As the Premier League season hurtles towards its thrilling conclusion, the title race hangs on a knife’s edge, with Manchester City and Arsenal locked in a fierce battle for supremacy. Amidst the excitement, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the standout performers of the campaign and assemble the Premier League Team of the Year.
With the title contenders dominating the spotlight, it’s no surprise to see the Gunners leading the way, with five of their players earning well-deserved spots in 365Scores’ prestigious lineup. Meanwhile, Manchester City follows closely behind with three representatives, while Liverpool and Everton each contribute one player to the esteemed XI. Join us as we celebrate the standout talents who have lit up the Premier League this season, with some honorable mentions highlighting the depth of talent on display.
Premier League Team of the Year: (3-2-4-1 formation)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Over the course of the season, Pickford has recorded an impressive 13 clean sheets, despite having a slightly shaky defense. His 70% save percentage further highlights his reliability in goal, making crucial saves that have often been pivotal in matches.
A standout moment for Pickford this season came in April, when he was instrumental in Everton’s efforts to secure Premier League safety. He kept four clean sheets in six matches, including a key performance in Everton’s first home Merseyside derby win since 2010, where he made a total of 23 saves. These performances not only contributed directly to Everton’s results but also solidified his reputation as a leading goalkeeper in the league.
Despite Everton’s struggles and involvement in the relegation battle, Pickford’s leadership and exceptional goalkeeping have been critical in keeping the team competitive. His achievements this season, particularly in securing the most clean sheets in the league at one point, underscore his importance to Everton and affirm why he is highly regarded as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers.
Centre-Back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk was excellent this season, almost returning back to the heights of his 2018/19 pre-ACL injury season.
Throughout the season, van Dijk has been a linchpin at the back, featuring in 34 Premier League matches and contributing to Liverpool’s strong defensive record with his impeccable positioning, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure.
This season, van Dijk not only provided defensive stability but also contributed offensively, scoring 2 goals. His ability to switch play and initiate attacks from the back remains unmatched, making him crucial in both phases of the game. Van Dijk’s leadership and defensive prowess were particularly highlighted in key matches where his interventions curbed significant threats from top opposition forwards.
Centre-Back: William Saliba (Arsenal)
William Saliba has truly distinguished himself in the 2023/24 Premier League season as a linchpin in Arsenal’s defence. Over the course of the season, Saliba appeared in 37 matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency and robustness. His compilation of crunching tackles and last-ditch interventions is incredible. His ability to read the game and intercept attacks has been crucial for Arsenal, contributing to their strong defensive record. Saliba’s prowess isn’t just in traditional defending; he also excels in ball distribution, adding a dynamic edge to Arsenal’s play from the back.
Centre-Back: Gabriel (Arsenal)
Gabriel Magalhaes, alongside Saliba, forms the other half of Arsenal’s central defensive stronghold. Gabriel’s contributions this season have been similarly impressive, marked by his physical presence and aerial dominance. His defensive intelligence allows him to make crucial interventions, and his aggressiveness in duels makes him a formidable barrier for opposing attackers. Gabriel’s ability to contribute goals in set-piece situations also underscores his all-around utility to the team, complementing his defensive duties with key contributions in the attacking phase.
Centre-Midfield: Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri’s influence is particularly noteworthy considering that Manchester City did not lose a single Premier League match in which he played. His presence in midfield has been a linchpin for the team’s performance, ensuring stability and control that contributed directly to City maintaining their unbeaten streak with him on the field.
This season, Rodri missed four Premier League games due to suspension or injury, and it’s telling that Manchester City lost three of these four matches. This included defeats against Wolves, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, highlighting his importance to the team’s structure and success. The fact that City’s only defeats came when he was absent underscores his role as more than just a player; he’s a fundamental part of their tactical setup.
Rodri’s ability to dictate the pace of the game, combined with his defensive acumen, has made him the most indispensable players in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Centre-Midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Since joining Arsenal, Rice has been instrumental in both defensive and playmaking responsibilities. His stats for this season are impressive, featuring in 37 Premier League games, scoring 7 goals, and providing 8 assists. His contributions go beyond mere numbers; his ability to control the midfield, intercept passes, and transition the play has been vital for Arsenal’s performance.
Rice’s impact is underscored by his defensive metrics as well. He has a high pass completion rate of 90.7% and has been involved in creating numerous chances, highlighting his dual role as a disruptor and a creator. This combination of defensive solidity and creative output has made him an indispensable part of the team’s core, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s tactical flexibility and stability.
Attacking Midfielder: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Another Arsenal midfielder in our squad, the Norwegian Odegaard has been excellent this season.
Ødegaard appeared in 34 Premier League matches, scoring 8 goals and delivering 8 assists, which demonstrates his dual threat as both a scorer and a provider. His overall goal involvement was impressive, with a contribution to 16 goals, which positions him as a central figure in Arsenal’s attacking play.
Ødegaard’s ability to control the game’s tempo and his exceptional passing skills are further highlighted by his passing accuracy of 86.73% and his involvement in creating numerous scoring opportunities, evident from his 11.40 expected assists, placing him in the top 95th percentile among Premier League players. His tactical intelligence and technical ability make him one of the elite midfielders in the league, capable of turning a game on its head with his vision and precise distribution.
Attacking Midfielder: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
People questioned Palmer’s £45m transfer fee to Chelsea from Manchester City last summer but it is safe to say that all of those qualms have been dispelled. A pivotal figure in Chelsea’s attack, Palmer’s performances have been nothing short of sensational, particularly highlighted by his explosive scoring feats in crucial matches.
Palmer’s back-to-back hat-tricks against Everton and Manchester United were standout moments that underscored his scoring prowess and ability to step up in high-stakes games. In the dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United, Palmer not only scored a hat-trick but also provided the equalizing and winning goals during the second-half stoppage time, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. This was followed by another remarkable performance where he netted four goals in a dominant 6-0 triumph over Everton, further cementing his status as a key player for Chelsea.
These performances are indicative of how Palmer has carried Chelsea on his back this season, especially during periods where the team needed someone to step forward. They don’t call him ‘Cold’ Palmer for nothing!
Left-Winger: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
his season, Foden has not only been a creative force in the midfield but also a prolific goalscorer, netting 17 goals in 34 Premier League appearances. One of Foden’s most memorable performances came against Aston Villa, where he scored a sensational hat-trick, showcasing his exceptional finishing skills and composure under pressure. His ability to find the net in crucial moments, combined with his technical skills and vision, has made him one of the standout midfielders in the league. Foden’s significant impact is highlighted by his contributions across all competitions, with a notable tally in the UEFA Champions League as well.
Foden’s performances this season underline his importance to Manchester City and his evolution into one of the premier attacking talents in European football. His blend of skill, agility, and a knack for crucial goals has been integral to City’s tactical setup and success, making him a key player in their pursuit of domestic and European honors.
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
This season, despite being out for several games, Haaland has scored an astounding 27 goals in 30 Premier League matches, maintaining an average of nearly a goal per game.
Moreover, Haaland’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has been highlighted by multiple hat-tricks and a series of multi-goal games that have significantly contributed to Manchester City’s success. His scoring prowess is complemented by his physical and technical attributes, making him a constant threat in various play situations, from open play to set pieces. This blend of consistency, impact, and record-setting performances makes him an indispensable figure in any discussion of the Premier League’s standout talents for the season.
Right-Winger: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka has taken his performances to a new level this season, establishing himself as one of the best wingers in the world. Throughout the season, Saka has been a pivotal figure for Arsenal, playing in 35 Premier League matches and scoring 16 goals. His agility, precise dribbling, and knack for making decisive plays have made him a standout performer in the league.
Notably, Saka’s contributions go beyond just scoring; he also provided crucial assists, adding to his overall impact on the pitch. His ability to carry the ball and create opportunities has been vital for Arsenal, especially in key matches where his skills have helped to unlock tough defenses.
Premier League Team of the Year: Honorable Mentions
David Raya (Arsenal), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Pascal Gross (Brighton), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth).
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
Keep up with all the latest Premier League news and live scores on the 365Scores website and app!
