The 2020-21 season is in the history books, giving us the chance to look back and pick an XI of the best players. Honestly, this is a very difficult task, given that you have to often omit some absolutely deserving candidates. There is an honorable mention for each position.
Goal Keeper: Emiliano Martinez
While Jack Grealish deserves the plaudits for Aston Villa’s wonderful season, credit also has to go to the man between the sticks – Martinez. He gave Ederson a good fight for the Golden Glove throughout the season, and has been a reliable pair of hands. Arsenal should be ruing the fact that they let go of a goalkeeper of his caliber.
Honorable mentions: Ederson Moraes, Ilan Meslier, Edouard Mendy
Right-Back: Joao Cancelo
Cancelo joined Man City from Juventus in a swap deal in 2019. However, it is in his second season that he has really come to the fore. Though a right-back, Cancelo has often played as a left-back with consummate ease. The Portuguese has also shown that he can slot in the midfield, as is required by any full-back playing under Pep Guardiola. His versatility is his biggest strength.
Honorable mentions: Reece James, Tariq Lamptey, Matty Cash
Centre-Back: Ruben Dias
When he was signed by Man City, no one thought of the impact he will have on the team. With Aymeric Laporte back from his injury, everyone was expecting him to revitalize the City defense. Instead, it was Dias who did that. He is seen throwing himself in front of shots and committing in tackles, while his 79 accurate passes per match is the highest in the division.
Honorable mentions: John Stones, Harry Maguire
Centre-Back: Wesley Fofana
Fofana has been yet another shrewd piece of business done by Leicester City. At just 20, it is unbelievable how calm and composed this guy is. With Evans injured in the latter stages of the season, he took the responsibility of keeping things tight at the back. Fofana looks to be the long term replacement for the ageing Wes Morgan, provided none of the big boys snap him up.
Honorable mentions: Ben Godfrey
Left-Back: Luke Shaw
After Man United signed Alex Telles, it looked like he was going to be the first choice left-back. However, Shaw made sure to keep hold of his position, with his impressive performances also earning him an England call-up. His tally of five assists are only bettered by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the team. He also scored that crucial goal at the Etihad Stadium.
Honorable mentions: Ben Chilwell, Andy Robertson, James Justin
Centre-Defensive Midfield: Ilkay Gundogan
With the firepower City possess, you’d perhaps wouldn’t have expected Gundogan to finish as their top scorer. Like many City players, Gundogan is a versatile player, who has played as a holding midfielder, as De Bruyne’s replacement and as the false-nine. He was the catalyst in that stunning run midway through the season that propelled City to the title.
Honorable mentions: Kalvin Phillips, Rodri, Tomas Soucek
Centre-Defensive Midfield: N’Golo Kante
Having played two seasons out of position, Kante was finally back where he belonged this season. Simply put, if Kante is playing in his natural position, there is nobody better than him. Under Thomas Tuchel, the Frenchman has been deployed alongside either Jorginho or Kovacic, and he has thrived. His energy and tireless running are a nightmare for any opposition.
Honorable mentions: Wilfred Ndidi, Allan, James Ward-Prowse
Right Wing: Mohamed Salah
Where would Liverpool be without Salah’s goals. Injuries and out-of-form Mane and Firmino threatened to derail Liverpool’s season completely, but thanks to his goals, they were always within touching distance. While their title defense was bleak, thanks to his goals, Liverpool managed a respectable third placed finish. Salah personally just missed on the Golden Boot though.
Honorable mentions: Riyad Mahrez, Raphinha, Jarrod Bowen
Centre-Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes
Like Salah, it’s hard to imagine where Man United would be without Fernandes’ contributions. He makes the team tick – when he is on song, United are on song. He was firmly in contention for the Golden Boot as well as the Playmaker’s award. Although he ran out of steam towards the end, there’s no doubt that he has had an excellent season.
Honorable mentions: Mason Mount, Kevin De Bruyne, Jesse Lingard
Left Wing: Heung-Min Son
Playing alongside Kane means there is a high chance you go under the radar. While that was the case earlier, it certainly wasn’t this season with Son. This season he formed a deadly understanding with Kane, and that has helped him reach his best ever goal tally in a single season. With Kane set to depart in the summer, Son will have to keep up the high level he has reached this season.
Honorable mentions: Jack Grealish, Phil Foden
Striker: Harry Kane
Kane’s wonderful season has been overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding his future. It is however worth remembering that Kane finished top of the goal scoring and assists charts. He developed a formidable partnership with Son, which really blossomed in the early part of the season. Now he has a big question to answer: should he stay or should he move on to win silverware? It’s now or never for him.
Honorable mentions: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Pattrick Bamford, Ollie Watkins