Another Premier League season is done and dusted, with Manchester City getting their title once again. Pep Guardiola’s Man City side edged out Arsenal in an exciting title race to win their third successive Premier League title.
There have been so many standout performers from different clubs during yet another dramatic Premier League campaign; from the goalscoring exploits of Erling Haaland to the brilliance and magic of Bukayo Saka and Kevin de Bruyne.
Without further ado, let us take a look at our Premier League team of the season for 2022-23.
GK—Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
One of Newcastle United’s best performers, Nick Pope makes the cut here. Manchester United’s David de Gea won the Golden Glove award for keeping the most clean sheets, but he had a far from convincing campaign. Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also had a solid campaign, while Ederson and Allison were also impressive for Man City and Liverpool, respectively.
But Pope had a brilliant season, keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding just 32 goals in 37 appearances. Having moved to Newcastle from Burnley in a £10m deal last summer, he represents a very shrewd piece of business by Eddie Howe’s side.
RB—Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
Pope’s teammate and a crucial member of the Newcastle rearguard, Kieran Trippier led the side very well and helped Eddie Howe’s team in securing a Champions League berth.
The Englishman’s creativity on the ball and set-piece proficiency was pivotal in creating ample amount of goal-scoring opportunities for his side. Tripper was also among the top chance creators in the division and had the second-most assists (7), behind Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold for defenders.
CB—William Saliba (Arsenal)
William Saliba had a debut Premier League season to remember with Arsenal. The young defender started the season with people doubting whether he was ready to make the step up after multiple loan spells in France, but those critics have long been silenced.
Saliba formed a strong central defensive pairing with Gabriel, helping the Gunners to a second-place finish. The Frenchman’s importance in the team was highlighted when he got injured in March, and from then, everything went downhill for Arteta’s Arsenal.
CB—Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Partnering Saliba at the back in this team is Ruben Dias, who was a colossus for Manchester City since returning from a hamstring injury at the start of the year.
The Portuguese has been an integral part of the City side that recently won the historic treble. He has been a rock at the back for Pep Guardiola, and his partnership with Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji made City unbreachable for the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
LB—Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw was integral to Manchester United’s tangible progress this season under Erik ten Hag.
The England international was defensively sound and showed his versatility by playing in central defence when asked by the manager. He was equally good going forward, chipping in with a goal and two assists in 33 appearances.
Shaw takes the left-back spot ahead of some notable mentions Oleksandr Zinchenko, Nathan Ake and Pervis Estupinan.
CDM—Rodri (Manchester City)
Arguably the most influential player in Pep Guardiola’s dominant City side that won the treble, Rodri enjoyed an exceptional season. The Spaniard’s ability to dictate the tempo of play from the No.6 role is unrivalled, and his importance in the team and faith in his manager, are reflected by his constant inclusion in the starting XI.
It is easy to overlook the job Rodri does for City, but Guardiola couldn’t have achieved the treble without him.
RCM—Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)
Imperious Kevin de Bruyne has once again been part of a dominant City side, winning the title in five of his six campaigns as a crucial cog of the passing machine in Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
The Belgian quickly established a telepathic understanding with summer signing Erling Haaland, assisting in double figures for the Norwegian in all competitions. He supplied the most assists (16) in the league, demonstrating his creativity and vision.
De Bruyne had a huge say in City’s treble success, even though he was forced off injured in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
LCM—Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
At times it felt like Bukayo Saka was driving Arsenal’s title charge by himself purely in terms of his attacking output. Despite being just 21, he consistently delivered goals and assists while displaying tremendous maturity and calmness in his performances.
With 11 assists, Saka was the fourth-highest assists getter and also netted an impressive 14 goals in 38 games. The England international is yet to hit his prime years as a footballer, and considering his development under Arteta, he could reach scary heights in the future.
CAM—Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Captaining the Arsenal side at 24 and leading their title charge against Man City is no mean feat, but Martin Odegaard did it with aplomb. He has a matured head on young shoulders, with his leadership skills proving invaluable for the Gunners.
Technically gifted and tactically smart, Odegaard had a wonderful season with Arsenal. He registered 15 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances, with his tactical nous and work rate paired with his creativity and vision to spot his teammates in the final third completely transforming the Arsenal midfield.
RS—Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Harry Kane is and has been among the world-class strikers across the continent for some time now. He netted 30 goals in 38 appearances and surpassed Wayne Rooney’s Premier League and England record—all of these feats having come in a bang-average Tottenham side.
No doubt Kane is cut from a different cloth and the Englishman is one of the most technically-gifted players in the division. His all-round game is phenomenal, and if it was not for Haaland, Kane would’ve won the Golden Boot award this season.
LS—Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
What a debut season Erling Haaland has had in England! Haaland has smashed the record for the most goals in a single season by a Premier League player across all competitions (52). He’s been nothing short of a sensation, scoring goals for fun, destroying defences and firing City to a historic treble.
The Norwegian goal-machine also chipped in with seven assists, showing he has more to his game than just scoring goals. An easy pick for the team.
