The Premier League Team of the Season So Far
By Ivan Buss
![James Maddison celebrates Premier League goal for Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) James Maddison celebrates Premier League goal for Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cb991083e9826bb3ed969066aab9b1f5414e553d61aa6bc44fba913e85850180.jpg)
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City was on full display for all to see before the last international break. When he was serving a suspension for 3 games, City lost ALL 3 games in that span. Rodri is the key part of the midfield machine operated and controlled by Pep Guardiola. In a way, that red card helped the title race and allowed teams like Arsenal and Liverpool to remain in striking distance this early on in the season.
Not to mention, he has added another dimension to his game as of late, goals. He has scored 3 goals now this season along with 2 assists, and his goals almost always seem to come in the most important moments for City, dating back to last season’s big game against Arsenal in January. His return has seen them go from 3rd to 1st in the Premier League in a span of 4 games, once again demonstrating that this City side struggles massively without his presence.
CM: James Ward-Prowse (West Ham)
West Ham United might be just 9th in the Premier League table right now, but without his service and performances so far this season, I’m certain they would be much lower. Contributing 2 goals and 5 assists in his 11 games so far this season, he has demonstrated (as if he needed to), that he belongs in the top flight of English football.
His £30m fee is looking quite the bargain at the moment for the Hammers, and his impact has been immediate for David Moyes. While he may be continuously overlooked by Gareth Southgate and England, West Ham knows he is one of the first names on that teamsheet each week.
CAM: James Maddison (Spurs)
After Harry Kane left, many Spurs fans would’ve been left feeling a bit nervous about where their team would end up in the league. With a new coach, and the loss of their star striker and club’s leading scorer, change was afoot in North London. Four months into the Premier League season, I’m not sure their start could have gone much better. Of course, now injured, Maddison will be facing time on the sidelines, but make no mistake about his place in this squad.
He has scored 3 goals, assisted another 5, and added that dynamic midfielder that Spurs have really needed. The fans love him, the coach loves him, and Maddison seems to have settled into life right away with his new team. He’ll be hoping to get back from injury as soon as possible, and Spurs will hope to maintain a decent spot in the Premier League table until that day comes.
Love this team 🤍 Happy Saturdays boys and girls 😁🍻 @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/cr03vWferM
— James Maddison (@Madders10) September 2, 2023