English Premier League team of the season so far
By Iain Roy
As the English Premier League passes a third of its completion and the table begins to take shape, it is a good time to look back at the standout players in the league and form the best 11 so far.
In between the posts is Liverpool’s Alisson. The Brazilian has arguably been the league's best goalkeeper over the past few years. His importance has not gone unnoticed at the start of this season, with Liverpool aiming to be back competing at the top of the table.
At right-back is Newcastle skipper Kieran Trippier. His defensive resilience coupled with a dangerous attacking threat has seen Trippier reach six assists in the league, the most of any defender so far.
The two centre-backs are club companions William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal. It is difficult to separate the two titans of the Gunners’ defence, despite Saliba often being hailed as the better defender. The best defence in the league deserves both central defenders making it into the team of the season so far.
Destiny Udogie completes the defence as the Spurs star slots in at left-back. A lot of the footballing world wouldn’t have batted an eyelid when the Italian was signed in the summer, however, Ange Postecoglu’s explosive entrance to the league saw the club sit on top of the tree for several weeks. Udogie can take a lot of credit for that thanks to his defensive solidity and progressive play.
The three in midfield are Rodri of Manchester City, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and James Maddison of Spurs. Each of these players’ clubs has had their time at the top of the league so far and these players have been essential. Man City’s drop-off following Rodri’s suspension and Spurs’ struggle for form after Maddison’s injury proves just how instrumental these players are to their club’s success this season.
On each of the wings is Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka, although they both play on the right side of the pitch, there hasn’t been a better-performing left winger than these two so far. Salah has continued to cement his place as one of the best wingers the league has ever seen, with an electric start to the season, being Liverpool’s top scorer and provider. Saka has carried his projection as one of the best wingers in the world as he also boasts top scorer and assister for his Arsenal.
A certain Norwegian machine may be expected to walk into a team like this, however, in terms of effectiveness for their club and overall performance so far, the striker of this team is Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa. Currently sitting in a European spot, Villa have been performing amongst the league’s very best, with a majority of that being thanks to the goalscorer. Watkins even has fans wanting him on the plane next summer for the Euros, a worthy apprentice for Harry Kane.