Isak is best striker in England while Mbeumo is set for summer move, adds former Premier League manager
Here we go, my Team of the Season. There are a few goalkeepers that could have got in between the sticks, but I’m picking Matz Sels. He has been superb for Nottingham Forest, a huge factor in them having the season they did. He’s such a presence and so dominant at coming out and dealing with crosses.
At right-back, Daniel Munoz at Crystal Palace has been brilliant. I know he plays as more of a wing-back, but I can’t leave him out. His energy and quality going forward are so vital to how his team play, and I don’t see many better players in this position than him. He was a big reason why they won the FA Cup, so how can I leave him out?
Another Forest player and perhaps the signing of the season, big Nikola Milenkovic has been a revelation, just magnificent. I don’t think he lost a header all season! Murillo alongside him had a great season too, but I’m going for Milenkovic.
I’ve got to have Virgil van Dijk in this. I know he’s not getting any younger, but I still don’t see many better than Virgil in the game. This is a guy that has no weaknesses and just cruises through games with so much class and quality. Obviously, he’s the skipper of the title-winning team, he’s a no-brainer in this side. On that, it was nice to see Alan Hansen hand over the trophy to Van Dijk the other day, what a pairing that would have been for Liverpool!
Next to Van Dijk, a guy that might just be a future team-mate if you believe the papers, Milos Kerkez. I’ve watched a lot of Bournemouth, and Kerkez has just gotten better and better and has developed into the perfect modern left-back.
The easiest pick of them all and my Player of the Season, Mohamed Salah. I know he cooled off a little towards the end of the season but what a campaign, he was sensational for Arne Slot. With all that contract talk surrounding him all season, he looked as good as ever and delivered another title for Liverpool. I for one am delighted he’s sticking around for a while longer!
Youri Tielemans quietly had a brilliant season for Aston Villa and caught the eye virtually every time I watched them. Tielemans oozes quality and is so composed on the ball. He’s always trying to make things happen, to play forward and when he gets within shooting range, look out!
Not enough people realise how good Sandro Tonali is at Newcastle. What a top, top midfielder he is and what a season he had. He was magnificent in the EFL Cup final and that was against an excellent Liverpool midfield. He scores goals, put tackles in and covers every blade of grass. They paid a lot for him a couple of years ago but he’s worth every penny.
Eberechi Eze is getting in my side. I needed another Palace player and truth be told, I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Ismaila Sarr this season. Eze is the talisman though and that FA Cup final-winning goal will be talked about for generations. He’s become a Palace icon and those fans will be hoping he’s still at Selhurst Park next season.
Bryan Mbeumo hasbeen brilliant, what a threat he is. He got 20 goals in the Premier League this season, that’s an excellent return. He’s so much more than just goals or a nice left peg though, he’s fast, works hard and is capable of beating a man. He’s already been linked with a few big clubs, I’d be surprised if he’s a Brentford player next season.
Last up, I have to pick Alexander Isak. He’s been the best striker in the division this season and looks like a superstar when he’s at his best. Obviously, he came second in the race for the Golden Boot but there’s so much more to come from him. Talk about a striker that’s got absolutely everything!
Manager of the Season – It could have been Oliver Glasner but I’m going for my old mate, Eddie Howe. It feels like Eddie still doesn’t get the credit he deserves – he won Newcastle an historic cup and got them in the Champions League, that might be the best season in the club’s history!
*Football Odds subject to change.
