Premier League Best XI: Top Players from 11 Different Clubs Selected
Premier League Best XI: Top Players from 11 Different Clubs Selected
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| Premier League Best XI |
Football Writer Selects His Best XI Featuring Players from 11 Clubs, Along with Nine Substitutes
Starting XI
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Pickford was pivotal in helping Everton secure the division's fourth-best defensive record, even though they finished 15th. The ever-present goalkeeper kept 13 clean sheets, finishing second for the Castrol Golden Glove. His 117 saves were significantly higher than the winner David Raya's 45, and his save percentage of 73.9% was the third highest in the league, compared to Raya’s 68.1%, which was 13th.
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
In a disappointing season for Manchester United, Dalot stood out. Despite injuries plaguing the defense, Dalot was consistently available and performed admirably. He also contributed offensively with goals against Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba was a key part of the league's best center-back pairing alongside Gabriel. He became the first Arsenal player to play every minute of a Premier League campaign. Arsenal conceded the fewest goals (29) and kept the most clean sheets (18), largely thanks to Saliba’s performances.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Van de Ven's pace made him ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s high-line tactics at Spurs. Despite missing two months due to a hamstring injury when Tottenham were top in November, his impact remained significant, outshining teammates like Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
A reliable left-back, Robinson missed only one Premier League match. He excelled in defensive duties, finishing seventh for tackles made (93) and leading in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions (80).
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City's title-winning campaign, extending his unbeaten Premier League run to 50 matches. His crucial goal against West Ham United on the final day of the season showcased his knack for big moments. Despite competition from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, Rodri’s midfield dominance secured his place in the team.
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
Olise stood out in Crystal Palace’s trio, including Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze. Despite playing only half the matches, he scored 10 goals, made six assists, and achieved the highest goals and assists per 90 minutes (1.13) in the Premier League.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Bowen finished as West Ham's top scorer with 16 league goals and made history by scoring in six consecutive away matches at the start of the season. His consistent performances earned him a place over teammate Mohammed Kudus.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Isak had a stellar season, scoring 21 Premier League goals, becoming the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2003/04 to pass the 20-goal mark. His elite performances and goal tally edged out teammate Anthony Gordon.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Palmer was not only Chelsea’s standout player but also one of the Premier League’s best. He scored 22 goals, second only to Haaland, and provided 11 assists, just two behind Castrol Playmaker of the Season Ollie Watkins. His performance sparked debates on whether Manchester City was right to let him go.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Watkins excelled for Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa, finishing joint-fourth in the race for the Castrol Golden Boot with 19 goals. He also provided 13 assists, winning the Playmaker of the Season award.
Substitutes
Arijanet Muric (Burnley)
Burnley's form improved notably after Muric began starting games in mid-March. His goals prevented figure of +7.09 was the Premier League’s third highest.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Murillo was a standout in Nottingham Forest’s defense, surpassing teammates Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White with his blend of traditional and modern defensive skills.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk showed signs of returning to his best form, standing out alongside Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool's top performers.
Alfie Doughty (Luton Town)
Doughty was a dynamic presence at left wing-back for Luton Town, leading Europe's top five leagues in crosses (340) and corners (151).
Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Gross was Brighton’s most consistent and versatile player, contributing the most combined goals and assists (14) for the team.
Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United)
In a tough season for Sheffield United, Hamer was a rare bright spot, displaying Premier League quality.
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for three months, Mbeumo finished joint-top of Brentford’s goal contributions chart with 15.
Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Cunha led Wolverhampton Wanderers with 19 goals and assists, his absence due to a hamstring injury being keenly felt by the team.
Dominic Solanke (AFC Bournemouth)
Solanke enjoyed his best season yet, scoring 19 Premier League goals. Honourable mentions go to Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez, and Ryan Christie for their contributions.
