THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points short to eight-time champs Manchester City.
The Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded with no fewer than FIVE stars making the campaign’s best XI.
While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.
Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.
While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice in defence.
The PFA couldn’t pick a left-back, so opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.
The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp‘s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.
Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.
That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.
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And in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented: Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.
And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.
Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong.
Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.
The event took place at the Manchester Opera House.
Superstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.
While Bukayo Saka failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.
Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.
He still managed 10 assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.
