The Premier League is soon to take a break for the World Cup. Here’s the team of the season so far.
So far this season in the Premier League, we have had some huge surprises. From underachieving teams to exciting new additions to the league, there are sure to be more twists and turns with the World Cup approaching and injuries beginning to take their toll on teams. Here is the Team of the Season so far in the Premier League 22/23 season (4-3-3):
GK: Nick Pope
One could argue a few different names here, but Nick Pope has been an outstanding addition in front of goal for this new-look Newcastle defense. With six clean sheets, tied-1st so far this season, he has proven to be one of the bargains of the summer (only £11 million), especially given the club’s new-found wealth and the money they have spent so far. With the start he has had, he is in strong contention to start for England at the World Cup.
RB – Kieran Trippier
Continuing the theme with Newcastle to begin this team, Tripper makes it in at right-back. Still relatively new to this Newcastle United side after being brought over in January of last season, the England international has been everything Newcastle fans could’ve hoped for. Tripper looks set to start for England at the World Cup given his tremendous start to the season ( and untimely injuries), and it’s hard to argue his place in the squad. He has 1 goal and 2 assists so far and has picked up right where he left off last season for the Magpies.
CB – William Saliba
Saliba, who once felt like someone who might get lost in the loan system for Arsenal, has finally been given the chance in the first team and has repaid the Gunners’ faith in him by quickly becoming one of their best players. His positional awareness, ability on the ball, and calm presence have added much-needed resiliency at the back for Arsenal in what has been an outstanding start to the season for the Frenchman. He even has a catchy chant to his name!
Here's the Saliba chant you've been hearing most of that first half. #MyPLMorning | #BOUARS
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 20, 2022
(via @Stillberto)pic.twitter.com/wPYjUUSdIK
CB – Lisandro Martinez
Martinez left Ajax in a cloud, and many Premier League supporters and even pundits doubted his ability to make it in such a fast-paced, physical league in England. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher even went as far as to say “I’m convinced this can’t work because he’s the size of 5’9′ playing in a back 4.” However, Martinez has clearly demonstrated his ability to improve United’s defense and has been a non-negotiable in the starting XI for Erik Ten Haag. It’s clear the impact he has had so far on what was a very unreliable defense in seasons past.
LB – João Cancelo
For somebody who is a natural right-back, Cancelo has really made a name for himself in his newer left-back role with Manchester City. With 2 goals and an assist to his name so far, he is once again having a strong season. His ability, flair, and knack for creating something out of nothing make him one of the most exciting left-backs in the world, let alone the Premier League.