As the Premier League season hits its one-third mark, football fans are eagerly analysing the performances of teams and players. The exhilarating action on the pitch has captivated fans, showcasing moments of brilliance, surprising upsets, and remarkable skills. With this significant milestone reached, it’s an opportune moment to reflect and acknowledge the standout performers who have shaped the Premier League landscape so far. 365Scores presents the Premier League Team of the Season So Far, highlighting the players who have left an indelible mark on the competition and set the tempo for an enthralling campaign ahead.
Goalkeeper: Thomas Kaminski (Luton)
You may consider this an odd choice, especially considering Luton sit 17th in the league but hear me out. If it wasn’t for Kaminski, they would be rock bottom. Some of the saves he has made have been sensational. He sits atop the goals prevented metric, with 5.30 goals stopped. He has a save percentage of 69.4%. Taking into account the chances that Luton concedes, this is extremely high. With Kaminski between the sticks, they have a real shot at survival.
Right Back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker is the best right-back in the league hands down. He doesn’t appear to slow down, literally. The roadrunner continues to be the constant in City’s often changing defence and he is paving the way for Rico Lewis to take over in the future. What a sensational player.
Centre-Back: William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba is quickly becoming one of the league’s best defenders. His composed demeanour, tactical astuteness, and ability to read the game have earned him recognition as one of the league’s most promising defenders. Saliba’s commanding presence and confidence on the ball make him a formidable force in thwarting opposition attacks and he is a major reason why Arsenal are top of the league.
Centre-Back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk appears to be back to his best. There were fears that after his ACL injury in 20/21, he might never reach the heights that he had reached before. This season, he has mostly dispelled those fears as he has dominated attackers and led by example for Liverpool.
Left-Back: Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
Zinchenko was excellent for Arsenal last year and he has continued to be so this year. Not only solid defensively, Zinchenko is crucial to Arsenal’s structure and build-up as he drops into central midfield to create an overload. He chips in with goals and assists and has helped to revolutionise this Arsenal side.
Centre-Midfielder: Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri is simply sensational. Manchester City have not lost a game with him in the side since February. He does it all. He breaks up opposition attacks with ease, controls the midfield with poise and precision, and he can even chip in with a goal. When Rodri got suspended earlier this year, Manchester City lost two of the three games that he missed. He is truly indispensable.
Centre-Midfielder: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva is one of the best players in the Premier League. He is a silent assassin. He doesn’t get so many goal involvements, but his involvement in City’s play is vital. With De Bruyne injured, Gundogan sold, and Nunes and Kovacic still finding their feet, Bernardo has had to step it up another gear this year. And step it up he has. He has been truly excellent. A quarterback of sorts, Silva’s progressive passes add up to 199.5 metres per game, demonstrating how effective he is in midfield and how crucial he is to City’s build-up.
Left-Midfielder: Heung-Min Son (Spurs)
Heung-Min Son did not enjoy his best season last year. Many fans assumed that his best years might be behind him and that this year would only get more difficult, due to the departure of his long-time partner in crime Harry Kane. Yet Son has been a revelation. He has scored eight goals in the Premier League and has formed a formidable partnership with the sensational James Maddison. The two of them were clicking so well on the pitch together but unfortunately, Maddison picked up an injury against Chelsea. When he returns, Spurs will be a real threat once again. In the meantime, Son will keep scoring goals.
Right-Midfielder: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka just gets better and better each season. This year he looks the complete package. On the opening day against Nottingham Forest, Saka unleashed a ferocious strike into the far top corner, immediately demonstrating his talents and sending a warning message to the Premier League. Since then, he has continued his highbrow performances and has four goals and five assists. What a player!
Striker: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
He doesn’t seem to age, does he? With ten goals and five assists already in the Premier League, Salah has continued to torment defences in his 7th season in the league. He is surely now entering debates about the greatest Premier League winger of all time. He is a major factor as to why Liverpool are in a title race this year and have stepped it up a gear from last season.
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland grabbed his 50th Premier League goal for City the other day. He did it in his 48th game. The man is a machine. He wakes up, eats, scores goals and goes back to bed. It’s incredible. There’s been no drop-off from last year, he just keeps scoring. Currently on ten goals, I wouldn’t bet against him being the league’s top scorer once again.
As we conclude our assessment of the Premier League Team of the Season So Far, it’s evident that the league has seen an abundance of talent, resilience, and extraordinary performances. However, with two-thirds of the season remaining, the race for individual and team accolades continues to intensify. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and more stars emerge on the grand stage of English football, shaping the narrative of what promises to be an unforgettable season.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
