Premier League team of the year: Arsenal and Man City players dominate selection
Who would be in your Premier League team of the season?
It has been another memorable Premier League campaign, with plenty of fine individual performances.
Here, the PA news agency picks out 11 players who have impressed over the 2023-24 season.
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Martinez also impressed during Villa’s run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals – and revelled in taking centre stage in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win at Lille.
Ben White (Arsenal)
White has proved an important player for Arsenal at both ends of the pitch this season, especially from set-pieces.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta described him as a player who “leads by example every day” and the consistency of the versatile former Brighton defender has seen him rewarded with a new long-term deal.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Netherlands international scored the winning goal in extra-time as Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final – and has vowed to be play a central part in the huge transition which will take place at Anfield when manager Jurgen Klopp waves goodbye.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Saliba, 23, has continued to grow into an integral member of the Gunners backline, forging a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
Having missed the run-in last season because of a back problem as Arsenal’s momentum faded, a fully-fit Saliba has proved key as Arteta’s side fought to last the distance with Manchester City in the title race.
Rodri (Manchester City)
The industrious Spain international admitted he probably did need a rest, but never let his performances dip as Pep Guardiola’s side closed in on yet another title.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The England midfielder, though, showed no signs of the hefty price tag weighing heavy on his shoulders with a host of superb displays and has scored seven Premier League goals heading into the final weekend.
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
The Norway playmaker is always on the front foot and has been key to clinical transition from midfield to attack, often finding a slide-rule pass when nothing appeared on.
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
The 23-year-old midfielder was voted the men’s Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association and also looks set to be play a key role for England at Euro 2024.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
After swapping the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge on deadline day of the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old forward has made the most of his opportunities under Mauricio Pochettino.
Palmer has scored 22 Premier League goals – including a memorable hat-trick against Manchester United – to help keep alive Chelsea’s hopes of European qualification.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
England forward Watkins has been a standout performer for Villa, leading the charge on both fronts.
Watkins has scored 19 Premier League goals and also tops the assists standings with 13 so far, which he hopes can cement a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad this summer.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Norway frontman Haaland has shrugged off suggestions of second-season syndrome to lead the Premier League scoring charts again with 27.
Coming good when it mattered most, Haaland plundered four goals in the demolition of Wolves at the start of May to help put City back on track for another title – and dispatched an ice-cool late penalty to secure three crucial points against Tottenham.
