On 12th May 2019, Manchester City became the first team in a decade to retain the Premier League title and Liverpool pushed them all the way to the final day of the season. There were many impressive performances throughout the season from seasoned campaigners and some fresh faces.
Here is the “Chase Your Sport” Premier League Team Of the Year (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City)
Just like the title race, it was a close call between Ederson and Alisson for the goalkeeper spot as both made excellent saves and have exceptional ball distribution skills. But Ederson has been flawless throughout the season with his courage, consistency and his ability to launch attacks for his side.
Right Back: Matt Doherty (Wolves)
This might seem like a surprise inclusion for many ahead of the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wan-Bissaka but Doherty has been the most underrated defender in my opinion. Doherty has played every match this season contributing 4 goals and 5 assists from right wing-back. The Irishman has also impressed with his defensive work rate and his rise from League One to the Premier League is a story of hard work and determination.
Centre Back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
I have almost run out of superlatives for the performances Van Dijk has put in for Liverpool. The PFA Player of the Year has brought a sense of calmness to the Liverpool backline. Capable of spraying accurate long passes around the pitch, Dominant in the air and popping up with important goals-He may well be the best defender in the World right now.
Centre Back: Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
The Frenchman has been a mainstay in the City defence alongside either John Stones or Vincent Kompany. His defensive displays have been combined with the astute reading of the game and rugged combativeness. Another important aspect of Laporte’s game has been his wonderful passing ability which has convinced Guardiola to make him a mainstay in City’s defence for years to come.
Left Back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
The Scottish captain was head and shoulders above all other Left Backs in the league. Perpetual motion down the left flank and his ability to swing wonderful crosses into the opposition’s box has seen him notch 11 assists. Robertson with his terrific work rate has earned himself the status of a cult hero in Liverpool.
Centre Midfield: Ruben Neves (Wolves)
The Portuguese midfielder has almost gone under the radar at times. Neves played in a deep-lying midfield role and formed a formidable partnership alongside his compatriot Joao Moutinho. Neves has dictated the tempo of Wolves play and also shielded the back five of Wolves with great astuteness. Scoring 30 yard screamers, spraying long passes across the pitch and reading the game are some of the aspects of Neves’ game which will see him targeted by the top clubs of Europe in the summer.
Centre Midfield: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
The injury to Kevin De Bruyne provided the opportunity for Bernardo Silva to step up and cement his place in a star-studded City side. His tenacity, ability to cover distances and dribbling past opponents has seen him being touted as a long term successor for David Silva and rightly so.
Number 10: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Where would Chelsea be without Eden Hazard? The Belgian enigma has almost single-handedly won games for Chelsea this season. Eden Hazard has contributed the most number of goals this season(16 goals,15 assists) in the Premier League in what might be his last season for Chelsea Football Club.
Right Wing: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling this season has been transformed from a talented boy to a man. Often criticized for his finishing, Sterling has been a major attacking threat for Man City and has also been praised for his leadership qualities by both his club and national team managers. Still only 24 years old,it feels that the best years are yet to come for Raheem Sterling!
Left Wing: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Mane has been excellent all season for Liverpool. Often taking up the mantle in big games,Mane performed exceptionally when Salah was going through a barren spell in front of goal.His work ethic,tireless running and lightning pace created havoc in the opposition defence. Mane won the Golden Boot alongside Salah and Aubameyang with 22 goals to his name.
Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
A massive 22 goals and 5 assists in his first full season in England has seen Aubameyang share the Golden Boot. The Gabonese Striker has formed a telepathic understanding with his strike partner-Lacazette which has seen him bail out the leaky Arsenal defence by scoring crucial goals. Often played out on the wing by Emery to accommodate Lazazette,Aubameyang with his electric pace and lethal finishing starts upfront in the Team of the Year.
