Premier League Team of the Season 2024-25 by Sports Illustrated

The 2024-25 Premier League campaign concluded on Sunday, May 25th, with Liverpool crowned as champions. Liverpool dominated the season under Arne Slot, comfortably securing their position at the top.

They will be joined in next season`s Champions League by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace secured Europa League spots, while Nottingham Forest faces a playoff for the Conference League spot.

With the season now complete, it`s fitting to recognize and celebrate the players who delivered exceptional performances over the 38-game schedule.

Here is Sports Illustrated`s selection for the Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25:

Goalkeeper

Matz Sels – Nottingham Forest

Achieving a Golden Glove award in his debut Premier League season is a remarkable feat for Matz Sels. While Arsenal`s David Raya also earned the award, Sels gets the edge here, given the significantly higher defensive workload Nottingham Forest faced throughout the season. He appears to be the stable, long-term solution Forest needed in goal.

Sels was instrumental in helping Forest improve their defensive record, conceding just 46 goals this campaign compared to 67 last season. His individual performance was key to keeping Forest competitive. Only a slight dip in form from the team towards the end of the season prevented him from being the outright Golden Glove winner.

If Forest recruits effectively this summer, Sels, despite being 33, is well-positioned to build on this impressive campaign.

Defence

Left Back: Antonee Robinson – Fulham

Undoubtedly the league`s standout left-back this season, Antonee Robinson was arguably Fulham`s top performer yet again. He led all defenders with 10 assists across 36 league appearances, matching the assist tallies of midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka.

Robinson also topped the charts for successful crosses with 42 from 170 attempts. His efficiency in the final third was notable, completing 394 passes there with a 73.1% success rate, significantly more than his closest competitors.

His consistent improvement has generated considerable excitement among USMNT supporters looking ahead to next season and the 2026 World Cup.

Centre Back: Gabriel – Arsenal

Gabriel was not only Arsenal`s top defender this season but also one of the Premier League`s elite performers. He was a pivotal figure in Arsenal achieving the league`s best defensive record over the 38 games.

His individual duels, particularly those against Erling Haaland, were highlights, showcasing his strength and positioning. Gabriel played a major role in Arsenal`s 13 clean sheets. What elevates him further is his dominance in set pieces at both ends. His goal threat from corners is significant, forcing opponents to mark him closely, as demonstrated against Manchester City.

Although a hamstring injury ended his season prematurely, Gabriel has shown consistent growth over the past two years, at times even surpassing his defensive partner, William Saliba.

Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

The captain and champion – Virgil van Dijk rediscovered his best form in Arne Slot`s successful debut season. He completed the most passes of any player in the league, highlighting his importance in initiating attacks from deep and providing a calming presence at the back.

Van Dijk ranked second in aerial duels won (119), but his success rate of 72.1% was significantly higher than other top performers like Nathan Collins. He was integral to Liverpool`s defense, which conceded 41 goals, the second-lowest tally after Arsenal.

Contributing 3 goals and 1 assist in 37 appearances, Van Dijk, alongside Mohamed Salah, proved vital in securing Liverpool`s second league title in five years, silencing doubts about his peak performance years.

Right Back: Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest

The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season under Nuno Espírito Santo at Forest. He was a critical defensive asset, forming an effective partnership on the right flank with Anthony Elanga.

Aina`s defensive statistics were impressive, including 3.2 clearances per 90, 1.3 successful tackles per 90, and successfully winning possession an outstanding 190 times over the season – the most by any defender in the league.

Although his attacking output might not match some fullbacks in the league, his crucial defensive contributions throughout almost the entire season (playing in all but three games) should not be overlooked.

Midfield

Central Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch deserves recognition not only for a spot in the Team of the Season but also as a strong candidate for Most Improved Player. After a difficult start under Jürgen Klopp, he truly flourished under Arne Slot.

His midfield partnership with Alexis Mac Allister was key to Liverpool`s ability to control possession and quickly regain the ball. Appearing in 37 of 38 matches, Gravenberch made a league-high 60 interceptions among midfielders.

Named the Premier League`s Young Player of the Season, the Dutch midfielder also contributed four assists during the campaign.

Central Midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool

The other half of Liverpool`s effective midfield pivot, Alexis Mac Allister, provided more direct goal contributions with five goals and five assists. However, this didn`t detract from his defensive efforts.

Mac Allister ranked fourth among all midfielders for total tackles this season (95). The partnership between the Argentine and Gravenberch would strengthen almost any team in Europe; together, they formed one of the world`s most formidable midfield pairings.

Central Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United

Amidst a challenging campaign for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, along with Amad Diallo, was a standout performer. Fernandes was United`s leading assist provider (10) and joint-top goalscorer (8) in the league.

His contributions were essential in preventing the club`s worst-ever Premier League season from being even more disastrous. Bruno`s attacking influence is clear: he completed the second-most successful passes in the final third (647) and the most through balls (31) in the league, constantly trying to drive United forward.

It`s evident he needs better support, particularly a reliable striker, next season.

Attack

Left Wing: Luis Díaz – Liverpool

While no single left winger definitively dominated the league this season, Luis Díaz had a solid campaign for the champions. Across 36 appearances, sometimes playing centrally and sometimes wide, he registered 18 goal contributions (13 goals, five assists).

Díaz had the second-highest expected goals (xG) tally among Liverpool players with 12, averaging 0.49 goals per 90 minutes.

Ultimately, he edges out competitors like teammate Cody Gakpo and Bournemouth`s Justin Kluivert for this spot.

Striker: Alexander Isak – Newcastle United

Had it not been for the player occupying the final spot on this list, Alexander Isak might have added a Premier League Golden Boot to his collection. The Swedish striker spearheaded Newcastle United`s attack brilliantly throughout the season, scoring 23 goals and providing six assists.

His success is another testament to Newcastle`s effective recruitment strategy under Eddie Howe.

Expect Isak to be firmly in contention for top scorer honors alongside Salah and Haaland again next season.

Right Wing: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Naturally, the Player of the Season earns a place in the Team of the Season. Mohamed Salah was in exceptional form, leading the league in both goals (29) and assists (18). He was close to equalling or breaking the Premier League record for assists in a single campaign (20).

Salah created the most chances and `big chances` for Liverpool by a significant margin, reflected in his outstanding xG of 25.4, far ahead of the next Liverpool player (Díaz at 12.0). Averaging 0.77 goals per 90 minutes, his season put him firmly in the conversation for a Ballon d`Or, although only winning the league might impact that.

Regardless, there`s no denying Salah`s status among the greatest players in Premier League history.

Honourable Mentions