While Sports Illustrated has indeed published their Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25, your request for a 400-word summary can be provided based on their selection and the general context of the season.
Here is Sports Illustrated’s Premier League Team of the Season 2024-25:
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)1
Sels earns his place after an impressive debut season, even sharing the Golden Glove award.2 Despite Nottingham Forest spending a significant amount of time defending, his consistent performances and crucial saves were vital in their campaign. His arrival brought much-needed stability to their goalkeeping position.
Left-Back: Antonee Robinson (Fulham)3
Robinson is highlighted as the league’s best left-back this season. His contributions were not just defensively sound but also significantly impacted Fulham’s attack. He remarkably led all defenders with 10 assists, matching the tally of players like Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka, showcasing his attacking prowess from a defensive position.
Center-Back: Gabriel (Arsenal)
Gabriel’s importance to Arsenal’s defense, which boasted the best defensive record in the league, is heavily emphasized. His commanding presence, especially in crucial matches against top teams, and his aerial threat in both boxes make him a standout defender. Despite a late-season injury, his overall contribution was immense.
Center-Back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)4
The Liverpool captain showcased a return to his best form, leading the newly crowned champions.5 His leadership at the back was crucial, and he also contributed offensively with three goals and an assist.6 Van Dijk led the league in passes completed, highlighting his role in building attacks from defense, alongside his commanding aerial presence.
Right Midfielder: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah’s outstanding individual season sees him included. While the formation listed by Sports Illustrated doesn’t explicitly state “Right Midfielder,” his position on the right of Liverpool’s attack is well-known. His Golden Boot and Playmaker awards speak volumes about his goal-scoring and creative impact throughout Liverpool’s title-winning season.7
Central Midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
The Dutch international played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s midfield. His blend of physicality and technical ability allowed him to contribute effectively both in breaking up play and in supporting the attack, making him a key component of the champions’ side.
Central Midfielder: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice’s seamless adaptation and excellent performances in Arsenal’s midfield, whether in a more defensive or box-to-box role, make him a crucial inclusion. His athleticism, intelligence, and leadership qualities provided Arsenal with consistency and strength in the middle of the park.
Left Midfielder: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
Mbeumo enjoyed his most prolific Premier League season, scoring 20 goals.8 Playing often on the left wing for Brentford, his partnership with Yoane Wissa propelled the team to the brink of European qualification, showcasing his significant attacking threat.
Forward: Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Isak firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards, netting 23 goals for Newcastle.9 His consistent improvement over his seasons at the club highlights his growing importance and quality in the league’s attacking landscape.
Forward: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)10
In his best-ever season, Wood scored 20 goals and became Nottingham Forest’s all-time leading Premier League scorer. His goals were instrumental in Forest’s push for European qualification, and he also became the first Forest player to win the Player of the Month award.
This selection reflects a blend of players from the title-winning team, Liverpool, and individuals who significantly impacted their respective clubs’ seasons through outstanding performances.
