Premier League Team Of The Season So Far: From Sels To Salah

We assemble a starting team comprising players from seven different clubs, along with the most deserving manager to lead them from the sidelines.

Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Nottingham Forest Goalkeeper Matz Sels

Perhaps the most difficult decision in the XI.

David Raya has been outstanding for Arsenal, while Mark Flekken has quietly made a mark behind a leaky Brentford defense.

It’s worth noting that Sels has emerged as the third-busiest keeper in the league, making 89 saves, trailing only Flekken and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Despite this high workload, Sels has also conceded the fourth-fewest goals (35), highlighting his crucial role, especially considering that nine of Forest’s 16 league victories have been by a single goal.

Notably, his most impressive save, a remarkable fingertip stop that deflected the ball onto the bar against Brighton, occurred during a match they won comfortably 7-0.

Right-back: Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace Defender Daniel Muñoz

Concerning Ola Aina and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Muñoz earns the selection. The 28-year-old, who joined from Belgian club Genk last year, is an elite dual-threat both with and without the ball. The only Premier League defender who has recorded more touches than Muñoz in the opposing box this season is Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, while only Everton’s Idrissa Gueye has made more tackles.

The Colombian’s stamina, tenacity, and tactical awareness are crucial to Palace’s 3-4-3 formation. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals.

“If you define a profile who fits the Premier League, it is Daniel Muñoz,” said Oliver Glasner after his player’s sublime goal at Fulham last month to finish off a lung-busting, box-to-box move.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

He is the best center-back in the world, and it’s not even a contest. Van Dijk excels in every aspect of the game: he’s dominant in both penalty areas, a superb one-on-one defender, and at 33 years old, he possesses exceptional passing ability and anticipation.

The Dutchman is a leader and quarterback for his compatriot, Arne Slot nobody has made more passes or touches in the Premier League this season.

“No one is better than him in this position,” his teammate Ibrahima Konaté said in January. “I just want to be better than him one day.”

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest)

Nottingham Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic

There’s only space for one center-back from Forest, and Nikola Milenkovic, known as the Terminator, just edges out his teammate Murillo and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.

Last season, Forest conceded a league-high 23 goals from set pieces, but Milenkovic’s aerial prowess this campaign has been instrumental in allowing the team to sit deep, absorb pressure and crosses, and then launch counterattacks.

His four goals, including two headers in tight victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa, have also been vital since his £12m summer transfer from Fiorentina.

Left-back: Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Fulham defender Antonee Robinson

With 10 assists to his name, Robinson has established himself as one of the league’s standout performers, trailing only Mohamed Salah.

Following João Palhinha’s departure to Bayern Munich, Marco Silva opted for a more defensive midfield setup, which has allowed Robinson the freedom to utilize his explosive pace and significantly improved crossing ability.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez can consider himself unfortunate to have missed out on a spot over the USA international.

Both are being linked with Liverpool the city Robinson says “all my friends and family are from” after he grew up in Everton’s academy.

Central midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United Captain Bruno Fernandes against Leicester City

In what has been a disappointing season for United, Fernandes has emerged as one of the few bright spots. The captain under Ruben Amorim has faced criticism during his time at the club, but he has consistently delivered impressive performances.

Since joining United in 2020, he has recorded 80 assists in all competitions, making him second only to Kevin De Bruyne, who has 90 assists across Europe’s top five leagues.

Fernandes has eight goals and nine assists this season but what is less noticed is his effectiveness in deeper areas.

Only Ryan Christie and Moisés Caicedo have more ball recoveries than Fernandes, who also leads the league (by a distance) in progressive passes (231).

Central midfield: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Liverpool Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch has become a symbol of the Slot revolution, providing vital balance in the midfield. After struggling under  Jürgen Klopp, he has flourished as a mobile, smooth, and powerful No. 6.

He excels at making accurate passes, advancing the ball through midfield, and effectively covering ground defensively to halt opposition attacks.

Nobody in the league has made more interceptions (50). Liverpool’s failure to convince Martín Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad turned out to be a blessing for Slot.

Attacking midfield: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Chelsea Forward Cole Palmer against Brighton

In recent weeks, Chelsea’s talisman has struggled with form and fitness, but his 14 goals and six assists remain remarkable for a midfielder in March, even after a goal drought of 10 games.

Palmer made history against Brighton in September by becoming the first Premier League player to score four goals in a single half, but his ability to consistently link play for Chelsea has been nearly as impressive.

Let’s not forget the stunning assist he provided for Chelsea’s opener against Newcastle; it was undoubtedly the pass of the season so far. Palmer truly oozes class.

Left-wing: Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha with matchday ball after scoring hattrick

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert were contenders but the 13 goals and four assists Cunha has registered for a poor, relegation-battling team move the Brazilian into this XI.

Disciplinary problems and body language aside, Cunha has been sensational for Wolves, who would be in the bottom three without him.

Matheus Cunha (No 10) scores in the FA Cup against Bournemouth

Striker: Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood

No center-forward has impacted their team’s fortunes this season more than Wood. With Forest creating significantly fewer big chances than their top-four rivals, ranking 10th in the Premier League for that metric, just above Everton, Wood’s clinical finishing has been vital.

He has scored 18 goals, converting 34% of his chances and outperforming his xG by a league-best seven goals, helping Nuno Espírito Santo’s side edge closer to a surprising Champions League qualification.

Right-wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Luis Diaz bowing down for Mohammed Salah after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur

Well clear at the top of the scoring (27 goals) and assist charts (17), Salah is the first name on the team sheet as he spearheads Liverpool’s title charge and puts himself into Ballon d’Or contention.

He is on course to smash the Premier League record of 47 goal involvements, jointly held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer from 42-game seasons.

It seems preposterous that Liverpool could lose him for free this summer.

Manager: Nuno Espírito Santo (Nottingham Forest)

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo

Replacing a club legend as manager is no easy task just ask David Moyes at Manchester United or Unai Emery at Arsenal.

While those two struggled, Slot has thrived, guiding Liverpool to the brink of the title and earning praise for his accomplishments.

However, Liverpool’s success pales in comparison to Nottingham Forest’s incredible turnaround: after finishing 17th last season, they now sit in third place.

Last summer, only one player cost more than £13 million, yet Nuno has managed to bring out the best in every squad member while establishing a clear tactical identity.

With the Champions League and potential FA Cup glory on the horizon, the future looks bright.