After a breathtaking 2023/24 Premier League campaign, former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke selects his Team of the Season picking only one player per club.
Starting XI
No one made more saves than Manchester United’s No 1, who produced some fantastically agile stops over the course of the campaign. Opta’s Expected Goals Against metric suggests Erik ten Hag’s side should have conceded more than 18 extra goals, and there’s no doubt the Cameroonian played a part in limiting the damage.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s right-back had to play well to fend off competition from Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, and overall he was excellent. Some of his through-balls this season were off-the-scale brilliant, and thanks to his set-play prowess and quality on the ball, he did create an impressive 64 chances.
Everton’s outstanding defensive record in 2023/24 owes plenty to the quality of Branthwaite’s defending. Dominant in the air, sensible with his decision making and also terrific on the ball, the 21-year-old’s future looks bright.
The Dutchman’s electric pace is absolutely essential to the way Spurs play under Ange Postecoglou, and he made countless recoveries and interventions using that unbelievable speed. I was also impressed with his defending and the way he pressed inside the opposition half. A great debut Premier League season.
Fulham’s left-back enjoyed a fantastic season. Only one defender produced more successful crosses in open play, and he also made 15 more interceptions than any other Premier League player, consistently using his speed to step in and break-up play. Every time I saw Robinson, he impressed me.
I wanted to get Alexander Isak or Anthony Gordon into my XI, but in the position he plays, Guimaraes was a real standout all season for the Magpies. The Brazilian is another magnificent all-round talent. He regained possession more than any other player in the division, yet also created 60 chances from open play. Guimaraes does it all for Eddie Howe’s side.
I couldn’t leave out the Footballer of the Year! Handed more responsibility than ever by Pep Guardiola, the attacking midfielder is now one of Manchester City’s most reliable performers. His hat-tricks against Brentford and Aston Villa were awesome, and his late season braces against Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United also showed what a big-game player he’s now become.
Arsenal fans believe they got their record signing “half price” and I wouldn’t disagree. He was an immense presence all season, adding an extra layer of defensive protection AND acting as a driving force whenever the Gunners attacked. Rice is a sensational all-round midfielder, who seems to do everything extremely well. It was tough to leave Martin Odegaard out, but others in his position were also amazing.
The 22-year-old was a revelation, carrying the Blues for much of the campaign with his 22 goals and 11 assists. Ice-cold in front of goal, bright in his movement, a lovely ball-carrier and seemingly unfazed by pressure, Palmer is a serious talent. He is one of the signings of the season – and a must pick in this team.
Would Villa have made it to the UEFA Champions League without Watkins’ goal-getting exploits? I don’t think so. He is tailor-made for Unai Emery’s style of play, and his pace, movement and finishing were all stellar throughout 2023/24. He would enjoy having these three brilliant attacking midfielders supplying him with the ammunition.
The likes of Michael Olise, Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta are unlucky not to make my XI, but put simply, I just love watching Eze play! He is such a silky player, who comes in off the left to inflict maximum damage for the Eagles. Beautifully balanced, with great feet and an eye for goal, Eze is a baller.
Bench
The giant Kosovo international made some fabulous saves during the relegation run-in, boasting the division’s best save percentage and preventing an extra seven goals being scored against Burnley.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season at AMEX stadium, passing the ball brilliantly out from the back. He also proved he is good enough defensively to play at this level.
The Hatters’ wing-back produced 31 successful open-play crosses, the most in the Premier League. Doughty’s set-piece deliveries were also spot on, meaning he ended the season with eight assists.
The Bees star is a great utility option, capable of playing in midfield, central defence or at full-back if required. He is tenacious, full of running and somebody you know you can rely on.
Hamer created 70 chances for the Blades this season, with the next closest team-mate on just 28. The combative midfielder proved he has the talent to make an impact at Premier League level.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nott’m Forest)
It took a while for Gibbs-White to get going, but once he began to purr, he had an enormous influence for Forest. Blessed with so much guile, he deservedly made it to double figures for assists.
We saw lots of mesmeric dribbling from Brazilian star Cunha, who made Wolves a better side every time he featured. Scoring 12 goals, and making seven for his team-mates, he showed what a gifted talent he is.
I love the spread of goals that Bowen is now capable of producing. He netted eight with his left foot, three with his right and scored with five headers, too! Wherever he is used, Bowen’s direct attacking is a massive asset to the Hammers.
Dominic Solanke (AFC Bournemouth)
There were question marks over Solanke’s ability to score goals at the highest level, but a 19-goal season means that is no longer an issue. He has great strength, pace and movement – and he knows how to finish.