By LONDON — The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has announced the Premier League Team of the Year for the 2023/24 season, recognizing standout performances from players representing Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
Arsenal leads the selection with five players, reflecting their strong defensive record and midfield dominance throughout the season. Manchester City follows closely with four representatives, including the league’s top scorer and the Premier League Player of the Season.
The team, voted for by professional players across the league, is as follows:
Goalkeeper:
– David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders:
– William Saliba (Arsenal)
– Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
– Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
– Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders:
– Declan Rice (Arsenal)
– Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
– Rodri (Manchester City)
Forwards:
– Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
– Phil Foden (Manchester City)
– Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Arsenal’s dominance in the selection begins with goalkeeper David Raya, who secured the Golden Glove award with 16 clean sheets. The Gunners’ defensive prowess is further highlighted by the inclusion of center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Arsenal conceded just 29 goals in 38 games, the lowest in the league, with Saliba playing every available minute of the campaign.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk earns his spot after a resurgent season, silencing critics following his return from a serious injury. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker rounds out the defensive line, marking the first of four selections for the Premier League champions.
In midfield, Arsenal’s influence continues with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Rice contributed seven goals and nine assists across 38 appearances, while captain Odegaard registered eight goals and ten assists. They’re joined by Manchester City’s Rodri, who went undefeated in his 34 appearances while adding eight goals and nine assists to City’s title-winning campaign.
The forward line is led by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who, despite injury setbacks, topped the scoring charts with 27 goals in 31 games. His teammate Phil Foden, named Premier League Player of the Season, also secures a spot in the elite XI.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins completes the lineup, earning recognition for his outstanding season under manager Unai Emery. Watkins’ impressive tally of 19 goals and 13 assists played a crucial role in Villa’s successful campaign.
This selection reflects a season that saw intense competition at the top of the table, with Arsenal challenging Manchester City’s dominance for much of the year. The inclusion of players from four different clubs underscores the high level of talent spread across the league’s top teams.
The PFA Team of the Year is one of the most prestigious honors in English football, as it represents recognition from fellow professionals. This year’s selection highlights both individual brilliance and the collective strength of the league’s top-performing teams.
As the 2024/25 season approaches, these players will aim to maintain their high standards, while others will be motivated to break into next year’s elite XI.
