The 2023/24 Premier League season has thrown a devilish cocktail of tasty thrills and devastating lows so far, and a number of top players have successfully managed to showcase their talent.
It is not a surprise to see Manchester City topping the table after matchweek 12, but last season’s Championship winners Burnley finding themselves in the basement should raise a few eyebrows.
With the international break coming to a welcome close, let us take a look at the players that walk into the Premier League campaign’s best XI till Matchweek 12.
Premier League XI (4-2-3-1)
Guglielmo Vicario (GK)
Guglielmo Vicario has barely put a foot wrong for Tottenham since joining from Empoli in the summer. He has quickly managed to succeed legendary Hugo Lloris at the club and has been a big part of the Ange Postecoglou-managed side’s strong start to the season.
The Italian has produced key saves in games, dominated the box and distributed the ball very well to initiate many of Tottenham’s attacks. He has kept four clean sheets and conceded 15 goals in 12 games. Vicario conceded four goals against Chelsea but still managed to stand out.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
When players are falling out of the squad with injuries, experienced Kieran Trippier continues to lead Newcastle by example. Six assists in 12 games and defensively diligent make the England international an easy pick at right-back.
William Saliba (CB)
A goal and an assist apiece are great, but it is his aerial prowess, composure on the ball and leadership that earns William Saliba a place here. He is now arguably one of the best in his position in the league and has helped Arsenal pick up four clean sheets this season. Add an impressive pass completion percentage, some vital blocks and interceptions and the Frenchman deserves to be a part of this XI.
Micky van de Ven (CB)
Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League this season and a huge reason for it is due to the top performances from Micky van de Ven. Following his summer move from Wolfsburg, the Dutchman has adapted to the demands of Premier League football like a fish to water and has been crucial in building attacks from the back for Spurs.
Van de Ven’s serious hamstring injury in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea is a hammer blow for Spurs though, and Postecoglou will have to manage without the defender’s services until the New Year.
Destiny Udogie (LB)
Like Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie has been brilliant on the left-hand side of Spurs’ defence and delivered some eye-catching displays. The 20-year-old Italian is the ideal modern full-back as he loves to attack as well as defend with equal passion and tenacity. He has already managed two assists in 10 appearances this season.
James Ward-Prowse (CM)
James Ward-Prowse has proven to be a top acquisition for West Ham, although his performances somehow don’t get him near the England setup. A set-piece expert, he has two goals and five assists in 11 appearances for the Hammers.
Rodri (CM)
The best in his position, Rodri continues to be a class act for Man City. He has casually added three goals and two assists to his repertoire while controlling games and doing all the dirty work for the treble winners.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
You cannot keep Mohamed Salah out of the team, can you? Salah has been in rollicking form this season, and his 10 goals and four assists already this season clearly demonstrate that.
With Liverpool revamping their midfield unit in the summer, the Egyptian has had to do less of tracking back and more of wreaking havoc in the final third against the opposition.
James Maddison (CAM)
The bargain signing of the summer transfer window, James Maddison is the most creative player in the Premier League this season. He has bagged three goals and five assists and made a massive difference to the Spurs side with his imagination, flair and set-piece expertise.
Bukayo Saka (LW)
One of the best talents in English football, Bukayo Saka has thrived in attack and helped the Gunners sit in a very nice position currently in the Premier League. So far in the division, the England international has four goals and as many assists, although he missed the last game due to injury.
Erling Haaland (ST)
With 13 goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season, Erling Haaland is the top goalscorer in the division. He has not been at his sublime best but with the goals he has scored, it is impossible to not include him in this starting XI.
