The 2021-22 Premier League season has reached its penultimate week that is set to culminate in a final day of action on Sunday with the immediate futures of many clubs still hanging in the balance at both ends of the table.
Who’s got the to win the #PL ?
Psychological Illusionist, Karan Singh met @LFC and @ManCity fans for a bit of mind reading
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— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) May 19, 2022
But despite one last opportunity for memories to be formed and heartbreak to be felt, we at 101 Great Goals have gotten together to bring you the Premier League team of the season. Some selections spoke for themselves, while others came down to nothing more than pure preference when two players could hardly be separated by evidence on the pitch.
Some of these selections may not have your seal of approval, but all of them will be hard to argue against on some level when it comes to their undeniable quality as some of the greatest players in the world. Without further delay, here is our Premier League team of the season for 2021-22.
GK: Alisson
One of many “preference” choices in the Premier League Team of the Season, is the debate between which Brazilian international shot-stopper is the better keeper; Alisson or Ederson. Similar to the Rodri vs Fabinho debate, this truly does come down to some sort of preference of fine percentage point that – for the individual – tips the scales. But for us, Alisson nicks it only just due to his more consistent shot-stopping ability which is enough to pull ahead of the way Ederson can play out of the back and be an attacking catalyst for City.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Anthony Gordon of Everton is challenged by Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on April 24, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Surprise surprise; Liverpool sensation Trent Alexander-Arnold has been slotted in at right-back in our Premier League team of the season (don’t worry, João Cancelo will be included), but there are few that can deny his inclusion after what has been another brilliant display from the Liverpool academy graduate. Currently second in the league in assists behind teammate Mohammed Salah, TAA continues to be a key attacking fulcrum for Jürgen Klopp despite his position in the back four. He’s one of the best in the business.
CB: Rúben Dias
One of the leading examples of what a modern center-back has morphed into in the last few seasons, Rúben Dias is part of a cadre of Portuguese representatives at Manchester City that can all stake a claim to be some of the best players in their positions anywhere in the world. But Dias has taken that to another level in recent seasons, including the current 2021-22 Premier League campaign where he has shown his capability of being an offensive catalyst from the heart of the defense in build-up play while showing continued growth in maturity.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk and defending have become synonymous with one another ever since the Dutch international arrived in the Premier League during a highly successful stint at Southampton that netted him a move to Liverpool. Though he was already a rock at the back for Saints, VVD has evolved into more than just a brilliant defender, but one of the best examples of the complete center-back. Capable on the ball, superb in the air, with pace to recover, and a footballing brain that makes him one of the most intelligent in his role in the world. His leadership qualities only stand to add more superlatives to his profile. Brilliant.
LB: João Cancelo
As promised, Portuguese full-back João Cancelo is indeed in the Premier League team of the season and with good reason of course; and his versatility for Manchester City is in fact one of those reasons. His ability to slot in as a left-back and be just as influential as he is in his more natural position is impressive enough. Though he does not have the direct attacking influence as someone like TAA or Andrew Robertson, his overall contributions in all phases of play and quality on the ball place him right up there with anyone else.
DM: Rodri
Manchester United’s Fred (left) and Manchester City’s Rodri (right) battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday November 6, 2021. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
This was always to be a tossup between Rodri and Fabinho; the two leading holding midfielders in the Premier League. Though other shouts the likes of N’Golo Kanté could probably be postulated, the Spanish international is very much one of the beating hearts for Manchester City, and his quality on the ball and passing range probably outs him just a fraction of a percentage point ahead of his Liverpool counterpart. Like so many selections here, this is probably down to preference but there’s nothing wrong with being spoiled for choice.
CM: Mason Mount
Despite sitting third in the Premier League at the time of writing, there is not a whole lot to love about Chelsea this season given the disappointment that has been their failure to kick on from Champions League success last season and mount a serious title challenge in 2021-22. But while there are more questions than answers at Stamford Bridge currently, one thing beyond doubt is how good Cobham academy product Mason Mount has become. The England international is now the first name on the team sheet and the undeniable face of the club.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
An absolute midfield dynamo and one of the best – if not the best – in his position in world football, Kevin De Bruyne is at it again in a Manchester City shirt this season under Pep Guardiola and has been the leading light for the holding Premier League champions which has included a fine goalscoring performance in 2021-22 to the tune of 15-goals. As ever, KDB has been the key attacking catalyst for how City does business on the pitch, and should they repeat as league champions, much will once again be owed to him.
RW: Mohammed Salah
There are few things left to say about the influence and impact that Mohammed Salah has had on both the Premier League and Liverpool since his return to England in 2017, and is widely considered to be the best forward in the country for good reason. His league-leading 22-goals this season remain impressive, and though he went through a difficult patch in his own right in front of goal, his ability to affect proceedings never waned. He truly is one of the best players in the world.
LW: Heung-min Son
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
The only Tottenham player to make the Team of the Season, Heung-min Son has, in many parts of the 2021-22 Premier League season, outshone his strike partner for Spurs and very rarely has failed to stand up and be counted when their backs were against the wall, unlike Kane. Son also became the first Asian player to ever reach the 20-goal mark in the top flight of English football during his run of form this season, and his stock continues to rise; not as Kane’s right-hand man, but as his equal.
CF: Cristiano Ronaldo
Many will argue that Harry Kane should be included here given the fact that the England star has turned on the form when it has mattered for Tottenham down the backstretch this season, putting Spurs in pole position for fourth ahead of rivals Arsenal. But Cristiano Ronaldo has, on so many occasions this season, bailed Manchester United out of utterly abysmal performances. Without the Portuguese great, United would be worse for wear.
