Football Park's Premier League Team of the Season
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Football Park's Premier League Team of the Season

Football Park's Premier League Team of the Season

It's that time of year again. When everyone picks their best Premier League eleven of the season and forgets that choosing the 'best' in football can be entirely subjective (and only a bit of fun). So that being said, here is the definitive, irrevocably correct Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.

Ederson

Probably one of the more controversial picks on this list but Ederson gets the nod in goal. The Brazilian has the most 'goals prevented' of any goalkeeper who has played more than five games in the league this season; conceding 24 goals from an xG of 27.8.

Granted, this difference of 3.8 xG is just 0.7 ahead of Matz Sels - who has been the choice of many - and while the Belgian has undeniably had a phenomenal season, another advantage Ederson boasts is the four assists he has picked up this season.

Pep Guardiola's long-trusted sweeper-keeper has actually played a huge role in their revival during the past few months. Ederson's proclivity for a long pass or through ball has bailed Manchester City out time after time in games when their usually fluid short passing hasn't found success. He often gets criticised for not being a world-class shot-stopper (something disputable by numbers), so he deserves some flowers for a really strong season.

'Goals prevented' is calculated by subtracting the number of goals a team has conceded this season from the total xG they have faced.

Daniel Munoz

Hot off victory in the FA Cup, Daniel Munoz starts off the back four in our Team of the Season (even though he's technically played wing back).

The Colombian warrior has found his Premier League feet quickly since his arrival last January, and has spent this season showcasing his diverse and high-quality skillset for Crystal Palace. Munoz' engine and know-how to technically 'fit in' at both ends of the pitch has been vital for Oliver Glasner's side. He is an excellent one on one defender but also has an eye for making dangerous runs in behind, and has the composure to regularly turn those runs into goals and assists.

Key Stats:

  • 4 Premier League goals 2024/25
  • 5 Premier League assists 2024/25
  • 5.88 Progressive Passes Received per 90 (top 10%)
  • 2.45 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (top 24%)
  • 2.98 Touches in the Attacking Box per 90 (top 10)
  • 4.61 Tackles and Interceptions per 90 (top 6%)**

Munoz has also clearly built a strong affinity with the players around him. His on-field relationship with Adam Wharton allows them both to thrive, and he has a clear understanding of Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Phillipe Mateta in the Eagles' attack.

Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina very nearly found his way into the team - as well as being integral to Nuno Espirito Santo's team this season, the Nigerian scored one of the most memorable goals of the season with his weak-footed thunderbolt against West Ham. Fine, I'll watch it again.

In the end, Munoz' consistency just about earned him the right back spot.

Murillo

Speaking of players who have been integral for Forest, Murillo was a no brainer for Team of the Season. Until he gave away a late goal against Everton last month, the 22-year-old hadn't put a foot wrong all season. At such a young age, he has been the on-field leader of one of the busiest defences in the league - and his leadership alone almost earned him a spot in this team.

But the Brazilian doesn't just bring a loud voice. With Nuno's style of play being incredibly passive - the Portuguese wants his side to draw the opposition towards their own goal - having Murillo, who is happy to sit deep and make block after block for a whole season, is absolutely essential. The youngster also has the presence of mind to make crucial tackles and goal line clearances when it's required. He just always seems to be in the right place.

Key Stats:

  • 0.61 Aerials Lost per 90 (top 2%)
  • 1.98 Blocks per 90 (top 3%)
  • 7.15 Clearances per 90 (top 6%)

Nikola Milenkovic as Murillo's partner in crime also deserves a strong mention for a place in the team - but we went with the Brazilian for his various 'clutch' performances: his goal line clearance vs Manchester United last month and the masterclass he gave against Liverpool in January to name a couple.

Murillo has also shown signs that he has played within himself this season (a scary thought). He has had moments where he has demonstrated technical abilities not yet utilised - most notably at Anfield in September when he danced between the Reds' press and fired an incisive pass into Morgan Gibbs-White. He is one serious player.

Gabriel

It's an all Brazilian centre back pairing as Arsenal's most passionate figure makes his way into the team. Gabriel has undoubtedly proved that he can compete with William Saliba as the 'A Side' of the Gunners' defence.

Until his injury, Arsenal fans were celebrating corners as much as their beloved madman has been known to celebrate tackles. Gabriel had built a reputation for tormenting his opponents from set-plays. He scored the sole goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in September and another at the Etihad a few weeks later. When Mikel Arteta's attack was looking a little flat, Gabriel was able to bail them out.

Not only that, the 27-year-old loves a line-breaking pass which is crucial to Arsenal's build-up, and his confidence defending one vs one gives his team's rest-defence total security. With Arteta determined to "dominate" possession every week, having a trusted backline is essential.

Key Stats:

  • 3 Premier League Goals 2024/25
  • 1.08 Shots Blocked per 90 (top 12%)
  • 0.17 Challanges Lost per 90 (top 7%)
  • 1.28 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (top 13%)
  • 5.57 Passes into Final Third per 90 (top 11%)

Some people might suggest what Virgil Van Dijk has done not to earn a place in the team - especially as captain of the league winners - but while the Dutch stalwart has enjoyed a remarkable season, we felt that Gabriel's impact for his team, particularly earlier in the season, was slightly greater.

Marc Cucurella

Enzo Maresca's first season at Chelsea has been a mixed bag. They were top of the league just weeks before Christmas, fell out of the top five for a couple of months, and have since battled back to now be in prime position for a Champions League place ahead of the final game.

The Italian's progression towards a more conservative, risk averse style of play has been met with mixed reviews - and mixed results. But all season long, the wavy long hair of Marc Cucurella has been a key part of the Blues' lineup.

Under Maresca's guidance, the Spaniard has found a role that suits him perfectly - in fact, he's mastered two. Throughout the season, Cucurella has become the heart of Chelsea's box midfield, able to play a deeper role and dictate the tempo, or taking the role of a box crasher and popping up with goals in key moments - not least against Manchester United in recent weeks.

In both roles, the 26-year-old has shown brilliant game intelligence and technical ability.

Key Stats

  • 5 Premier League Goals 2024/25
  • 87.6% Pass Completion (top 10%)
  • 2.33 Attacking Box Touches per 90 (top 18%)
  • 0.19 Times Dispossessed per 90 (top 7%)

Milos Kerkez and Antonee Robinson both deserve honourable mentions for strong campaigns, but it is Cucurella's consistency that has earned him a spot in this team.

Ryan Gravenberch

This was, far and away, the hardest position to pick. In fact, the whole midfield is subject to personal preference and there is almost nothing to peak between a wide range of names.

In the end, Ryan Gravenberch's claim was too strong to omit. The Dutch maestro has undergone a revolution and become a key cog in Arne Slot's title-winning debut season.

Having been somewhat discarded by Jurgen Klopp, the 23-year-old has become the gold standard for the league's midfielders this season. It wouldn't be an understatement to consider his form as the primary reason for the Reds' running hot for so long. His ability to pick the ball up on the edge of his own box, turn an opponent and drive forwards has single-handedly started countless Liverpool counterattacks.

The Dutchman has also become essential for Slot's ambitions to play out from the back in a consistent manner. Gravenberch's proclivity to find space between the lines to receive the ball has allowed the Slot machine to keep churning out results week after week.

Key Stats

  • 2.07 Carries Into Final Third per 90 (top 11%)
  • 1.95 Progressive Carries per 90 (top 18%)
  • 2.18 Take Ons per 90 (top 15%)
  • 1.83 Interceptions per 90 (top 4%)

Until March, Gravenberch was a shoe in for the Team of the Season. But a slight drop in performances gave both Moises Caicedo and Thomas Partey - who have also reached new heights this season - the slightest of chances.

Considering the Dutch midfielder's role in Liverpool's title charge, and that his decline in form coincided with the Premier League being all but wrapped up, Gravenberch just about makes it into the team.

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle United's resurgence this season owes much to the relentless brilliance of Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe's most-trusted man has enjoyed another season performing at the highest level and has (more than likely) guided the Magpies to a Champions League finish.

In the age of positional play and a season where football as a whole has been criticised for being too static, it's easy to talk about players' specific attributes. Guimaraes is almost the antithesis of that. The Newcastle captain has demonstrated every facet of his game this season, to the highest levels. He leads the league for 'distance covered' while also being confident finding incisive passes, driving in possession, and producing screamers when his team needs them.

Key Stats

  • 11 Premier League G/A 2024/25
  • 7.47 Progressive Passes per 90 (top 5%)
  • 2.12 Passes into Penalty Area per 90 (top 6%)
  • 3.28 Shot-Creating Actions From Passes per 90 (top 10%)
  • 38.38 Carries per 90 (top 25%)
  • 2.97 Fouls Drawn per 90 (top 3%)

It is the sheer range of abilities that the Brazilian has shown over the course of the season that has earned him a place in the team. Youri Tielemans and Alexis MacAllister can also make strong cases for this position, but Guimaraes' consistency in every area of the pitch meant that the Newcastle man edges ahead of his midfield peers.

Bruno Fernandes

The fact that Bruno Fernandes has earned a place in this team with Manchester United sitting in sixteenth place is a testament in itself to how good the Portuguese has been this season.

If the Red Devils didn't have their talisman, there is a genuine possibility they would be sat in the bottom three. He is both their top scorer and top creator, has the most progressive passes yet has also taken the most shots. Only Amad Diallo (4.62) is in the same postcode as Fernandes' Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (5.56) for United this season.

The 30-year-old has previously faced scrutiny for a childish attitude towards his teammates when things aren't going well. But the maturity Fernandes has shown this season is a huge reason for his place in this team. His 'I'll do it' attitude and work-rate to press and recover possession, to always want to make a difference, has been nothing shy of inspiring to watch.

Key Stats

  • 17 Premier League G/A 2024/25
  • 9,28 Progressive Passes per 90 (top 1%)
  • 50.04 Passes Completed per 90 (top 3%)
  • 54.56 Passes Received per 90 (top 1%)
  • 78.23 Touches per 90 (top 1)
  • 45 Carries per 90 (top 3%)
  • 5.56 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (top 6%)
  • 3.23 Tackles and Interceptions per 90 (top 9%)
  • 6.24 Ball Recoveries per 90 (top 1%)

His ambitious efforts haven't always come off - but Fernandes is arguably the sole reason that United haven't been relegated this season. If it wasn't for that fact, Dominic Szobozslai would be a shoe in for this team. The Hungarian's energy, tenacity and creativity have all been inspiring in their own right.

Mohammed Salah

It is impossible to make an argument for the right side of our attack for anyone other than Mohammed Salah. Jacob Murphy deserves a brief mention for a terrific season - but the Egyptian King has established a dynasty on Liverpool's right side this season.

28 goals and 18 assists en route to a record breaking, title-winning campaign is one of the all-time campaigns - if not the greatest single-season campaign in Premier League history. Salah has allowed Slot's system to thrive with his ruthless nature and tendency to produce goals in the moments his team needs it. If anyone was doubting his place on the list of all-time greats prior to the season, they will no doubt have hastily deleted any Tweets indicating their previous thoughts as Salah's tally has increased over the campaign.

What's arguably more impressive than Salah's ability to blend so perfectly into Slot's style of play has been his ability to dictate the outcome of games single-handedly when the Reds haven't been at their best. A goal and an assist at Villa Park to steal a point when Liverpool weren't flowing as usual. A late equaliser at the Emirates in October at a time when the title race was shaping into a fight with Arsenal. Time and again, Salah has been the answer.

Key Stats

  • 44 Premier League G/A 2024/25
  • 3.22 Shots per 90 (top 12%)
  • 9.16 Attacking Box Touches per 90 (top 1%)
  • 12.86 Progressive Passes received per 90 (top 4%)

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak’s class has never been in doubt - but this season, the Newcastle frontman took things to an entirely new level. With twenty-three Premier League goals and six assists, Isak has become one of the most complete No. 9s in the division.

It's not just the numbers. It’s how and when he delivered them. The sole goal to outdo Arsenal at St James' Park with a header befitting the league's best. His movement to dumbfound Van Dijk before almost breaking the net against Liverpool back in December. The Swede has shown his abilities time and again on the big occasion.

Similarly to how we discussed with Guimaraes earlier, Isak's special because he is able to do everything at once: a poacher, a dribbler, a link-up player, and a runner in behind. He’s elegant and ruthless - a rare combination - and Newcastle’s European challenge this season has only highlighted how central he is to Eddie Howe’s ambitions.

Key Stats

  • 23 Premier League goals 2024/25
  • 47.7% Successful Take-Ons (top 6%)
  • 6.95 Progressive Passes Received per 90 (top 15%)
  • 6.28 Attacking Box Touches per 90 (top 10%)

Isak has carried the Toon's goalscoring almost single-handedly. In fact, he became the fastest Swede in history to reach 50 Premier League goals, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimović’s tally - and in fewer games. Not bad company to keep.

Chris Wood

It’s a somewhat lopsided front three, but Chris Wood had to make it into the team. 20 Premier League goals during Forest's European charge - and it's always worth reminding people that they were tipped to go down at the start of the campaign.

No one has been more clinical than the Kiwi this season. Forest's low possession, counterattacking style is reliant on their forwards being ruthless in front of goal - and that's exactly what Wood has been. He has scored all sorts: headers, tap-ins, cute finishes and goalmouth scrambles, but he always managed to impress.

Key Stats

  • 20 Premier League Goals 2024/25
  • 1.9 Shots per 90 (Bottom 19%)
  • 0.27 Goals per Shot (top 1%)
  • 51.6% Shots on Target (top 6%)
  • 0.88 Times Dispossessed per 90 (top 6%)

While living off limited service, Wood has stepped up when he's been needed. His opener at the City Ground against Liverpool will go down as one of the moments of the season.

It’s been a campaign of resurgence, both for the club and the Kiwi striker himself. His movement, hold-up play and veteran nous were crucial in giving Forest a cutting edge - and his goals have almost always come at the right time.

There we have it. The Football Park Premier League Team of the Season 2024/25. Who did we miss out?

All stats from FBRef unless otherwise stated. Percentiles taken relative to each position during the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Charlie Partridge

Content Creator

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