As we surpass the half way point in what has been an unpredictable and jam-packed Premier League season, some of the writers at El Chumbazo share their Team of the Season. A season which has included many surprise packages, stellar score lines and breakout performers, this squad will include 11 players and 1 manager, following a formation with 4 at the back. Agreeing on 4 players in their teams, take a look at who they've picked in their respective teams so far!
Article written as of Saturday 04/01/25, before Gameweek 20 matches
Jack H's Team: Flawless Forest (4-2-3-1)
@j_heath_
A team that sets up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, I'm pretty happy with my picks for the Team of the Season So Far with little debate in most positions. Here are my reasonings for the picks below:
GK - Matz Sels
When he joined Forest last January to sure up the defence, the Belgian did the complete opposite on his arrival. He looked weak in goal and, when Forest signed the promising Carlos Miguel in the summer, his position looked at risk. However, this season he has turned his Forest career around. Registering 53 saves with a 75% save ratio, his 8 clean sheets leads the league. A simply sensational change for the Belgian shot-stopper.
RB - Ola Aina
Another surprising Forest player makes it into the team. Aina has been a consistent performer for Fulham and Nottingham Forest in his previous Premier League seasons, yet this year we've seen how Nuno gets the best out of right-backs wherever he goes. The Nigerian has been a part of the best defence in the league, chipping in with 2 goals along the way. I considered Trent for this spot but felt Aina has been more consistent across the first half of the campaign.
CB - Gabriel
A monster at set pieces and part of the 2nd best defence in the league, Gabriel has been vital for Arsenal at both ends of the pitch. With each season he spends in the Premier League, his maturity and game management improves, especially alongside his partner in crime William Saliba. Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest was also in contention for this spot!
CB - Virgil van Dijk
The ever-present and consistent van Dijk gets in to the team. Liverpool's outstanding leader at the back, thanks to him Liverpool sit joint top of the league for clean sheets (8). I'd say right now the Dutchman is the best CB in the world. Whenever he plays, he looks so assured of himself, which helps the team feel confident and resolute. Moreover, a van Dijk cross-field switch is simply a joy to watch.
LB - Antonee Robinson
A player who has been stepping up his game every single season, the American is hitting red hot form this year. Robinson has one hell of an engine on him, bombing down the left wing. He's defensively excellent as well as a dangerous crosser of the ball, something which has seen him claim 7 assists so far this season. Such an all-round left-back, a position which is difficult to fill, will likely see Robinson bag himself a big money move next summer. I'm also upset that he chose to play for the United States and not England, my God he would be perfect for England.
CDM - Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian struggled when he moved to Chelsea, with many pointing fingers that he wasn't worth his £100m+ price tag. However, Enzo Maresca has got the best out of Caicedo this season, forming a vital part of the Chelsea midfield. At times being asked to play as an inverted right-back or occupying his usual midfield pivot role with Enzo Fernández, the Ecuadorian has been a consistent performer for The Blues. Shoutout to Eliott Anderson here as well, he was definitely in my mind for this role due to his excellent performances so far this season.
CDM - Ryan Gravenberch
Similar to Caicedo, when he joined Liverpool last season, Gravenberch was not performing well. Arriving as Bayern Munich reject, he struggled to get into the team and looking seemingly lost when he played. It was looking like the Dutchman was not going to be a part of Arne Slot's plans. However, this season Gravenberch has become unbeatable in the Premier League. With the ability to turn out of any danger, fast recoveries and unrelenting stamina, Gravenberch has been sensational. For me, his style of play is very similar to Moussa Dembele, an unstoppable force on his day.
RM - Mo Salah
I'm running out of words for Mo Salah this season. The Egyptian has been in extraordinary form for Liverpool this season. With 17 goals and 13 assists after 18 games, Salah is the fastest player ever to reach 30 goal involvements in the Premier League. He's looking better than ever, demonstrating a positive attitude whenever he misses chances, knowing another one will come. I have no doubts he'll win the Golden Boot and the PFA Player of the Year come the end of the season. Surely he wins the Balon d'Or, right?!
CAM - Cole Palmer
Certainly not a one season wonder, Cole Palmer has continued his fine performances for Chelsea this year. Linking well with frontman Nicholas Jackson, the Englishman has found the net 12 times, assisting 6 times. As always, Palmer has been an integral part of Chelsea's attacking play. Additionally, I love his football focused mentality, he has no time for games, he only wants to win and play the game he loves!
LM - Matheus Cunha
Not a LM by trade, yet Cunha does find himself in a creative floater role for Wolves, picking up the ball all over the pitch. Despite Wolves' horrendous start to the season, Matheus Cunha has been the one silver lining. The Brazilian has bags of quality, dragging Wolves to pivotal results in a talismanic fashion. With 10 goals and 4 assists, I'm impressed the Brazilian has been able to get the numbers he has. Most certainly playing at a club that is levels below him, I think the Brazilian will bag himself a big money move this summer.
ST - Chris Wood
That's a funny way to spell Haaland? I know I know, Haaland has scored 3 more goals than the New Zealander (14 vs 11), but I love how Nuno has turned Wood into a potent goalscorer. 10 of Haaland's 14 goals came in City's first 5 games before they lost Rodri and all their composure. Whereas Chris Wood has been scoring his goals across the season. Additionally, due to the way Forest play, Wood's goals tend to be match winners, as they look to close out 1/2 goal advantages via their solid defence. Moreover, the New Zealander is now Forest's all-time Premier League top goal scorer, not bad Woody!
Manager - Nuno EspirÃto Santo
What a job this man has done. When took over in December 2023, Forest were struggling around the relegation zone of the Premier League. The Portuguese came in, solidified the defence and began to plan ahead for the new season. At the end of the 2023/24 season, from when he came in, only Arsenal and Manchester City had better defensive data. With a full summer under his belt, building a squad that best suits his style with some shrewd signings, Forest now sit 3rd in the league. They've only lost 4 times this season, whilst defeating an array of teams during the campaign. Hats off to Nuno who's style (reminiscent of Leicester City's title-winning side) has been perfect for the club. Who knows, could he push them to Premier League glory? If Forest can secure a European position that would be an excellent achievement.
Haydn's Team: Andoni's All-Stars (4-2-3-1)
@haydnkay
GK - Mads Hermansen
I know Leicester have conceded lots of goals, and there are other fair shouts out there with Raya, Sels, etc having good seasons. But for me, from watching the premier league so far this season, Hermansen is the goalkeeper that stands out as an exceptional shot stopper, and fantastic all-round modern, young goalkeeper. Expect bids in the summer. The stats also back up the eye-test, not in clean sheets, but in PSxG performance (post-shot expected goals). Hermansen stands out as the top-ranked PL GK for overperformance of PSxG, saving 5.8 goals more than Leicester were expected to concede.
RB - Noussair Mazrouai
It was very difficult to not select Ola Aina, but they’ve both had fantastic seasons so far, and I think as a manager I want Mazraoui in my team. A standout player in a dismal Man Utd team, quality wherever he finds himself on the pitch, versatile, and a leader. One of the few success stories from the Red Devils’ recent transfer strategy.
CB - Gabriel
The best defender this season in the best defence in the league cannot miss out. Arteta’s defence seems to be even more robust, but it’s the attacking threat from Gabriel this season that has made him standout from his teammates. I can’t think of another defender that imparts so much fear on opposition defences from set pieces.
CB - Milenković
Nottingham forest’s incredible season so far needs recognition, and one of the main reasons they’re currently sitting in 2nd is the incredible defence that Nuno has coached, and Milenković is the heart of that. A seamless adaptation to the PL from the Serbian CB.
LB - Antonee Robinson
Fulham have been one of the best defences in the league and Robinson has been a stalwart in that defence. Not only that, Robinson has been even more impressive going forward, notching a massive 7 assists so far.
CDM- Caicedo
We’ve known of Caicedo’s quality since his Brighton days, but this season has been the first we’ve seen of it in a Chelsea shirt. Caicedo has had a huge impact for Chelsea this season. Big tackles, big presence.
CDM - Gravenberch
Gravenberch showed glimpses of quality last season but failed to meet expectations. Slot has transformed the fellow Dutchman into a midfield monster, controlling Liverpool’s transition from defence to attack. A really important part of their success this season.
RM - Salah
First name on the team sheet. If he’s not in your team, you’re wrong.
CAM - Cole Palmer
As a number 10, I’m sticking Palmer in the midfield, he needs to get in somewhere. Doesn’t need much explanation, one of the best players in the world this season. 12 goals by December, 6 assists, a joy to watch.
LM - Cunha
Not really a left winger, but wanted to squeeze him in. A cut above the rest of the Wolves squad, he creates, finishes, basically does everything in the Wolves attack and has notched 10 goals.
ST - Chris Wood
From the goalkeeper to the striker, Forest’s strong spine is reaping massive rewards this season, and Chris Wood has chipped in and done his part massively. A consistent premier league striker, always in the right place at the right time, efficient, taken some great finishes, a proper striker.
Manager - Andoni Iraola
A fantastic season from Bournemouth who are flying at a level above where their squad should probably land them, thanks to their top manager. A clear and obvious tactical imprint every time you watch them, energetic, fun to watch, a near-perfect managerial performance. Sorry, Nuno.
Alex's Team: The Slot Machine (4-3-3)
@ale_xhowe
GK - Mark Flekken
I have been wrong about many things in my life, but predicting both Brentford and Nottingham Forest to get relegated this season has to be up there. First of a combined five players from both squads is Mark Flekken, who for me just edges out the likes of Jordan Pickford, Mats Selz and Caoimhin Kelleher. While other keepers have kept more clean sheets, Flekken’s enormous save count demonstrates that Brentford would likely find themselves significantly further down the table without him.
RB - Ola Aina
In a season featuring few stand out right-back performances thus far, I have gone for Forest’s Ola Aina who has stood head and shoulders above his competitors. The Nigerian has played every league game for his club this season, contributing to seven clean sheets and chipping in a couple of goals. Forest will do well to fend off interest from bigger clubs this summer.
CB - Nikola Milenkovic
Speaking of Nottingham Forest’s defence, the purchase of Milenkovic from Fiorentina in the summer was a stroke of genius from the Forest board. Eight clean sheets, two goals and approaching his peak years at just the right time for the club.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
A centre-back previously thought to be past his best, the Liverpool captain is just one of the many players who have been rejuvenated under Arne Slot this season. Along with Salah and Trent, the fact that he is still without a contract extension in its final six months is baffling.
LB - Antonee Robinson
Another defender leading the way in terms of assists, the American has outshone ever other left-back in the league this season and has arguably been the key to Fulham’s overachievement thus far.
CM - Jacob Murphy
Murphy has exceeded all expectations this season. Having spent an unfortunate chunk of his senior career on loan, he has become an integral part of a high-flying Newcastle team and one of the most influential playmakers in the league.
CM - Cole Palmer
Despite many critics suggesting Palmer would be a one-season wonder, the young Englishman remains comfortably Chelsea’s best player and one of the current best in the world. With 19 goal contributions in the league already this season, one can’t help but wonder at what Manchester City’s fortunes this season might be if they had retained him.
CM - Mikkel Damsgaard
While Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have tended to steal the spotlight at Brentford this season (a combined honourable mention must go to both of them), Damsgaard’s quietly stellar performances have gone under the radar. The Dane is beaten only by Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in terms of assists in the league.
RW - Mohamed Salah
The current best player in the world in the current best team in the world. 30 goal contributions halfway through the league season. I could talk for ages about Liverpool’s disgraceful handling of Salah’s contract situation, but I will instead just say that if this is to be his final year at the club, he may have saved his very best till last. Could very well be in contention for the Ballon D’Or next year.
ST - Chris Wood
Another player who has exceeded expectations this season, the big New Zealander has been absolutely lethal up front in a season where somehow, everything is going right for Nottingham Forest. Honourable mention to Erling Halaland who really is a victim of his own ridiculously high standards.
LW - Alexander Isak
I am cheating slightly by putting Isak here, but he (technically) is a left winger as well as a No. 9 and I could not leave either him or Wood out. With 17 goal contributions in 18 games, Isak is currently in the form of his life and would walk into any starting lineup in the world.
Manager - Arne Slot
Nuno was a close second, but there is no denying the unprecedented scale of Slot’s impact at Liverpool this season. Predicted by most to be a transitional year for the Reds with hopes of challenging for the Champions League, the new baldest manager in the Prem currently boasts a single defeat across the entire season in all competitions. What is more, this has been done without the addition of a single first-team player. A masterclass.
