With the Premier League season on hold, the media and consumers of football alike have aimed to keep themselves immersed in our favourite sport. Season summaries often generate a keen interest, and one of our shared favourites here at 3-At-The-Back is the concept of a “team of the season (so far).”
As a result, this article will initially summarise the results from a twitter poll we ran asking you for your Premier League team of the season so far (TOTS), and we will try to decipher why some of the results were as they were.
Following on from this, all three of us will give our own personal TOTS, aiming to justify our decisions and fend off any potential scrutiny.
Finally, we have compiled a total 3-At-The-Back stakeholder TOTS, combining our three teams and that of the twitter poll.
TWITTER:
As a result, this article will initially summarise the results from a twitter poll we ran asking you for your Premier League team of the season so far (TOTS), and we will try to decipher why some of the results were as they were.
Following on from this, all three of us will give our own personal TOTS, aiming to justify our decisions and fend off any potential scrutiny.
Finally, we have compiled a total 3-At-The-Back stakeholder TOTS, combining our three teams and that of the twitter poll.
TWITTER:
Goalkeeper: 100% of votes on the twitter poll went to DEAN HENDERSON. The Sheffield United goalkeeper has attracted a lot of interest this season, and deservedly so. He has played 27 of the Blades’ 28 matches in the league this season and kept 10 clean sheets. The success of Sheffield United this season has been built on their defence, and this has been led by the 23-year-old between the sticks
Centre-backs: The general consensus among the footballing community is that VIRGIL VAN DIJK is deserving of a place. Since signing for Liverpool, he has elevated his own playing levels and his club’s exponentially. He has led Liverpool this season to an utter domination of the league. So, the poll we ran concerned who should be the partner of VVD in the TOTS. Leicester’s CAGLAR SÖYÜNCÜ emerged as victor with 60% of the votes. Signing from SC Freiburg at the start of last season, the Turk only played 6 games last season. This season he has played all 28 so far, and kept 10 clean sheets along the way. Though he is not the tallest, he is physically adept and very good in the air. He is also solid defensively and has enjoyed many good performances this season – most notably in the 0-0 draw against Wolves at Molineux on the 14th February.
Full-backs: The Liverpool pairing of ANDREW ROBERTSON and TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD were voted in comprehensively, and somewhat unsurprisingly. Not only have Liverpool kept 12 clean sheets this season (the most in the league), they also enjoyed a run of seven on the bounce. Both players are hard-working offensively as well as defensively, so are perfect for Klopp’s near unbeatable system this season. Between them, they have 3 goals and 19 assists this season, meaning that they have been involved in one third of all of Liverpool’s goals. These attacking returns are very impressive when you consider the array of attacking talent in Liverpool’s squad.
Central-midfielders: We ran two polls – one for an attacking-midfield, and one selecting a more defensive-midfielder. The latter was won by Liverpool skipper JORDAN HENDERSON. He has been involved in 8 goals this season; his second most productive in his Liverpool career. However, he was not voted in for these reasons. Throughout the whole season, he has only been disposed four times, and has won over 50 tackles and over 20 aerial battles – figures which are outstanding for a player in his position. His teamwork and leadership qualities have been the noticeable factors of his success. That people aren’t taking note of his excellent stats further enhance just how good of a season he has enjoyed, and one which he has helped Liverpool enjoy too. In the attacking department, JACK GREALISH was favoured by you. The Englishman has always been watched with scrutiny and there was a lot of pressure on him to perform in the Premier League this season. He answered his critics and has at times been a captivating player to watch. This earned him many requests of inclusion into the England squad for the now postponed European Championships. In a struggling Aston Villa side, he has taken centre stage with 13 goal involvements and deserves recognition for a successful season.
Wingers: Another Liverpool duo can be seen on the flanks of our twitter voted TOTS: MO SALAH and SADIO MANÉ. The amazing season which Liverpool are having need not be explained again, so we should focus on the pair individually. Coming off the back of a successful season last year, the pair have managed to maintain those extremely high levels of performance for the most part of the Premier League’s first 28 games. Both have played 26 of these 28. Salah has 22 goal contributions, and Mané 21. The two both possess blistering pace and adept finishing abilities, arguably the best in the league. If they continue at these levels, it would be unsurprising to these two in next years’ TOTS too.
Strikers: Leading the TOTS line-up are JAMIE VARDY and RAÚL JIMÉNEZ. The former is the league’s top scorer with 19 goals, and has fired Leicester into (a comfortable and deserved) third place this season. His work rate is admirable, and under Rodgers he has been rewarded for his efforts with goals. Despite a slow start, Wolves’ Jiménez has had 19 goal involvements this season. He has built effectively on a maiden Premier League season of 2018/19 and is now recognised as one of the league’s top strikers. Again, he is a hard-working player and technically gifted too. The Mexican is somewhat of a complete forward and his performances this season (especially in 3-2 wins against Southampton and Man City) are justification of his placement in the TOTS.
Centre-backs: The general consensus among the footballing community is that VIRGIL VAN DIJK is deserving of a place. Since signing for Liverpool, he has elevated his own playing levels and his club’s exponentially. He has led Liverpool this season to an utter domination of the league. So, the poll we ran concerned who should be the partner of VVD in the TOTS. Leicester’s CAGLAR SÖYÜNCÜ emerged as victor with 60% of the votes. Signing from SC Freiburg at the start of last season, the Turk only played 6 games last season. This season he has played all 28 so far, and kept 10 clean sheets along the way. Though he is not the tallest, he is physically adept and very good in the air. He is also solid defensively and has enjoyed many good performances this season – most notably in the 0-0 draw against Wolves at Molineux on the 14th February.
Full-backs: The Liverpool pairing of ANDREW ROBERTSON and TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD were voted in comprehensively, and somewhat unsurprisingly. Not only have Liverpool kept 12 clean sheets this season (the most in the league), they also enjoyed a run of seven on the bounce. Both players are hard-working offensively as well as defensively, so are perfect for Klopp’s near unbeatable system this season. Between them, they have 3 goals and 19 assists this season, meaning that they have been involved in one third of all of Liverpool’s goals. These attacking returns are very impressive when you consider the array of attacking talent in Liverpool’s squad.
Central-midfielders: We ran two polls – one for an attacking-midfield, and one selecting a more defensive-midfielder. The latter was won by Liverpool skipper JORDAN HENDERSON. He has been involved in 8 goals this season; his second most productive in his Liverpool career. However, he was not voted in for these reasons. Throughout the whole season, he has only been disposed four times, and has won over 50 tackles and over 20 aerial battles – figures which are outstanding for a player in his position. His teamwork and leadership qualities have been the noticeable factors of his success. That people aren’t taking note of his excellent stats further enhance just how good of a season he has enjoyed, and one which he has helped Liverpool enjoy too. In the attacking department, JACK GREALISH was favoured by you. The Englishman has always been watched with scrutiny and there was a lot of pressure on him to perform in the Premier League this season. He answered his critics and has at times been a captivating player to watch. This earned him many requests of inclusion into the England squad for the now postponed European Championships. In a struggling Aston Villa side, he has taken centre stage with 13 goal involvements and deserves recognition for a successful season.
Wingers: Another Liverpool duo can be seen on the flanks of our twitter voted TOTS: MO SALAH and SADIO MANÉ. The amazing season which Liverpool are having need not be explained again, so we should focus on the pair individually. Coming off the back of a successful season last year, the pair have managed to maintain those extremely high levels of performance for the most part of the Premier League’s first 28 games. Both have played 26 of these 28. Salah has 22 goal contributions, and Mané 21. The two both possess blistering pace and adept finishing abilities, arguably the best in the league. If they continue at these levels, it would be unsurprising to these two in next years’ TOTS too.
Strikers: Leading the TOTS line-up are JAMIE VARDY and RAÚL JIMÉNEZ. The former is the league’s top scorer with 19 goals, and has fired Leicester into (a comfortable and deserved) third place this season. His work rate is admirable, and under Rodgers he has been rewarded for his efforts with goals. Despite a slow start, Wolves’ Jiménez has had 19 goal involvements this season. He has built effectively on a maiden Premier League season of 2018/19 and is now recognised as one of the league’s top strikers. Again, he is a hard-working player and technically gifted too. The Mexican is somewhat of a complete forward and his performances this season (especially in 3-2 wins against Southampton and Man City) are justification of his placement in the TOTS.
Our Teams:
JAMES:
Vicente Guaita – Statistically the best goalkeeper in terms of post-shot expected goals and doesn’t get the credit he deserves for an impressive 9 clean sheets so far this term.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – A magnificent season for the youngster who could arguably play anywhere on the pitch such is his range of abilities.
Caglar Söyüncü – Fantastic first season in English football for the Turk. Solid in the air and with the ball at his feet, has created a brilliant partnership with Jonny Evans for Leicester.
Virgil Van Dijk– A joy to watch. Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League this season and makes the game look so simple without ever seemingly breaking a sweat.
Andrew Robertson – A wonderful crosser of the ball and defensively sound, 7 assists and 1 goal being a superb return.
Youri Tielemans – £40million already looks a bargain for the 22-year-old midfielder. Intelligent, dynamic and always wanting the ball, Tielemans has consistently been a standout player for Leicester and is only set to improve.
Kevin De Bruyne – By far Manchester City’s most creative player, the playmaker transforms City completely when playing. Has a healthy lead in the chances created table, and likely would’ve given Man City more of a title threat if injuries hadn’t blighted his season.
Richarlison – A direct player with an eye for the back of the net, Richarlison adds an imminent attacking threat to every attack he’s involved in. On track for his best goal return, too.
Sadio Mané – 21 goal contributions this season. Skilful, fast and direct, the winger seems to be having his best Premier League season yet.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – As someone who’s never been convinced by Calvert-Lewin, I have to admit he’s come into his own under Ancelotti. 8 of his 13 league goals have come since the Italian took the Everton job, with 3 goals in the Toffee’s last 4 games alone.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 17 goals in an underperforming Arsenal side says it all, carrying the Gunners in terms of goals by a large margin. Arsenal fans would dread to think how different their season would be without him.
Vicente Guaita – Statistically the best goalkeeper in terms of post-shot expected goals and doesn’t get the credit he deserves for an impressive 9 clean sheets so far this term.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – A magnificent season for the youngster who could arguably play anywhere on the pitch such is his range of abilities.
Caglar Söyüncü – Fantastic first season in English football for the Turk. Solid in the air and with the ball at his feet, has created a brilliant partnership with Jonny Evans for Leicester.
Virgil Van Dijk– A joy to watch. Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League this season and makes the game look so simple without ever seemingly breaking a sweat.
Andrew Robertson – A wonderful crosser of the ball and defensively sound, 7 assists and 1 goal being a superb return.
Youri Tielemans – £40million already looks a bargain for the 22-year-old midfielder. Intelligent, dynamic and always wanting the ball, Tielemans has consistently been a standout player for Leicester and is only set to improve.
Kevin De Bruyne – By far Manchester City’s most creative player, the playmaker transforms City completely when playing. Has a healthy lead in the chances created table, and likely would’ve given Man City more of a title threat if injuries hadn’t blighted his season.
Richarlison – A direct player with an eye for the back of the net, Richarlison adds an imminent attacking threat to every attack he’s involved in. On track for his best goal return, too.
Sadio Mané – 21 goal contributions this season. Skilful, fast and direct, the winger seems to be having his best Premier League season yet.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – As someone who’s never been convinced by Calvert-Lewin, I have to admit he’s come into his own under Ancelotti. 8 of his 13 league goals have come since the Italian took the Everton job, with 3 goals in the Toffee’s last 4 games alone.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 17 goals in an underperforming Arsenal side says it all, carrying the Gunners in terms of goals by a large margin. Arsenal fans would dread to think how different their season would be without him.
WILL:
Dean Henderson – 10 clean sheets in a side challenging for Champions League football represents an extraordinary season for the future England shot stopper. His imperious form and Pickford’s notable dip has led to widespread calls for Henderson to take the number one spot in next years' European Championships.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – With 12 assists and 75 chances created as a full back, this choice was simple. His role in Liverpool’s side has been integral to their relentless pursuit of their first Premier League title.
Caglar Söyüncü – His consistent displays of disciplined defending and wide range of passing are evident statistically. In terms of centre backs, he is second only to Virgil Van Dijk in terms of completed passes this season. Alongside this, he has won 167 duels and has been more than an adequate replacement for the outgoing Harry Maguire.
Virgil Van Dijk – Even though some may argue that he hasn’t reached the levels of last season, Van Dijk’s levels are still staggering. He has kept 12 clean sheets this season and has completed the most passes of any player in the league. Also, he has scored four goals which is the most for any centre back.
Andy Robertson – The energetic Scotsman has continued his unrelenting rise to the top of the game. Although Robertson hasn’t reached the numbers of his peer Alexander Arnold, he remains an ever present and significant part of the Liverpool juggernaut. Antonio Rudiger even said recently that Robertson was one of his toughest opponents this season, stating that ‘he is active all the time, going forward and backwards.’
Jack Grealish – In an underperforming Villa side, Grealish has been one of few shining lights. Seven goals and six assists in a struggling side represent a valuable return for someone with serious England credentials. However, he must start behaving himself first…
Jordan Henderson – Few would have envisaged Jordan Henderson as the second favourite for the PFA player of the season at this stage of the season. The significance of his presence in the Liverpool side is shown through his 96% win record when playing this season. Notably, the captain was absent from their sole defeat against Watford.
Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian midfielder’s numbers are nothing short of spectacular. He has notched eight goals and 16 assists while creating 96 chances in the process. Although his team have not challenged for the title, De Bruyne’s impact on the league has been immeasurable yet again.
Mohammed Salah – Salah is somewhat underappreciated by the footballing public given his remarkable stats on a consistent basis. He is challenging for the Golden Boot for a third year running with 16 goals and has registered six assists on the way. His stats show a player that is far from declining.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Like Grealish, Aubameyang’s sole contribution to his team has been particularly notable. In fact, he is 10 goals above the next contender for Arsenal’s top scorer this season, with Arsenal fans fearing where they would be without him.
Sadio Mané – Currently the favourite for PFA player of the season, Sadio Mané has been his usual dynamic and clinical self this season. His raw pace and added finesse have led to 14 goals and 7 assists, along with the Player of the Month award in November.
Dean Henderson – 10 clean sheets in a side challenging for Champions League football represents an extraordinary season for the future England shot stopper. His imperious form and Pickford’s notable dip has led to widespread calls for Henderson to take the number one spot in next years' European Championships.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – With 12 assists and 75 chances created as a full back, this choice was simple. His role in Liverpool’s side has been integral to their relentless pursuit of their first Premier League title.
Caglar Söyüncü – His consistent displays of disciplined defending and wide range of passing are evident statistically. In terms of centre backs, he is second only to Virgil Van Dijk in terms of completed passes this season. Alongside this, he has won 167 duels and has been more than an adequate replacement for the outgoing Harry Maguire.
Virgil Van Dijk – Even though some may argue that he hasn’t reached the levels of last season, Van Dijk’s levels are still staggering. He has kept 12 clean sheets this season and has completed the most passes of any player in the league. Also, he has scored four goals which is the most for any centre back.
Andy Robertson – The energetic Scotsman has continued his unrelenting rise to the top of the game. Although Robertson hasn’t reached the numbers of his peer Alexander Arnold, he remains an ever present and significant part of the Liverpool juggernaut. Antonio Rudiger even said recently that Robertson was one of his toughest opponents this season, stating that ‘he is active all the time, going forward and backwards.’
Jack Grealish – In an underperforming Villa side, Grealish has been one of few shining lights. Seven goals and six assists in a struggling side represent a valuable return for someone with serious England credentials. However, he must start behaving himself first…
Jordan Henderson – Few would have envisaged Jordan Henderson as the second favourite for the PFA player of the season at this stage of the season. The significance of his presence in the Liverpool side is shown through his 96% win record when playing this season. Notably, the captain was absent from their sole defeat against Watford.
Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian midfielder’s numbers are nothing short of spectacular. He has notched eight goals and 16 assists while creating 96 chances in the process. Although his team have not challenged for the title, De Bruyne’s impact on the league has been immeasurable yet again.
Mohammed Salah – Salah is somewhat underappreciated by the footballing public given his remarkable stats on a consistent basis. He is challenging for the Golden Boot for a third year running with 16 goals and has registered six assists on the way. His stats show a player that is far from declining.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – Like Grealish, Aubameyang’s sole contribution to his team has been particularly notable. In fact, he is 10 goals above the next contender for Arsenal’s top scorer this season, with Arsenal fans fearing where they would be without him.
Sadio Mané – Currently the favourite for PFA player of the season, Sadio Mané has been his usual dynamic and clinical self this season. His raw pace and added finesse have led to 14 goals and 7 assists, along with the Player of the Month award in November.
BEN:
Vicente Guaita - With a save success rate of over 75%, Crystal Palace fans have this man to thank for their league position this season. They have conceded the sixth least goals in the league and kept 9 clean sheets, and a lot of this is down to the Spaniard. His excellent individual displays in the month of February earned Palace three 1-0 wins a row. He made 14 saves in these three games - a reflection of the levels which he has performed at all season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - Nothing needs to be added to what has already been said about this young man. An unbelievable talent who has enjoyed an unbelievable season, both individually and with his club.
Virgil Van Dijk - All you need to do is watch this man play. The ease at which he defends is a marvel. 4 goals, an assist and 12 clean sheets this season evidence the level at which the Dutchman plays the game.
James Tarkowski - The leader in the resolute Burnley defence this season and statistically one of the most consistent defenders in the league. His 144 aerial duel victories, 49 tackles and 148 clearances have contributed to The Clarets' 11 clean sheets this season.
Andrew Robertson - The intensity at which the Scotsman is able to play consistently makes him a nightmare for opposition defences and attackers alike. His pace allows him to press high and win the ball high up the pitch; a contributing factor to the 7 assists he has notched this season.
Rodri - Has looked more than comfortable in his first Premier League season. Despite featuring in a Manchester City side that have failed to meet expectations, Rodri is both defensively solid and a useful attacking asset to be added to City's armoury. He has completed the second most passes out of anyone in the league this season, and ranks highly in tackles and interceptions. The Spaniard is a functional player yet plays in a way which is incredibly easy on the eye.
Kevin De Bruyne - An absolute wizard. Can go past a player with ease and is arguably the most capable passer in the league (personified by his 16 assists and 23 big chances created this season). 8 goals scored too gives him 24 goal involvements this season - the most in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah - The Egyptian is still subject to some undeserved criticism. Since 2017, he has consistently performed at the highest level, scoring and providing goals for a Liverpool side which has improved dramatically since signing the winger. This season was no exception as he met expectations with 22 goal involvements in 26 appearances.
Sadio Mané - He possesses pace, power and finishing abilities that few others do. The Senegal international has imporved year-on-year during his time at Liverpool as has been especially impressive this season. He will certainly be a devastating player and maybe the league's most dnagerous next season if he continues to improve at his current rate.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal fans will dread to think where they would be without this man. He has scored with 17 of his 27 shots on target this season and is the league's second highest goalscorer. These figures are even more impressive when you consider the lack of chances a struggling Arsenal have created this season and the fact that Aubameyang is often deployed as a left-winger instead of a central striker.
Jamie Vardy - Another season of the Jamie Vardy story ensued and Leicester can owe their league position to his hard-working displays and relentless attitude. He has 19 goals and 4 assists to his name and even at 33 years of age looks like one of the sharpest strikers in the league.
Vicente Guaita - With a save success rate of over 75%, Crystal Palace fans have this man to thank for their league position this season. They have conceded the sixth least goals in the league and kept 9 clean sheets, and a lot of this is down to the Spaniard. His excellent individual displays in the month of February earned Palace three 1-0 wins a row. He made 14 saves in these three games - a reflection of the levels which he has performed at all season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - Nothing needs to be added to what has already been said about this young man. An unbelievable talent who has enjoyed an unbelievable season, both individually and with his club.
Virgil Van Dijk - All you need to do is watch this man play. The ease at which he defends is a marvel. 4 goals, an assist and 12 clean sheets this season evidence the level at which the Dutchman plays the game.
James Tarkowski - The leader in the resolute Burnley defence this season and statistically one of the most consistent defenders in the league. His 144 aerial duel victories, 49 tackles and 148 clearances have contributed to The Clarets' 11 clean sheets this season.
Andrew Robertson - The intensity at which the Scotsman is able to play consistently makes him a nightmare for opposition defences and attackers alike. His pace allows him to press high and win the ball high up the pitch; a contributing factor to the 7 assists he has notched this season.
Rodri - Has looked more than comfortable in his first Premier League season. Despite featuring in a Manchester City side that have failed to meet expectations, Rodri is both defensively solid and a useful attacking asset to be added to City's armoury. He has completed the second most passes out of anyone in the league this season, and ranks highly in tackles and interceptions. The Spaniard is a functional player yet plays in a way which is incredibly easy on the eye.
Kevin De Bruyne - An absolute wizard. Can go past a player with ease and is arguably the most capable passer in the league (personified by his 16 assists and 23 big chances created this season). 8 goals scored too gives him 24 goal involvements this season - the most in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah - The Egyptian is still subject to some undeserved criticism. Since 2017, he has consistently performed at the highest level, scoring and providing goals for a Liverpool side which has improved dramatically since signing the winger. This season was no exception as he met expectations with 22 goal involvements in 26 appearances.
Sadio Mané - He possesses pace, power and finishing abilities that few others do. The Senegal international has imporved year-on-year during his time at Liverpool as has been especially impressive this season. He will certainly be a devastating player and maybe the league's most dnagerous next season if he continues to improve at his current rate.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal fans will dread to think where they would be without this man. He has scored with 17 of his 27 shots on target this season and is the league's second highest goalscorer. These figures are even more impressive when you consider the lack of chances a struggling Arsenal have created this season and the fact that Aubameyang is often deployed as a left-winger instead of a central striker.
Jamie Vardy - Another season of the Jamie Vardy story ensued and Leicester can owe their league position to his hard-working displays and relentless attitude. He has 19 goals and 4 assists to his name and even at 33 years of age looks like one of the sharpest strikers in the league.
The final, 3-At-The-Back team of the season so far
Written and edited by: 3-At-The-Back