Who Should have been in the Premier League Team of the Season?

Cover Image - https://www.90min.com/posts/fpl-gameweek-26-haaland-saka-rashford-lead-captain-choice 

The 22/23 season is almost drawing to a close and has provided some memorable moments as always. This year, the competitiveness of the league has increased a lot with teams such as Brentford, Brighton, Aston Villa and newly promoted Fulham all fighting for European spots. And the rise of Newcastle United, who looked destined to finish 3rd place and seal a place in next year's Champions League. While many may argue that the quality of the majority of the 'big 6' has been poor, I'd argue that the league as a whole has improved massively from previous years with the so-called 'smaller' teams performing and challenging the top spots.

Although, for the third season in a row, it looks like the Premier League will have the same champions in the form of Manchester City it hasn't been easy for them as a youthful and bright Arsenal squad have managed to push them this far and still have an outside chance of causing an upset. Arsenal has occupied first place for around 93% of the season and only since mid-April has their form taken a dip with 3 draws and a loss to City dropping them down to 2nd place. Many thought the top 4 was the aim for Arsenal but to be in a title race in May has certainly proved the capabilities Arteta and Arsenal have going into the future.

Thus, looking at a Team of the Season, it is evident that the majority of the positions will be occupied by Arsenal or City players as they have been levels above the rest. But, there have also been players from other teams, mainly Man Utd, and Newcastle that have also deserved/deserve to be in the team of the season.

The confirmed PL team of the season is: Ramsdale (GK); Trippier (RB), William Saliba & Ruben Dias (CBs), Zinchenko (LB); Casemiro (DM), De Bruyne & Odegaard (CM's); Salah (RW), Rashford (LW), Halaand (ST)

While all those players have been crucial to their team's performances this season, many would argue some changes are needed for it to be accurate. Starting off with the Goalkeeper, Ramsdale has been immense for Arsenal all season and has made countless big saves to keep their title dream alive so I believe he is the correct decision.

The two CB's Saliba and Dias. Saliba has also been a key figure for Arsenal and without him, we can clearly see Arsenal struggle defensively hence he deserves his spot. However, with Dias, many argue that it should either be Botman from Newcastle or Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United. Dias is an incredible CB and City tend to be defensively better with him in the team, but throughout the season he has not been as consistent as Botman or Martinez. But choosing between Botman or Martinez is also tough. Botman has been a part of the best defence in the league as Newcastle has conceded the least goals, although I'd rather put that down to Nick Pope's brilliance more than Newcastle's defenders. Whereas Martinez ever since that 4-0 drabbing at Brentford in the 2nd game of the season has been one of the best defenders in Europe and saves that Man Utd defence every week. For that reason, I would have picked him over both Dias and Botman.

As for the LB, Zinchenko has been a decent signing but not exactly a revelation in Arsenal's title charge. He is quite prone to mistakes but also has big moments in him. But he is the weak link in that Arsenal defence, hence for me, I would not have included him in the Premier League Team of the Season. For me, there has only been one standout performer at LB and that is Luke Shaw of Man Utd. Comfortable defending and attacking and also putting shifts at CB when needed, he has been consistently good for Man Utd. Ake of Man City has been brilliant, but his form has only picked up in the latter half of the season, whereas Shaw has been playing well for the majority hence I would have Shaw at LB.

The midfield trio of Casemiro, De Bruyne and Odegaard is perfect. Some may argue Rodri over Casemiro, although considering the impact Casemiro has made at Man Utd, it has just edged him ahead of Rodri from Man City. 

The front 3 of Salah, Halaand and Rashford are also irreplaceable. Halaand has broken the record for most goals in a Premier League season (35) currently hence he definitely will not be replaced. Ivan Toney of Brentford has scored 19 goals as well which is quite a feat and shows that he is a talented striker. His hold-up and link-up play is one of the best in the League. Kane has also got 26 goals in the Premier League this season but of course not enough for the golden boot this time round. Without Haaland, for sure those two would have had a bigger argument to be included but Haaland's output is currently the best in the world. 

Although some may argue that Saka over Salah should be considered. Saka and Salah have both been consistently good, irrespective of what their team form. Their numbers in terms of goals and assists have been world-class. However, the recent dip in form for Arsenal and Saka has seen his place taken by Salah, who still continues to perform for Liverpool week in and week out. Salah has 19 goals and 7 assists while Saka has 13 goals and 11 assists both staggering numbers. But, Salah has stepped up in big moments for Liverpool hence his place can be justified.

Another argument lies in the LW between Rashford and Martinelli. They both have the same number of assists (5) while Rashford has scored more goals (16) than Martinelli (15). Their numbers are similar but their performances are different. Rashford has been the main source of goals for Man Utd and has ultimately carried the rest of the attackers in his team all season. Martinelli had a good start to the season as well, but post-world cup, it took him time to regain form. Rashford since the international break has also seen his goals dry up a bit, with a few niggling injuries here and there inhibiting some performances. But looking at the whole season, Rashford has stepped up in the big moments for Man Utd and has also won Player of the Month 3 times this season, more than any other player. Therefore, he comfortably slots into that LW place for me over Martinelli, who has also been a brilliant player.

Thus, my revised Premier League Team of the Season would be:

Ramsdale (GK); Trippier (RB), Saliba and Martinez (CBs), Shaw (LB); Casemiro (DM), De Bruyne & Odegaard (CM's); Salah (RW), Rashford (LW), Halaand (ST)