After yet another hectic season, this Premier League campaign was one of the most exciting in recent memory. The title, relegation and some European spots all hung in the balance with 25 minutes to go. The most dramatic league in the world delivered yet again.
Across the season, there have been some outstanding performances. Let’s take a look at our Team of the Season for the 2021/2022 Premier League campaign.
Goalkeeper – José Sá
José Sá has quickly become one of the best keepers in the league following his heroics throughout the campaign. Replacing Rui Patricio between the sticks is a daunting task for any goalkeeper, however, José Sá has slotted into the role with ease, producing 11 clean sheets and making over 120+ saves. A top half finish for Wolves and the club’s player of the season award rightfully earns Sá his spot in the team of the season.
Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has continued to prove to the world why he is the best right back around. At only 23 years of age, Trent has won every trophy that has been on offer to him and has gone from strength to strength throughout Liverpool’s near-flawless season. Two goals and 12 assists whilst orchestrating one of the most devastating teams in recent history is beyond ridiculous. TAA has reshaped the role of a full back and deservedly fills the right back spot in this team.
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk
There is not much more to say about Virgil van Dijk. The man-mountain at the back for Liverpool seems to get better and better as he coasts his way through games. Possibly the most consistent player throughout the Premier League era, van Dijk remains vital for Liverpool as they push for silverware year on year, and the possibility of winning a cup treble will almost certainly cement the Dutchman into the conversation for one of Liverpool’s best ever defenders.
Centre Back – Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers in what has turned out to be a strange season for the West London men. Forming a formidable partnership with veteran Thiago Silva, Rüdiger has shone throughout the campaign with his aggressive defensive style and his effectiveness in possession. Rüdiger’s development and progress since his arrival has been evident, with the German heading to Real Madrid in the summer, causing a massive blow for Chelsea’s backline.
Left Back – João Cancelo
The Portuguese playmaker has finally settled into life in the Premier League and is now undeniably one of the best players in the world. Filling in at right or left back, Cancelo is able to influence all aspects of Man City’s attacking play. Directly involved in eight goals this season, Cancelo provides sublime moments of quality that unlock defences. He’s a unique player that fills a unique role.
Centre Midfield – Rodri
The Spanish anchor-man has proved his worth to Pep Guardiola’s side this season, providing consistency in the centre of the park. Breaking up play and keeping the ball ticking over is a key element within Pep’s game plan and Rodri fits the bill. He has also popped up with important goals throughout the campaign – none of which were more important than his equaliser against Aston Villa on the final day of the season, elevating the City comeback.
Centre Midfield – Bernardo Silva
Operating anywhere across the midfield and being able to produce world class performances in wider areas is unheard of in the world of football. Bernardo Silva has quickly broken those beliefs. The Portuguese sensation has put in the hard yards this season and has been Pep’s go-to man in the big games. A well-deserved victory at Stamford Bridge early in the season where Silva filled in at the no.6 and was without a doubt the man of the match was clear evidence of his work rate and importance to a side filled with stars. Eight goals and four assists to go alongside his performances is nothing short of outstanding, and deservedly earns him a spot in this team.
Centre Midfield – Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne’s importance to Manchester City is unparallel. As the years go by, De Bruyne gets better and better and will almost certainly go down as one of City’s greatest ever when all is said and done. Fifteen goals and eight assists in as little as 30 matches is all you need to know about the Belgian playmaker. A four-goal game against Wolves which looks to have wrapped up the title was a fitting end to De Bruyne’s season.
Right Wing – Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s start to the season was breath-taking. Consistently scoring goals at the highest level has become the norm for Mo, but his game has been taken to a completely different level this year. Popping up with big goals in the big games and being able to produce the numbers he has meant there was no other man that could take this place. Winning another Golden Boot (albeit joint with Son) with 23 goals and being at the top of the tree in creativity with 13 assists has ensured Salah’s season as being one of the best in Premier League history.
Left Wing – Son Heung-min
Often dubbed as the Robin to Harry Kane’s Batman, Son Heung-min reversed the roles this season and took over Tottenham’s attack. With 23 goals, Son is a Golden Boot winner – joint with Salah, without scoring a single penalty. Creating from wider areas with seven assists, Son has proven that he is more than capable of being the main man in a top side. Antonio Conte’s change of formation has allowed Son to flourish and produce one of his statistically best seasons in a Tottenham shirt and earnt him a place in this years team of the season.
Striker – Cristiano Ronaldo
Without Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line for Manchester United, it would not have been a shock to see them finish in the bottom half of the table. In a struggling side that is formed by a bunch of misfits, CR7 was still able to do what he does best – score goals. 18goals and two hat-tricks that picked up incredibly valuable points for United this season meant there was no other man to take this spot. Ronaldo’s future remains unclear; however, consistently scoring goals and being a leader on the pitch will lead to Erik ten Hag doing his best to keep him for another season.
Manager – Jürgen Klopp
Klopp’s ability to constantly get the best out of his side has led to Liverpool’s unbelievable success in the last four years. Going toe-to-toe with Manchester City and taking it to the final day of the season whilst becoming the first manager to reach all three cup finals in a season is a tremendous feat and may never be done again. The quadruple was a step too far for Klopp and his men, but a trio of cup final victories would cement a remarkable season.
