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Premier League Team of the Season 2017/18 predictions

By Tom Bogert

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and N'Golo Kante of Chelsea compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and N'Golo Kante of Chelsea compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Sandro Ramirez of Everton celebrates with Leighton Baines after scoring the opening goal during a pre-season friendly match between Everton and Sevilla at Goodison Park on August 6, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Sandro Ramirez of Everton celebrates with Leighton Baines after scoring the opening goal during a pre-season friendly match between Everton and Sevilla at Goodison Park on August 6, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

LB: Leighton Baines /// Everton /// 2016/17: 32 apps, 47 chances created, 0 defensive errors

The semi-forgotten man: Leighton Baines.

Everton’s left-sided stalwart has lost some shine in past seasons just because of his droning consistency. We hardly even noticed when he cut his mop, trimming back his look inspired by The Beatles.

Baines was only rewarded with three assists after creating 47 chances last season. Even without Lukaku, that number should rise. Plus, manager Ronald Koeman has jumped on the three-in-the-back bandwagon, giving Baines more license to get forward.

Rose is likely to be the favorite to find his way into Team of the Season, even with his public frustrations with Tottenham. Saed Kolasinac looks a dark horse after impressing this preseason. He was stuck in the center of defense on opening weekend as Arsenal were without Per Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gabriel, though. Luke Shaw is within shout as well but won’t have the same chances to get forward as Baines, Rose or Kolasinac will.

But the nod is going to Baines, even though he won’t return to penalty duty and will lose some free kicks to Wayne Rooney.

If Everton are to make any noise outside the top 6, Baines will be heavily involved.

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