As we wait for the decision makers to hash out whether the Premier League, or wider sport in general, will return in the coming months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Grosvenor Sport are reflecting on the season so far, namely, our best Premier League XI up until where we left off.
Goalkeeper: Alisson, Liverpool
The Brazilian has been an ever-present when fit for the Reds, keeping 33 clean sheets in 58 Premier League appearances since his arrival from Roma, and his form this season has been integral to their title bid this campaign, with 12 clean sheets in 20 appearances, shipping just 11 goals in that time.
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool
Like Alisson, Alexander-Arnold is one of the mainstays in the Liverpool side under Jurgen Klopp during their rise to stardom over the last two seasons. After setting the record last season for assists by a defender with 12, Trent has already equalled that tally with a quarter of the season left to play.
Centre-Back: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool
It’s three for three for Liverpool, and van Dijk has been head and shoulders among his rivals at centre-back this season. The Dutchman’s towering displays at the heart of the Liverpool defence has been the driving force behind their title challenge.
Centre-Back: Caglar Soyuncu, Leicester City
Picking a partner for van Dijk was tough, but it’s hard to look past what Soyuncu has done for Leicester this season. Losing Harry Maguire in the summer was a huge loss, but Soyuncu has stepped in seamlessly into the side as Leicester look set to clinch a return to Champions League football.
Left-Back: Andy Robertson, Liverpool
There isn’t a fullback tandem in world football that rivals what Liverpool boast with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson marauding down either flank. Robertson was signed for just £8m and is one of the greatest bargain buys of the modern era.
Central Midfield: Kevin de Bruyne, Manchester City
De Bruyne struggled with injuries last season but has rallied in 2019/20, reaffirming himself as the Premier League’s best midfield creator, laying on 17 assists so far this season – which leads the league, while also netting seven times in 26 appearances so far.
Central Midfield: Jordan Henderson, Liverpool
He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but Jordan Henderson’s leadership and drive from midfield has been key to Liverpool’s success. With injuries to Fabinho and Naby Keita this season, Henderson has been forced to play in different positions in Liverpool’s midfield and has excelled wherever he has played whilst also proving to be a timely creator in the final third, with three goals and five assists in 25 Premier League appearances.
Right Winger: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Salah’s prowess in front of goal hasn’t let up this season, his third campaign back in the Premier League following his move from Roma in 2017. In 26 games so far, Salah has netted 16 goals and provided six assists for Liverpool this season.
Left Winger: Sadio Mane, Liverpool
One of the front runners to be named PFA Player of the Year, Mane is enjoying his best season in a Liverpool shirt following his arrival from Southampton in 2016. Mane has bagged 14 goals and laid on another nine assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season and has repeatedly stood tall in the big moments.
Striker: Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
Aguero has shown no signs of slowing down during his age 31 season, as he currently sits second in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals for Manchester City. While City’s title bid has faltered this season, it’s not due to a decline in production from Aguero through the middle.
Striker: Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
Vardy has rediscovered his best form under Brendan Rodgers this season and is on course to win the Premier League Golden Boot, with 19 goals in 26 league appearances. The 33-year-old has been instrumental in Leicester’s bid to regain Champions League football this season and the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal all struggle for consistent form.
Bench
Dean Henderson, GK, Sheffield United; Ricardo Pereira, RB, Leicester City; Marcus Rashford, LW, Manchester United; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, ST, Arsenal; Adama Traore, RW, Wolves; Raul Jimenez, ST, Wolves; Wilfried Ndidi, CM, Leicester City.
Do you agree with our team of the season? Are there any players we missed out from the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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