After all 38 games of the 2024/25 Premier League season for each team, the action-packed season has been concluded for over a week now. This has given us time to reflect on the season as a whole as we enter an exciting offseason. Before we shift our focus to international football and the transfer window, I wanted to take one last look back and provide a betcha Team of the Season.
So with that being said, let’s dive into the selections.
Goal Keeper | David Raya
The Spanish international has had another stellar season between the sticks for the Gunners, as they found themselves second in the Premier League once again. The biggest competitor for this spot was Nottingham’s Matz Sels, who had a great first year in the Premier League, but just looking at the underlying metrics, Raya edged out Sels as a more well-rounded goalkeeper with the value he adds on the ball. Albeit he was protected by Saliba and Gabriel, which is a clear boost for any keeper, when called upon, he was generally outstanding.
Defender | Marc Cucurella
The second Spaniard already and it’s Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, who has undergone one of the most dramatic turnarounds in form in the league over the last 12 months. Cucurella was Chelsea’s second-best player this season, popping up with crucial goals and being stout defensively, often shutting down many big-name opponents on his flank. Other names were in contention for the position, like Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who may be moving to Liverpool to join the champions. However, the value Cucurella offered the Blues all season is hard to ignore.
Defender | William Saliba
Potentially the most valuable centre-back in the world from an age and talent standpoint, Arsenal’s William Saliba once again showed he is all class this past season. The definition of a Rolls-Royce defender, Saliba is dominant on the ground, in the air, and displays real quality on the ball as he thrives in a possession-based system. Even when he was missing his partner due to Gabriel’s injury, Saliba seemingly got better with more responsibility and led a backline that conceded the fewest goals in the entire competition. Just to add to this, I’ll say get used to seeing his name on these end-of-season lists, as Saliba is primed to take the mantle of best defender in the league very soon.
Defender | Virgil Van Dijk
The man Saliba is chasing is Premier League and Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk, who not only was crowned a champion but also retains his throne as the best defender in the world. At this point, there isn’t much you could point to in Virgil’s game as a weakness. Like Saliba, he is dominant in all facets of being a centre-back. However, Virgil might be about 5 percent better than Saliba in those areas and is also the one adding a trophy to his club’s cabinet. Unfortunately for rival fans, but great news for Liverpool supporters, it looks like there will be at least another two years of him at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, as he has re-signed for two more years.
Defender | Daniel Muñoz
Crystal Palace’s Colombian star Daniel Muñoz announced himself to the football world with his 2023/24 campaign. His four goals and five assists as a right-back are extremely impressive, but it is his defensive work rate that makes him stand out above the rest, making him a true two-way threat for his club. He ranked in the 99th percentile in tackles, 80th percentile in interceptions, and 91st percentile in aerials won. Another season like this, and Muñoz could find himself with the opportunity to move to a bigger club down the line.
Midfielder | Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutch international was the key cog in Arne Slot leading his team to becoming the champions of England. Liverpool had been crying out for a genuine number six who could protect the back line and build the team through the phases, and the 23-year-old answered all those questions. He is a transcendent talent who will be at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield for as long as he wants to be there, and I’m sure the champions will be hoping to build the post-Salah and Van Dijk era of Liverpool around him.
Midfielder | Moises Caicedo
After a rollercoaster first season at Chelsea, the record Premier League signing made his £115 million price tag look like a bargain through the 2024/25 campaign. Caicedo is a tank at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield and is perhaps the best off-ball midfielder in the world. He also showed his quality on the ball, consistently displaying his ability to drive and pass effectively. It’s fair to say that Caicedo has joined Palmer as one of the two players Chelsea’s billion-dollar plan will be built around. Expect his name to be a regular feature in Team of the Season selections for the better part of the next decade.
Midfielder | Alexis Mac Allister
The general of the champions, Mac Allister, conducted Liverpool through all three phases and is up there with the likes of Pedri as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world this year. The Argentine’s rise year after year has been outstanding and remarkably consistent. From his move from Brighton to his first and second seasons at Liverpool, Mac Allister has made huge strides. He’s not only the player who pulls all the strings for Liverpool, but his 10 goal contributions over the season were also the perfect icing on top of his true breakout campaign to stardom.
Forward | Bryan Mbeumo
Thomas Frank found his talisman this year in the winger-striker hybrid Bryan Mbeumo, who certainly brought his finishing boots this season. The 25-year-old recorded 20 goals and 7 assists, which is outstanding for a mid-table club. His performances attracted attention early in the transfer window, with multiple big clubs showing interest in his signature. He now appears likely to join Rúben Amorim as a key piece in Manchester United’s rebuild.
Forward | Alexander Isak
Newcastle’s star man made the shift from being a prospect with all the tools of the next great Premier League striker to becoming exactly that in the 2024/25 campaign. The superstar launched his career into stardom and is now valued at $200 million in Newcastle’s eyes if any other club wanted to sign him. His 23 goals and 6 assists were complemented by his ability to hold up the ball and allow others to run off him, helping progress his team up the field more often than not. Put him in the same category as Saliba, Caicedo, and Gravenberch as a player who will feature on this list more often than not in the future.
Forward | Mohamed Salah
One of the best attackers in Premier League history once again proved why he may be held on a pedestal above the likes of Ronaldo and Hazard based on their Premier League careers. He was the best player in the league once again, contributing to 47 goals in 38 games with an even split of 29 goals and 18 assists, showcasing how dynamic he is as both a goal scorer and a playmaker. Like his legendary teammate Van Dijk, Salah signed a contract extension and will be looking to dominate the Premier League once again next season.