Reds, City, Spurs dominate Premier League Team of the Season

The 2021/22 Premier League season ended in dramatic fashion with Man City clinching the title on the last day thanks to a late comeback victory over Aston Villa, breaking the hearts of Liverpool supporters.

In many ways, the thrilling final day summed up the entire season. The 2021/22 campaign was filled with action and entertaining memories guaranteed to last a long time in the minds of supporters.

Some players performed at a spectacularly high level and had a major impact on their club’s success throughout the campaign. These all-stars deserve recognition and their greatness should be acknowledged.

So here’s a look at the Playing for 90 Premier League Team of the Season.

Premier League All-Stars 2021/22

Best Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

After a disappointing 2020/21 campaign, Alisson bounced back strong. The Brazilian goalie was in excellent form all season long, pulling off vital saves in virtually every game to help his side stay in control.

He ended the season with 20 clean sheets and shared the Golden Glove honor with Man City’s Ederson. Alisson made more saves than Ederson, especially in clutch scenarios, keeping Liverpool in the title race until the last moment.

Right Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Trent Alexander-Arnold was able to take his form to another level for Liverpool in the 2021/22 campaign, producing arguably his best season so far. The Englishman was a menace with pinpoint accurate crosses from the right wing, and he registered 12 assists – second-most in the league and tops for a defender.

Along with that, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive work was considerably improved. He consistently delivered for his side to keep them in the top two in the standings.

Centre Back: Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham Hotspur finished the Premier League season with the third-best defensive record, conceding 29 goals in 38 games. A major catalyst for that brilliant record was their summer signing Cristian Romero.

The Argentine defender proved to be a quality acquisition, as he kept a clean defensive line with his sharp skills. Romero became a major part of Antonio Conte’s backline, making 72 clearances, 62 tackles and winning 129 duels in 22 appearances. He helped Spurs maintain a feisty defense that guided the club to a 4th-place finish.

Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

After missing the majority of the 2020/21 Premier League season due to a horrible injury, there were questions about how Virgil van Dijk’s recovery. He silenced the doubters with another spectacular campaign.

The Dutchman was an impenetrable colossus at the back for Liverpool, making 104 clearances as well as winning 147 duels. His commanding defending and clutch challenges kept the best of strikers quiet and helped Liverpool maintain the best defensive record – conceding just 26 goals – in the league once again.

Left Back: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

Joao Cancelo won his second Premier League title with Man City and played a key role in ensuring their dominance in the league. The Portuguese fullback was a terror on both sides of the pitch, managing 7 assists and 1 goal in 36 outings.

He was also really solid defensively, rarely allowing teams to cause trouble through the left side and nullifying the threat of some of the league’s best. Cancelo’s impressive consistency and creative threat helped make City’s attack unpredictable as they fought their way to the title.

Holding Midfielder: Declan Rice (West Ham United)

West Ham United captain Declan Rice proved why he is regarded among England’s best midfielders with a stellar campaign for the Hammers. He kept their European dreams alive by being an absolute engine in midfield, making 80 tackles, 63 interceptions, and winning 183 duels in 36 appearances.

Rice also scored a goal and had 4 assists, dominating some of the best Premier League midfielders in big games. While unable to help the Hammers qualify for the Europa League, Rice’s solid performances mean he’ll be a hot commodity in the summer transfer window.

Attacking Midfielder: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

If one was to identify the ‘X factor’ in the current Man City team, Bernardo Silva would probably be the perfect candidate. After flirting with a summer move last year, Bernardo thrived under a free midfield role this season. In 35 appearances, the Portuguese midfielder scored 8 goals and got 4 assists.

He played in a variety of positions and, apart from his goal contributions, Bernardo’s ability to win duels in midfield, recover possession, and create chances helped unlock many stubborn opposing defenses and win games for City.

Right Wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mo Salah was the architect of Liverpool’s title challenge from their first game in the Premier League, until the very last. The Egyptian winger enjoyed another sensational campaign, ending with the (joint) most goals and most assists.

Salah scored 23 goals and registered 13 goals in an incredible personal campaign, being an absolute goal machine. In doing so, Salah not only proved himself as one of the Premier League’s best players, but also one of the very best in the world.

Attacking Midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

The Premier League Player of the Season, Kevin de Bruyne was the tour de force that helped Man City win their second consecutive league title. The Belgian midfielder tormented oppositions with his bullish style, scoring 15 goals and registering 8 assists in league play.

He came up big in the most prominent matches and when City needed him the most, contributing big to help them beat Liverpool to the title.

Left Wing: Heung-Min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)

Heung-min Son proved why many called him “Sonaldo” by enjoying a brilliant season in which he helped carry Tottenham Hotspur to a 4th-place finish against all odds. He scored 23 goals to share the Golden Boot with Mo Salah, becoming the first Asian player to win a Premier League Golden Boot.

Son’s clinical finishing, terrorizing movement and unpredictable style troubled the best of defenders, producing a career-best campaign to help Spurs book a place in the Champions League next season.

Centre Forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Before the 2021/22 campaign, there were major doubts over whether Harry Kane would even play with Tottenham Hotspur. He was linked with a move to Man City, but that was scrapped since Spurs declined to sell him. Kane took some time to get going after the transfer saga played out, but he found his rhythm under Antonio Conte.

Kane became the leader of Spurs’ attack under the Italian, contributing key goals to help them climb the table. The Englishman ended the season with 17 goals and 9 assists in 37 appearances, ensuring his side beat out Arsenal to the final Champions League spot.