As another thrilling Premier League campaign reaches its conclusion, it's that time of year again where opinion is divided, where people pretend not to be biased and where everyone laughs at whoever EA Sports have chosen. I am of course, talking about the Premier League team of the season.
So without further ado, here's who I'd include in my best Premier League starting XI for this season.
Goalkeeper - Alisson Becker
Whilst it would be fair to say that Liverpool have been under par this season by their own high standards, Alisson has proved yet again that he is the best keeper in the league. With the way Liverpool have defended this year, it's extremely impressive that the Brazilian has bagged himself 14 clean sheets and has the best save percentage in one-on-one situations.
Honourable mentions: Pope, Raya
Right back - Kieren Trippier
Don't think there can be much debate with this one, the Newcastle skipper has been exceptional this season. What particularly stands out is his creativity from crosses and dead ball situations as well as being a very capable defender, who has now led his team to their first Champions League in over two decades.
Honourable mention: White
Centre backs: John Stones and William Saliba
Despite playing higher up the pitch since midway through the season, John Stones has yet again proved himself to be one of the best ball-playing defenders the Premier League has to offer. This, as well as aerial ability in both boxes, makes him an obvious choice at the heart of the defence.
I can't recall a better breakthrough season for a centre back than William Saliba this season. For years, Arsenal have been needing someone to partner Gabriel and it looks as if the Frenchman is the perfect fit to fill this void. Arsenal's capitulation following Saliba's injury highlights just how important he is for the Gunners.
Honourable mentions: Gabriel, Botman
Left back: Pervis Estupinan
Perhaps one of my more controversial choices, I've gone with Pervis Estupinan as my other full-back. Following the exceptional season Brighton have had, I think it's only fair they have some representation in this team. The Ecuadorian has been up and down the left flank like a yo-yo this season and has become a real fan favourite amongst the Seagulls' faithful.
Honourable mentions: Ake, Zinchenko
Defensive midfield: Rodri
The only feasible choices for this position were Rodri and Casemiro, but I've just edged it to the Spaniard due to Casemiro's poor disciplinary record. In a dominant Manchester City side, Rodri has had the most starts of any City outfield player, showing just how valued he is by manager, Pep Guardiola.
Honourable mentions: Casemiro, Palhinha
Right midfield: Bukayo Saka
Another tough choice, but I've went with 'Starboy' on the right hand side. The Englishman has been an integral part of Arsenal's attack this season and has popped up with some very important goals and assists. Whilst his team ultimately came up short of the Premier League title, without the productivity of Saka, Arsenal could've found themselves even further down the table.
Honourable mention: Salah
Left midfield: Marcus Rashford
After not being at his best in the 2021/22 season, this time round Marcus Rashford has shown that he can still be the player that we all thought he'd become when he burst onto the scene. The United winger has been in the form of his life this season and has proved with his goals and assists record that his previously lacking end product, has improved greatly.
Honourable mention: Martinelli
Attacking midfield: Kevin De Bruyne
A fairly obvious choice, Kevin De Bruyne has yet again proved himself to be the best midfielder in the Premier League. With a phenomenal Assist record as well his set piece capabilities, KDB has been an instrumental part of a potential treble-winning season for the Citizens.
Honourable mentions: Odegaard, Mac Allister
Strikers: Erling Haaland and Harry Kane
What can you say; 'robot', 'cheat code', 'inhuman', the Norwegian has been called every superlative in the dictionary this season and rightfully so, with his incredible goalscoring record. At the tender age of 22, it is genuinely terrifying for his opponents that the best may be yet to come.
In what has been another disappointing season for Tottenham, they can always rely on their main man, Harry Kane to perform. With a goalscoring record that has went under the radar due to said 'robot', you'd dread to think where Spurs would be without the Englishman. With his wingman Heung-Min Son being out of form this season, this is probably the closest you can get to being a one man team.
Honourable Mentions: Toney, Jesus
Manager: Pep Guardiola
In a team that looked second best for the majority of the season, the tactical genius of Pep Guardiola has once again been apparent at just the right stage of the season. After being doubted at the start of the season for making too many formation tweaks, the Spaniard has once again shown his adaptability and resilience, making him the obvious choice for manager of the season.
Honourable mentions: Arteta, Howe, O'Neil
Add comment
Comments