Premier League Team Of The Year – With Only One Player From Each Club
The Premier League season ended last weekend and the curtains were drawn on the 2016/17 edition of the English top division last week, with Chelsea crowned the champions of England for the second time in three seasons. Tottenham Hotspur put in another stellar effort this time and finished as runners-up, while Arsenal missed out on a Champions League spot for the first time in ages. Hull City, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland were the unfortunate clubs that were relegated to the EFL Championship.
The team of the year had been largely dominated by the Chelsea and Tottenham players and naturally so, considering that they have been the best two teams in the league. But, how would a team of the year look, if just one player was allowed from each club? Let’s take a look.
Premier League TOTY
Formation: 4-4-2
Lee Grant (GK) (Stoke City)
The 34-year old was one of the most underrated goalkeepers of the season. In an inconsistent Stoke side, Grant finished with 9 clean sheets from 28 appearances and his performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford remains one of the best goalkeeping performances of the season.
Antonio Valencia (RB) (Manchester United)
The Manchester United right-back was one of the best in his positions this season in the league. Strong defensively, equally good going forward, the Ecuadorian finished with a goal and 3 assists and created 32 chances from 28 games.
Michael Keane (CB) (Burnley)
Was Burnley’s best player by some distance and was one of the best centre-backs in the league which resulted in interests from several top clubs. His performances earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award.
Steve Cook (CB) (Bournemouth)
The 25-year old has gone under the radar a bit but was vital in Bournemouth securing a top-half finish. Cook performed the most number of defensive actions in the league this term (477).
James Milner (LB) (Liverpool)
Used in an unnatural left-back role, James Milner did not let his manager down and was easily one of the most consistent performers in his position over the course of the season. Contributed 7 goals and 3 assists from 36 games.
Alexis Sanchez (RW) (Arsenal)
The third-highest goalscorer in the league with 24 goals, Sanchez was in devastating form for Arsenal, despite playing in multiple positions. Has also registered 10 assists. Easily the Gunners’ best player of the season.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM) (Manchester City)
The leader of the assists charts with a whopping 18 assists, the Belgian was been brilliant for City despite having played in a slightly withdrawn role in the midfield. Found the back of the net on 6 occasions as well.
N’Golo Kante (CM) (Chelsea)
The PFA Player of the Year, N’Golo Kante was Chelsea’s best player and was instrumental in their title triumph. Being the best player in a team that comprises of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa etc. is a rather commendable achievement.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (LW) (Swansea City)
The prime reason behind Swansea managing to survive the drop, the club’s Player of the Year finished the season with 9 goals and 13 assists. His assist tally was the third best in the competition.
Harry Kane (ST) (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Golden Boot award winner for the second year running, Harry Kane finished the season with 29 goals in the league, despite having played less number of games than his competitors.
Romelu Lukaku (ST) (Everton)
The second-highest goal-getter in the league with 25 goals, Lukaku emerged as one of the most explosive forwards in England and once again proved his brilliance, driving Everton to a 7th-placed finish.