Premier League’s best XI of the 2024-25 season : From Sels to Salah and beyond

As the 2024-25 Premier League season reaches its critical stages, certain players have distinguished themselves through consistent excellence. The current campaign has witnessed remarkable individual performances across all positions, from goalkeeping heroics to clinical finishing. These standouts have propelled their teams to unexpected heights, with some clubs now challenging for European qualification despite modest expectations at the season’s outset. Statistical analysis reveals these elite performers are exceeding expectations, with predictive models suggesting continued strong performances through the season’s conclusion.

In Short

Defensive stalwarts forming the backbone of success

The foundation of any successful team begins with solid defensive performers, and this season’s standouts have redefined excellence in their respective positions. Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels has emerged as the Premier League’s most reliable goalkeeper, making an impressive 89 saves while conceding just 35 goals – the fourth-fewest in the competition. His critical interventions have directly contributed to nine one-goal victories for Forest, transforming their defensive resilience.

At right-back, Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz has revolutionized the position with his dual-threat capabilities. The Colombian international has recorded more touches in the opposing box than any Premier League defender except Josko Gvardiol, while simultaneously ranking second in tackles behind Everton’s Idrissa Gueye. His tactical understanding and tireless work rate have been instrumental in Palace’s defensive solidity, with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding fewer goals.

The central defensive pairing of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic exemplifies perfect balance between leadership and aerial dominance. Van Dijk leads the Premier League in passes and touches, functioning as both defensive anchor and playmaker for Arne Slot’s title contenders. Meanwhile, Milenkovic, nicknamed “the Serbinator,” has transformed Forest’s set-piece vulnerabilities into strengths, contributing four crucial goals including match-winners against Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Completing the defensive unit, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has redefined the left-back position with his attacking contributions. His remarkable tally of 10 assists – second only to Mohamed Salah – demonstrates his importance to Marco Silva’s tactical approach. Robinson’s electric pace and improved crossing accuracy have made him one of the league’s most sought-after defenders, with Liverpool reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

Midfield maestros controlling the tempo

The engine room of any successful team requires technical brilliance, tactical awareness, and relentless work rate – qualities abundantly evident in this season’s standout midfielders. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes continues to defy his team’s struggles with consistently outstanding performances. Since joining in 2020, only Kevin De Bruyne has registered more assists across Europe’s top five leagues, while Fernandes’ defensive contributions often go unnoticed despite ranking among the league leaders in ball recoveries.

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch represents perhaps the season’s most dramatic transformation. After struggling to make an impact under Jürgen Klopp, the Dutch midfielder has flourished in Arne Slot’s system as a mobile, technically gifted number six. Leading the league in interceptions with 50, Gravenberch provides both defensive security and progressive passing from deep positions, making Liverpool’s failure to sign Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad look increasingly fortuitous.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer occupies the advanced midfield position despite his recent form dip. With 14 goals and six assists by March, Palmer’s creative vision and clinical finishing have frequently rescued the Blues from difficult situations. His historic four-goal first-half performance against Brighton in September showcased his exceptional talent, while his playmaking abilities – exemplified by his sublime assist against Newcastle – confirm his status as one of England’s brightest prospects.

Premier attacking talents lighting up the goalscoring charts

The Premier League’s attacking riches have been on full display this season, with forwards consistently delivering goals and assists at remarkable rates. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha stands out for his individual brilliance amid his team’s relegation struggles. Contributing 13 goals and four assists, the Brazilian has single-handedly kept his side competitive despite limited creative support around him.

At center-forward, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has been the definition of clinical efficiency. Despite Forest ranking just 10th in big chances created, Wood has netted 18 goals, converting an impressive 34% of his opportunities and outperforming his expected goals by a league-high seven. His finishing prowess has catapulted Forest into unexpected Champions League contention under Nuno Espírito Santo, whose tactical acumen has maximized Wood’s strengths.

Completing the attacking triumvirate, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah continues to redefine excellence on the right wing. With 27 goals and 17 assists, Salah leads both statistical categories and appears on course to break the Premier League record of 47 goal involvements in a single season. His consistent brilliance has spearheaded Liverpool’s title challenge and placed him firmly in Ballon d’Or contention, making his potential free transfer departure this summer increasingly concerning for the Anfield faithful.

The tactical mastermind behind the season’s most unexpected success story is undoubtedly Nuno Espírito Santo. Transforming Nottingham Forest from 17th-place strugglers to third-place contenders with minimal financial investment represents an extraordinary achievement. Working with a squad largely assembled on modest transfer fees, Nuno has implemented a clear tactical identity that maximizes his players’ strengths while minimizing their weaknesses. The Portuguese manager’s achievement arguably surpasses even Arne Slot’s impressive continuation of Liverpool’s success, given the vast resource disparity between the two clubs.