One of the finest seasons ever in the Premier League is now in the history books. There was drama from top to bottom of the table and almost all games on the final day had something riding on them. There was a proper title race, a thrilling relegation battle and an unpredictable battle for Europe.
A lot of players were models of consistency throughout, and the very best make it to the team of the season. Since it is impossible to squeeze all the top performers, an honourable mention is given to each position.
Premier League team of the season
Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Many were not sure about Ramsdale taking Arsenal’s no. 1 spot ahead of Bernd Leno. But boy has he proved everyone wrong. Some of his saves have been outright inhuman, particularly the one against Leicester. Ramsdale’s form has been key in the Gunners mounting a genuine top-four push.
Honourable mentions: Alisson, Jordan Pickford
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
After having a rough season last year, Alexander-Arnold has been back to his brilliant best this time. The 23-year old’s assist tally is only bettered by teammate and talisman Mohamed Salah. His abilities of picking out long balls, crosses and set pieces make him a dangerous man to play against.
Honourable mention: Reece James
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Last season, Thiago Silva surprised everyone by coping with the Premier League’s intensity at his age. This season, he has surprised everyone even more by becoming a regular starter for Thomas Tuchel. With a host of defenders leaving Chelsea, they are glad to extend Silva’s contract.
Honourable mention: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
Centre-back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
A comparison between this season and last shows just how important Van Dijk is to Liverpool. Without him, they barely made the top-four. With him, they pushed Man City all the way to the final day. His presence is imperative for Liverpool to play their high defensive line.
Honourable mention: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Left-back: Joao Cancelo (Man City)
Yes he is a right-back, but Joao Cancelo has spent much of his time this season on the left side. But we have already talked about his versatility, so there were no surprises to see him rack up a goal and 7 assists. His attacking abilities make one feel he can easily wear a number 10 shirt as well.
Honourable mentions: Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Marc Cucurella (Brighton)
Centre-Defensive Midfielder: Rodri (Man City)
There are a few viable candidates for this position, but Rodri deserves to be in this team. Not only has he excelled in his position, but he has also contributed with some crucial goals. He scored a vital stoppage time winner at Arsenal and also scored the equalizer against Aston Villa on the final day.
Honourable mentions: Declan Rice (West Ham), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
Centre Midfielder: Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)
The fact that the Chelsea loanee is in Tuchel’s plans for next season is an indicator of how good a season he has had. Gallagher has been a central figure in Patrick Vieira’s young Crystal Palace team that has surprised everyone with a mid-table finish.
Honourable mention: Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Centre Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League and that is backed up by him winning the Player of the Season. The Belgian has enjoyed his most productive campaign in the league in front of goal, scoring 15 times while also setting up 8 other.
Honourable mention: Thiago (Liverpool), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Right Winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah was so good this season that despite having a poor second half, he still finished joint top in the Golden Boot and top in the Playmaker race. Salah has been such a consistent player since he has arrived on Merseyside and has made the right wing spot in the team of the season his own ever since.
Honourable mention: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Left Winger: Heung-min Son (Spurs)
We talked about Son having to step up his game when he made our team of the season last year, with Harry Kane looking set to depart. Well, Son did step up his already impressive game, outscoring not just Kane, but everyone else in the league. His 23 goals is his best in the league and earned him a share of the Golden Boot.
Honourable mention: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United)
He just had to be in this team, didn’t he? On a serious note, CR7 is in the team not because of his laurels, but because of him single-handedly rescuing his dire team on many occasions. Ronaldo scored 18 goals, only bettered by Son and Salah, and also became a Premier League centurion in the process.
Honourable mentions: Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Ivan Toney (Brentford)