The Premier League has reached its climax and these next few set of games could make or break any team’s hopes and aspirations for the season. Liverpool look pretty much on their way to claim a much awaited league title after decades given their lead at the top and recent results. A surprising name is their (not so) closest challenger. Leicester have summoned the spirits of 2015/16 and are well on their way to finish in the top spots. It seems like the exhaustion of 2 record breaking seasons have finally taken their toll on Manchester City, with a 14 point gap between them in 3rd place and Liverpool. Chelsea, despite making a rip roaring start under Lampard, haven’t been able to continue in the same fashion after quite a few losses in recent games. After a series of underwhelming results, Spurs have bounced back under new management to climb 5th. Premier League new boys, Sheffield United have also been a treat to watch and currently hold a Europa League spot. Manchester United have had a topsy turvy season with notable wins against strong opposition while looking toothless against bottom placed teams. Perhaps the most shocking state is that of Arsenal. Languishing in the bottom half of the table, it does not look good for the London based club.
We have already had a few managerial sackings the most notable ones being Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery. Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti made returns to the league with Spurs and Everton respectively. The golden boot is with Jamie Vardy (17 goals) and Dean Henderson dons the golden gloves after 7 shutouts. While there are more stats to ponder on, that is not the point of this article. Here we will take a look at the players who have kept producing one great performance after another till the time of writing this article. Yes, they may have had a one off bad game, they’re human after all.
We have decided to use an old school 4-4-2 formation. A few factors like stats, form, fan favorites, etc. have been taken into consideration, so it may be the case that some players might have missed out. After all there’s only 11 I can fit into this team. Let’s get to it shall we!
Goalkeeper - Dean Henderson (Sheffield United - on loan from Manchester United)
It was a tough choice with most of the regular top keepers failing to impress for various reasons. The likes of Alisson, Ederson, Kepa and De Gea haven’t been quite up to the mark with their performances. It was a two way choice for us between Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel and Sheffield United’s Dean Henderson. We decided to go with the latter. On loan from Manchester United for a 2nd season, Henderson has impressed for the Blades in goal in the Premier League. Given his form and contribution, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is in contention to start for Manchester United next season.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 18, Clean Sheets -7, Saves - 46.
Right Back - Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
A few right backs were in consideration for our spot like Ricardo Pereira and Aaron Wan Bissaka. However, Trent AA was just way too consistent throughout has been an integral part of Liverpool’s assault on the Premier League.
He has picked up from where he left off last season. Assist after assist in game after game. Already racking up 8 assists, he looks well on his way to break last seasons’ figures. Deserved to be in the lineup we’d say!
Stats for the season: Appearances - 18, Goals - 2, Assists - 8, Tackles/game - 1.5, Interceptions/game - 1.5, Clearances/game - 2.2, Key passes/game - 3.1
Right Center Back - Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
A rather undisputed and unsurprising selection. It’s been another season of rock solid performances from the towering Dutchman. While we are used to seeing his defensive prowess on a regular basis, this season, he has shown that he can contribute at the other end of the pitch also. He has produced some fine MOTM performances especially the one against Brighton with his 2 goals. With Liverpool finally looking to end their league title drought, a lot will rest on Van Dijk’s broad shoulders.
P.S- We feel that he should have won the Balon D’Or this time around.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 18, Goals - 3, Tackles/game - 0.7, Interceptions/game - 0.9, Clearances/game - 5.1, Pass Acc. - 87.7%
Left Center Back - Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)
Harry Maguire might have left for Manchester United on a record transfer but it’s his replacement at Leicester who is making heads turn with his performances. Well, he isn’t technically a replacement given he has been at Leicester since 2018. However, it’s this season that he has come to the fore. His performances haven’t allowed Leicester City the chance to miss Maguire.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 18, Goals 1, Tackles/game - 1.7, Interceptions/game - 1.5, Clearances/game - 5.3, Pass Acc. - 89.5%
Left Back - Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
There are a few players who signify Klopp’s style of football but none more so than Andrew Robertson. He’s picked up from where he left off last season and is one of the most reliable and solid left fullbacks in the league. Pretty much like his partner in crime, TAA, Robertson has also amassed a good haul of assists like last season. With not a lot many LB’s performing at standard levels, it’s a no brainer for the Scot to make it to our list.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 18, Assists - 5, Tackles/game - 1.8, Interceptions/game - 1.3, Clearances/game - 2.1, Key Passes/game - 1.3
Central Midfield - Fabinho (Liverpool)
After a cautious start to his Liverpool career, Fabinho has slowly grown into the league’s best holding midfielder. Yes, Wilfred Ndidi was also in with a close shout but such has been Fabinho’s class. He has dominated opposition midfields with his physicality and guile. While he might not have played all the games, which is understandable due to Liverpool’s fixture congestion, he has rarely put a foot wrong whenever he has set foot. The highlight of his season? Probably the goal against City. Go watch it if you haven’t already!
Stats for the season: Appearances - 12, Goals - 1, Assists - 1, Tackles/game - 2.5, Interceptions/game - 1.3, Pass Acc. - 86.1%, Long Balls/game - 4.1 Key Passes/game - 1.1
Central Midfield - Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
After a season of injuries, it is safe to say that Kevin De Bruyne is back. With a bang! The ace midfielder reminded everyone the quality he has with some stellar performances for City. He currently leads the assists chart with a staggering 10 to his name. Let’s not forget that he has also banged in a few goals to go with his uber quality passing abilities.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 17, Goals - 6, Assists - 10, Shots/game - 3.1, Key Passes/game - 4.1, Long Balls/game - 3.1, Crosses/game - 2.8, Long Balls/game - 3.1
Right Midfield/Right Wing - Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Raheem Sterling has come a long way since joining City a few years back. Under Pep Guardiola, Sterling has become one of the most lethal and effective wingers in the Premier League. Although his numbers in front of goal aren’t like previous seasons, which might be due to a certain Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane being out injured.
Despite the difficult season City are having, Sterling is keeping his standards and dragging City how much ever he can. With half the season still to go, we can expect Sterling to keep up his form and help City climb back up the table.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 17, Goals - 9, Assists - 1, Shots/game - 3.1, Key Passes/game - 1.8, Dribbles/game - 2.2
Left Midfield/Left Wing - Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
There’s very few players with the work ethic Mane possesses. Much like last season, Mane has kept up his numbers in front of goal. However, this season, he has managed to be much better in terms of chance creation, as his 6 assists should suggest. He is one of the few Liverpool players who have played pretty much every game this season without any break. Testing times are ahead for Liverpool and a lot will depend on Mane’s form and energy.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 17, Goals - 9, Assists - 6, Shots/game - 2.4, Key Passes/game - 2, Dribbles/game - 1.6
Right Striker - Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Jamie Vardy is giving everyone flashbacks from 4 years ago. At 32 years of age, the man is going strong as ever and isn’t looking to slow down any time soon. The current golden boot holder has 17 strikes to his name, 5 more than second placed Aubameyang. With some quality service from the likes of Maddison, Vardy has gotten a new jolt of life and is pushing Leicester to their best finish since the title triumph of 2016.
Jamie Vardy joins Ruud van Nistelrooy as the only players in Premier League history to score in eight straight matches on two separate occasions. (h/t @OptaJoe)
Vardy also has 28 Premier League goals in 2019.
Among Europe's top five leagues, only Lionel Messi has more (33). pic.twitter.com/tp9OEQFmXV
Stats for the season: Appearances - 19, Goals - 17, Assists - 3, Shots/game - 2.6, Key Passes/game - 0.6, Dribbles/game - 0.7
Left Striker - Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang
While Arsenal may be struggling to even break into the top half of the table, things could have been much worse without Aubameyang finding the back of the net regularly. Here’s a stat to back the claim. Arsenal have scored a paltry 25 goals in the league. Out of those 25, Auba has scored 12 and assisted one. That translates to about 52% of the goals.
If Arsenal are to finish anywhere near the top half of the table, his goals will be a vital part of it.
Stats for the season: Appearances - 19, Goals - 12, Assists - 1, Shots/game - 2.7, Key Passes/game - 0.7, Dribbles/game - 0.4
Subs- Kasper Schmeichel, Ricardo Pereira, Joel Matip, Wilfred Ndidi, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham.
There you have it folks! Our Premier League team of the season so far!
