. This is a close battle between two teams, Aston Villa and Liverpool. However, Aston Villa win the battle, because in my eyes, they have a more talented team then Liverpool and are currently sitting in one of three relegation spots.At the other end of the spectrum to pick the best team so far is even harder as several sides fit the bill.Manchester United are undefeated, Manchester City are second and look like pushing United to the end for the title. Tottenham have been very exciting to watch, but is there something missing?Then we have teams like Bolton and Sunderland who have been extremely consistent this year, thus showing the strength of the Premiership. However the team in my eyes as the best team thus far is Blackpool.Blackpool having just been promoted were favourites to get relegated, but they have played out of their skin and proven that they belong in the big leagues. Currently sitting ninth in the league with a game in hand they will be looking for a top ten –finish.No 5: Continuing now with the rest of the top ten and in at number five we have the man I call the “Rock”, Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United). There is an old cliché that says, “Goals win games, defences win titles”, and if United win the league this year it will be because of their defence and Vidic is the heart and soul of that. Having been inserted as United’s captain earlier this season has helped to take his game to another level. Vidic is the top defender in the Premier League and possibly the world.No 4: Andrew Carroll (Newcastle). Carroll has given English football hope for the future by turning in some outstanding performances. To have scored 11 goals in such a mediocre team justifies his talents. Carroll has shown he is the complete striker as he can score with either foot and is exceptionally strong in the air. So good was his first half to the season several clubs are trying to wheel and deal with Newcastle, but they will be very silly to let him go.No 3: A player who has lived in the shadows of Cesc Febregas, but has shown he is the real deal and that is none other than Samir Nasri (Arsenal). Nasri has finally found his way for Arsenal scoring nine goals from midfield. His ability to create something out of nothing, his overall team play, and his silky skills all help to make him a well respected player. Nasri is the reason behind Arsenals success as he has performed consistent week in and week out.No 2: In at a very close second we have the skilful, flamboyant, ever so talented Nani (Manchester United). In the past Nani hadn’t played to his capabilities but now with Ronaldo gone Nani has come out of his shell. This season Nani has been an inspiration scoring six goals from a wide midfield role to go along with nine assists.He is a constant threat to defenders and can cross and shoot with both feet.No 1: This was a clear choice as no other player has made an impact in the league this season like Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham). Van der Vaart has been in astonishing form since coming from Real Madrid this summer. He has been a constant threat for Tottenham and his ability to play close to the striker has also earned him nine goals.Van der Vaart is your typical Dutch player, classy, good vision, smart footballer with a passion and love for football. If Tottenham achieves anything this season it will be strictly attributed to Van der Vaart. Right now he is playing at a level that has all spectators in awe.At the end of the day this article will cause some debate. I can hear the questioning of where is Luka Modric, Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard just to name a few.No, I refuse to reward people just because of their names. If you are not producing the goods you cannot make my top ten.As we all know the second half of the season has now started and it is sure to be interesting, filled with goals galore. Whichever player can elevate their game to another level could be very critical to who wins the league and who gets relegated.When it is all said and done this could end up being one of the most interesting seasons ever in the English Premiership.