Premier League Team of the Season

Bet Central has selected its Premier League Team of the Season for the 2022/23 campaign after Man City were crowned champions for the third season running.

GK – Nick Pope (Newcastle)

A huge part of Newcastle’s drive to Champions League football, Nick Pope has been exceptional between the sticks this season. There were times this season when he looked unbeatable even when his defence had been breached.

He finished the season with 14 clean sheets, an exceptional return from a player who was part of a relegated team last year. Eddie Howe will be very happy with his no.1’s efforts this season and if he can shore up his defence, it will be an even greater boost for the Champions League-bound side.

RB – Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)

Kieran Trippier is well-travelled having been a part of Atletico Madrid’s exceptional defence for a few seasons, all his experience from his days at Spurs and Atletico came to the fore as he was a thorn that fizzled out attack after attack on his side of defence.

Eddie Howe will view him as one of his trusted lieutenants going into the Champions League next season. Once again his experience will be crucial for the St James’ Park faithful.

CB – William Saliba (Arsenal)

His injury had many Arsenal fans rueing what could have been, William Saliba was injured during the business end of the season and the Gunners fell apart without their young star. It is not a ridiculous contention to say the ribbons on the Premier League trophy might have been red if Saliba was fit for the final games of the season. 

The French international reads the game beautifully and his timing on the tackle was exceptional to add to his aerial strength on both ends of the field. It was a superb 1^st full season at Arsenal for the Frenchman.

CB – Manuel Akanji (Man City)

The 1^st of 2 former Borussia Dortmund players in this team, Manuel Akanji is a player who has shown glimpses of promise at his former club. He elevated his game to a new level under Pep Guardiola, his pace and anticipation snuffed out a lot of opposition.

The maths wiz has great ability on the ball, he supplemented the City attack through his passing range. The Swiss defender has been an astute acquisition for Pep Guardiola.

LB – Nathan Ake (Man City)

At times it’s hard to justify including a Man City player based on game time owing to how massive their squad is, Nathan Ake is one such player. He did not have a lot of appearances, but when he played he was excellent.

He shifted to left back for the 2^nd part of the season after Joao Cancelo’s departure mid-season. He did not miss a beat even in the wider defensive position, Oleksander Zinchenko dropped off in form towards the end of the season and thus misses out.

CM – Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

The best bit of business Brighton can do this off-season is hold onto Moises Caicedo which might prove near impossible considering the season the Ecuadorian has had. For a 21-year-old, he has so much composure on the ball and has a tidy pass.

He has an engine reminiscent of prime N’golo Kante, but he is much more proficient technically. The youngster was exceptional for Brighton this season and is almost certain to move with Arsenal keen on him.

CM – Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Finally lived up to the exceptional promise that saw him sign for Real Madrid as a 16-year-old, he was incredible on the transition for Arsenal and scored a number of important goals. He is the glue that pieces together Arsenal’s attack.

His leadership style also seemed to be in agreement with what Arteta expects from his skipper, he has finally found his football home at Arsenal. If not for Arsenal’s late-season slump, may well have been the player of the season.

CM – Kevin de Bruyne (Man City)

Far from Kevin de Bruyne’s best season, but still easily walks into the team of the season which tells you all you need to know about his ability. In the big moments that need Man City’s talisman to step up and show his worth, de Bruyne stepped up to the plate to propel City to yet another title.

He contributed with goals to add to being the Premier League’s assist king. He looks well on his way to securing a legacy as perhaps City’s best-ever player.

RW – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Ran out of steam towards the end of the season, but Bukayo Saka was still far and away the best right winger in the Premier League, his pace and trickery gave defenders a lot of trouble. He was excellent in supporting his right back defensively.

He had 25 goal contributions with 11 assists and 14 goals as he shone offensively alongside his captain Odegaard. He is a vital cog for Mikel Arteta going into next season.

LW – Marcus Rashford (Man United)

Probably the only position where there were no real standouts because for the most part left wingers struggled for consistency, even our selected Marcus Rashford struggled in the new year. But when he was firing he was so hard to stop.

Gabby Martinelli will also rue a late season as he had a very good season with Arsenal, but purely on the red-hot form Rashford had earlier in the season – he gets our vote.

ST – Erling Haaland (Man City)

Took to the Premier League life like a duck to water, Erling Haaland didn’t only adjust well to life in England, he thrived in a manner that makes one think he will be a dominant force in this league in the years to come.

He broke the record for goals scored in a Premier League season netting an impressive 36 goals, he was a nightmare for defenders across the league, it wasn’t just through his goal scoring, but his link-up play with the likes of Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne was terrific. Easily, the signing of the season.

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