Picking a list of the ‘best’ players in a certain league is highly subjective most of the time. At others it can seem impossible.
This English Premier League season falls into the latter category as the Top 6 morphed into a Top 8 during the recently concluded campaign. Liverpool’s title triumph was among a number of shocks in a campaign where there have been three winners of the three major domestic trophies: the League, FA Cup and League Cup.
The rise of the likes of Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Bournemouth and FA Cup kings Crystal Palace has also coincide with the fall of giants Manchester United and Tottenham. Spurs managed to salvage some redemption in the Uefa Europa League final win over the Red Devils. United and noisy neighbours Manchester City don’t have much to shout about.
While in previous seasons Pep Guardiola’s City side would have dominated any team of the season selection, it is hard to make the case for any City players after a Rodri injury derailed their campaign.
Picking even one Red Devils player seems even harder, though Bruno Fernandez did manage to stand out.
Arsenal managed to hold on to second place (barely) as they were also hobbled by the injury absence of Bukayo Saka for a chunk of the season, as well as the failure to sign a finisher. Goalkeeper David Raya has been in outstanding form for the Gunners this season, justifying Mikel Arteta’s faith in him. There are few better goalkeepers with the ball at the feet.
However, my pick of goalkeeper is giant Belgian Matz Sels of Forest, who shared the Golden Glove with Raya. There’s no doubt Forest’s campaign would have unravelled a lot sooner without the giant shot-stopper who pulled off stunning saves throughout the season, even if he doesn’t have the fancy footwork.
The temptation at right-back would have been to go with Trent Alexander-Arnold, based purely on unrivalled passing ability and the crucial role he has played in igniting Liverpool attacks, However, I’m partial to defenders who can defend, so have opted for a player who is equally adept in the opposition box as in his own: Daniel Munoz of Palace.
The centre-backs pick themselves, as far as I’m concerned, with Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk partnering William Saliba of Arsenal.
The pacey Atonee Robinson of Fulham was a tantalising prospect at left back, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez gets the nod based on my aforementioned preference for defenders who can defend, first and foremost. The Hungarian is also a more intelligent footballer, in my opinion, able to provide better quality crosses on his frequent forays into the final third, and more robust in the tackle than the American.
There is also a defensive bias in the choice of midfielders, though they aren’t simply destroyers or disrupters of opposition attacks. Bruno Guimaraes has been in outstanding as the fulcrum of a Newcastle midfield, driving the Magpies to their first piece of silverware in decades with their League Cup triumph.
He is joined by Declan Rice of the Gunners, who showed off his versatility all season with his ability to play anywhere in midfield, and do a great job. Those stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League only served to add to his reputation, and the sense that there is a lot more more to come from the big Englishman.
The third midfield slot goes to a Arne Slot player, and it’s not Ryan Gravenberch, despite a breakthrough season. Alexis Mac Allister has had to curb his natural attacking instincts for the good of the team, yet he has still managed to drive himself and the team forward, popping up with some scorchers.
His true value is most evident in his absence, as the Liverpool team just isn’t the same without the nuggety playmaker.
Choosing the forward live is much more straightforward, with Mohamed Salah the obvious choice on the right, and Alexander Isak of Newcastle the striker, narrowly edging out Erling Haaland of Man City. The lanky Swede is better in his hold-up play, has the skill to take on and beat defenders, and is equally clinical, in my opinion.
The left-wing berth goes to Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest for his tireless hustle, vision and game-breaking ability.
Team of the Season
Goalkeeper: Matz Selz
Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Milos Kerkez
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Mo Salah, Alexander Isak, Morgan Gibbs-White
