Deciding on a Premier League Team of the Season is no easy task, with almost every fan forming different opinion.
Opta are arguably the game’s leading experts when it comes to football data and have revealed their Team of the Season so far, based on cold, hard statistics.
Despite a recent goal drought, the inclusion of Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland at centre-back will surprise few, while Arsenal centre-back pair Gabriel Maghalaes and William Saliba predictably anchor the defence.
However, there are some surprises across Opta’s best-performing XI. Few would have suggested Phil Foden has been at his best this season, but the England international forms part of an all-Manchester City frontline alongside Haaland and Rayan Cherki.
There’s no place for Antoine Semenyo despite his excellence for Bournemouth and Manchester City, with the winger having hit the ground running since moving to the Etihad in January. 19-goal Brentford forward Igor Thiago is another notable omission despite hunting Haaland down in the Golden Boot race.
The inclusion of Matheus Nunes at left-back, despite having never played there this season, is a gear-grinder.
Opta’s Premier League Team of the Season so far
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson – Crystal Palace
Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal
Centre-back: Gabriel Maghalaes – Arsenal
Left-back: Matheus Nunes – Manchester City
Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool
Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City
Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
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