Fans React to the PFA English Premier League Team of the Year

Here is your PFA English Premier League Team of the Year
GK: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

He kept 20 clean sheets for the season with as few as 24 goals conceded. He made 73 saves with 97 shots on target taken against him; he averages 1.9 saves per game, conceded 1.6 goals per game, and collected 1,9 clean sheets per 90 across a 38-game season.

RB: Trent Alexandre-Arnold (Liverpool)

Hated by the opposition fans and loved by his own. The young man has really down it all and is only just 22 years old. He fell just short of beating Salah to the Playmaker award for the 2021/22 term. He collected 12 assists and came in second behind United’s Bruno Fernandes in most chances created this season past.

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

From ACL injury to being named in the team of the year. There is not much that can be said about the colossal figure that is VVD, that hasn’t been said already. With him available for the entire season, Liverpool conceded 26 goals, 16 fewer than the 2020/21 campaign’s 42 goals let in. He made everything look easy.

CB: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

It was heartbreaking to hear he will no longer be in the Premier League. His no-nonsense defending helped Chelsea cruise to a Champions League spot and he was available for almost every minute. He featured in 34 EPL matches, scored three important goals, completed 53 tackles, turned over possession 28 times, and made 41 blocks and 43 interceptions.

LB: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

What is Joao Cancelo? A fullback, a midfielder, a striker, a quarterback, or a product of Messi and Ronaldo having a baby who likes to play fullback? He was exceptional this season past and had Pep Guardiola ignoring his usual “Pep Roulette”, making himself a permanent fixture in Pep’s starting XI.

One of the first names on the teamsheet, Cancelo featured 36 times, scored a scintillating goal and managed seven assists. Hoping for the same, if not better from the Portuguese next runout. He gave Trent and Reece James a run for their money for the best fullback crown.

CM: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

Another man that does not need an introduction is Belgian, Kevin de Bruyne. His best of the season came at the most important time for Pep Guardiola and City; at the back end of the campaign.

They needed that extra bit of class and composure and he provided it in bucket loads. This was his highest goalscoring campaign with 15; his charge in the second half, especially over the last 5/6 games, help secure City a Premier League title.

CM: Thiago Alcântara (Liverpool)

The Spaniard consistently displayed why he is admired by most of his peers, opposition players, pundits, and managers in the game today. He was ever-present in the Reds midfield, breaking up play and starting attacks with some breathtaking passing.

Not the reason why he is in the team but a moment that perfectly sums up his performances this season in their quadruple run: his winner for Champions League Goal of the Season.

CM: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

To think Man City were prepared to sell the Portuguese last summer. Thankfully they didn’t, with the midfielder playing a crucial role in them retaining the Premier League crown. He saw 33 starts, scored eight goals and assisted another four.

RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

The best forward this season? Hands down, YES! He and Son were in a class of their own simply cause their form was ever-lasting throughout the league run. Walking away with the Golden Boot (shared with Son) along with the Best Playmaker award for the 2021/22 season gets your name on the team of the year.

ST: Christiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

In a bad Manchester United team, Ronaldo was the only silver lining. The five-time Ballon d’Or saved United from further embarrassment, and yes it was possible. His 18 goals put him third in the standings for most goals, only behind Salah and Son. It also help United gain access to European football through the UEFA Europa League. Will he stay or will he go next season?

LW: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

A parting gift for Liverpool’s other gem, Sadio Mane. He was the club’s second-highest goalscorer with 16. He played all but four games for Jurgen Klopp, completing 34 appearances in what was a long, long haul.

He is on the verge of signing for Bayern Munich and it could be the last we’ve seen of Senegal’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League. We bid farewell to two world-class players in the best XI, Rudiger and Mane, with the latter still waiting for his move to be sanctioned.

But now for the best part: the fans’ reaction to The PFA Premier League Team of the Year; some were hilarious while others held some weight of facts. “Here we go!”