Goalkeeper
Ederson
In goal, I’ve chosen the Manchester city goalkeeper, Ederson. The Brazilian shot stopper has 20 clean sheets to his name this season, one less than his countryman in Liverpool. Both Alisson and Ederson have had great seasons and there is really very little to split them. Both are great shot stoppers and demonstrate all the qualities of a world class goalkeeper. However, the main reason I’ve chosen Ederson is that I believe his distribution with the ball is far better than Allison’s and he has simply revolutionized the role of a goalkeeper.
Right back
Alexander-Arnold
The scouse right back has been excellent for his hometown club this season. Despite being only 20 years of age, the young Englishman has shown great maturity in his performances this season. Wherever he is on the pitch, he always poses a threat due to his ability to pass the ball. Alexander-Arnold is already the highest assisting defender this season alongside his team-mate, Robertson. Defensively you could argue that there are better right backs at this moment in time, but under Jurgen Klopp you can only see him improving in the very near future. I also would like to give a special mention to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has also had an amazing season in a very inconsistent Crystal Palace side.
Centre Back
Virgil Van Djik
What can’t you say about this man that already hasn’t been said? Strong, quick, powerful, technical, leader; you just can’t give this man enough credit this season. It’s hard to find a weakness in this man’s game, and it’s no surprise why he has also been named the PFA player of the year. The 27-year-old Dutchman has transformed Liverpool from a top six side into serious title contenders, and the £75 million fee that Liverpool paid for him looks to be a bargain now. A wonderful player and a future premier league great.
Aymeric Laporte
The 25-year-old Frenchman arrived at Manchester City last season and a lot of questions were asked on whether he could make the transition from the La Liga to the Premier League. This season those questions have been answered. Laporte has been great in the heart of Manchester City’s defence. The former Bilbao man has not only proved to be the fantastic ball playing centre back that we already knew but has also stepped up to the physicality of the premier league. Will be interesting to see his development next season, if Manchester City do decide to strengthen their defence.
Left Back
Andrew Robertson
One of the easiest decisions when picking this team. The Scotland captain has not only proved himself to be the best left back in the league, but arguably the best left back in world football. The 25-year-old has been an assist machine alongside Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool this season, racking up a total of 11 assists. But simply what I love about Robertson’s game the most, is that he is consistently on the front foot making his opposite number defend. I couldn’t even imagine the frustration these premier league wingers have when they’re constantly having to track back.
Midfield
Bernando Silva
What do you do when you want to replace David Silva? You bring in another Silva. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder is a carbon copy of his Spanish counterpart. Silva has magnificent technical ability and is often the key when unlocking many of his opponents defences. Not mentioned enough about Silva’s game is his terrific work-rate and movement. Not only is he a pivotal member of City’s team when he is in possession of the ball, but he is also brilliant without it.
Fernandinho
It would be hard to leave out Manchester City’s Mr reliable. The Brazilian midfielder has just turned 34 but has showed no signs of slowing down. The tenacious holding midfielder is an important figure in the heart of City’s team. His ability to break up play and dictate the tempo has made indispensable to the blue half of Manchester. Guardiola will find it hard to find a replacement who is just as influential as the former Shakhtar man.
Eden Hazard
Maybe not a midfielder, but how can you possibly leave Hazard out of the team?! The Belgian midfielder has already scored 16 goals this season and has continued to carry his great form from the world cup into the premier league. Sarri’s talisman has put in some magnificent performances this season, hence why his manager has compared him to the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. It comes as no surprise that Real Madrid have declared their interest in Hazard, and I can’t even begin to imagine the impact this will have on Chelsea, especially with the potential of a two-year transfer embargo.
Forwards
Raheem Sterling
If you would have told me just after the world cup that Raheem Sterling will go on to be considered as one of the best players in the premier league, I would’ve cried of laughter. 8 months later and this 24-year-old Londoner has made me and most of the public eat their words. The Manchester City winger has gone on to significantly improve in all areas of his game. From his composure in front of goal all the way to his ability to track back. Not only is Sterling putting in some terrific performances at club level, but he has also been performing on the international stage for England. Sterling looks set to go on to have a great career and it will be no surprise if we see him at the likes of a Real Madrid or a Barcelona in the very near future.
Sadio Mane
Any man who embarrasses Neymar, deserves a place in the team of the year. Many people weren’t sure whether the Senegalese winger would be a success when he moved from Southampton to Liverpool, especially with the £36million price tag. Like many of Liverpool’s investments as of late, this looks like a bargain. Mane has stepped out of the shadow of Salah and established himself as an important player in Liverpool’s squad. With 20 goals under his name, will he go on to beat the Egyptian superstar to the golden boot? With the way he is playing this season, it wouldn’t surprise me.
Son Heung-min
Aguero has arguably been one of the best strikers the premier league has ever seen. However, this season Son has been instrumental for Tottenham and a massive reason why they’ve reached the semi-final of the champions league. With his pace, energy and movement, he has become Tottenham’s main man this season alongside Harry Kane. With the South Korean missing a chunk of the season due to international duty, it will be interesting to see what he is like with a full season under his belt.
So that’s my team of the year, let me know whether you agree or disagree with me by tweeting me. Remember its only my ‘opinion’!