2023/24 Premier League Team of the Season

As the 2023/24 season comes to an end, here’s my team of the season for the Premier League…

GOALKEEPER - David Raya

It was a bit of a gamble from Mikel Arteta to recruit another goalkeeper, but Raya has represented an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale. The control and quite frankly incredible security Arsenal have had this season has been in no small part to the Spanish keeper, who has been a gamble that has paid off handsomely.

Honourable mentions: Emiliano Martinez, Alisson Becker, Guglielmo Vicario

RIGHT-BACK - Pedro Porro

I really like Porro. I think he’s quietly been Spurs’ player of the season and has certainly had a consistent season. He’s a very typical Spanish right-back, with a solid physical presence as well as carrying a serious threat going forward, quantified by his three goals and seven assists this season.

Honourable mentions: Ben White, Diogo Dalot, Trent Alexander-Arnold

CENTRE-BACKS - William Saliba and Virgil Van Dijk

I do wonder if Arsenal’s defensive achievements have been praised as much as they deserve to be. This is a team who have been so resolute, and have not just denied goals, but denied chances as well. Saliba is incredible.

Van Dijk has produced his best season since 19/20 and powered Liverpool to an unlikely title charge. He has been consistent and has been the one Liverpool defender whose availability hasn’t been an issue. Tremendous footballer.

Honourable mentions: Gabriel, Pau Torres, Mickey Van de Ven

LEFT-BACK - Josko Gvardiol

I think the Premier League has struggled generally at left-back this season, but Gvardiol has been a revelation in the second half of the season. City’s ascension to the title, their impeccable turn-of-the-year form has been mirrored by the Croatian, who has become a mainstay there and a goal threat too.

Honourable mentions: Joe Gomez, Antonee Robinson, Rayan Ait-Nouri

CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS - Rodri, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard

Rodri is City’s most important player. Haaland and Foden may take more of the attention and the plaudits, but it’s Rodri. He is absolutely imperative to City, the best defensive midfielder in the world by a mile. Reminder that he hasn’t lost a game all season.

Rice is the signing of the season. Finally, twenty years on, Arsenal have replaced Patrick Vieira. Rice’s ability to drive from midfield, his monstrous physicality and his underappreciated technical ability are all part of why Arsenal have been so mature and so solid this season.

Odegaard has been the creator-in-chief for the Gunners. Eight goals and ten assists are impressive enough but only tell part of the story - everything positive that Arsenal do goes through him. He’s a rare example of a luxurious orchestrator who also defends from the front.

Honourable mentions: Alexis Mac Allister, Kevin De Bruyne, Douglas Luiz

RIGHT WINGER - Cole Palmer

In a largely miserable season for Chelsea, Cole Palmer has been extraordinary. Twenty-two goals and ten assists in such an average team is magnificent and he has left everyone questioning why City let him go. No player has been as solely important to their team this season.

Honourable mentions: Mohamed Salah, Leon Bailey, Bukayo Saka

STRIKER - Ollie Watkins

Nineteen goals for Watkins who has gone up a level in front of goal in 23/24. Villa’s rise has been the story of the season - qualifying for the Champions League with relative ease. The English striker has also notched up thirteen assists - the most in the league.

Honourable mentions: Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Dominic Solanke

LEFT WINGER - Phil Foden

Foden has been the clutch man for City this season. When they have needed someone to step up, he has done. Since January, he has been the best player in the league. Nineteen goals and eight assists is a devastating return. I don’t know when England last produced a more gifted player.

Honourable mentions: Leandro Trossard, Heung Min Son, Anthony Gordon

MANAGER - Unai Emery

Villa’s season should not be underestimated. When Emery arrived less than twenty months ago, Villa were in the relegation zone and survival was the target. He turned the season around instantly and finished 7th, and then went up a gear this time around and has steered his team to confident Champions League qualification, whilst managing the club’s first European campaign in forever. A breathtaking body of work.

Honourable mentions: Andoni Iraola, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta

Daniel