Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta has been given major recognition at the 2025 PFA Awards, with three Gunners Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães earning places in the 2024/25 PFA Team of the Year.
The annual XI, voted for by professional footballers across the Premier League, reflects Arsenal’s growing dominance as all three players have been instrumental in the club’s strong start to the new campaign.
Declan Rice, Arsenal’s £105 million record signing from West Ham in 2023, has firmly established himself as one of the league’s outstanding midfielders. The England international has blended tireless energy with crisp passing and defensive discipline, drawing comparisons with Gunners legend Patrick Vieira. Now 27, Rice has already contributed a goal and two assists in the opening three matches of the season.
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Alongside him in the Team of the Year is William Saliba, who continues to burnish his reputation as one of the world’s premier defenders. The 24-year-old Frenchman has anchored a backline that has conceded just once so far this season, showcasing composure on the ball, dominance in duels and the ability to shut down elite attackers.
Arsenal
Arsenal stars Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice at the PFA Awards (Image credit: Getty Images)
Widely regarded as “the best defender in the world right now,” Saliba signed a new long-term contract last year to commit his future to the Emirates.
Completing the Arsenal trio is Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba’s trusted partner at the back. The 28-year-old Brazilian has contributed two goals already this campaign and continues to impose himself as a leader in both penalty areas.
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His physicality and organisation have been key to Arsenal’s growing set-piece threat, with the Gunners scoring four goals from corners. Gabriel’s inclusion marks his second consecutive appearance in the PFA Team of the Year, underlining his consistency at the top level.
The announcement was made at Tuesday night’s PFA Awards in London, just days after Arsenal opened their league campaign with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. With Rice marshalling midfield and the Saliba-Gabriel axis in defence, Arteta’s side have laid strong foundations for another title challenge, bolstered by summer arrivals Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United on Saturday, before a September showdown with Manchester City that could provide an early marker in the title race.
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