Arne Slot guided Liverpool to Premier League triumph in his debut season.
The 2024–25 English Premier League season delivered a whirlwind of surprises and dramatic twists. Arne Slot’s Liverpool brought an end to Manchester City’s long-standing dominance in the top flight, marking a rare trophyless campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Newcastle United and Crystal Palace earned their places in European competition by lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, respectively. Meanwhile, a resurgent Nottingham Forest, typically a mid-table side, mounted a serious challenge for a UEFA Champions League berth. Adding to the excitement, three English clubs reached the finals of Europe’s top three club tournaments.
Remarkably, two of the Premier League’s traditional top six found themselves hovering just above the relegation zone, even as they progressed all the way to the UEFA Europa League final.
In this feature, we take a closer look at the standout performers and unveil our Premier League Team of the Season.
Premier League 2024-25 Team of the Season (Formation: 4-3-3)
GK – Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
The 33-year-old Belgian goalkeeper from Lint played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable transformation this season. Tying for the highest number of clean sheets, Matz Sels was instrumental in elevating a mid-table side into one of the league’s most formidable teams. His lightning-quick reflexes and athleticism in goal frequently turned likely defeats into valuable draws.
Sels racked up an impressive total of 119 saves over the course of the Premier League campaign and was ever-present for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, featuring in every single match.
RB – Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
Daniel Muñoz, a key figure in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph this season, has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension through 2028. The dynamic Colombian wing-back made 36 appearances for the Eagles, contributing four goals and five assists.
Renowned for his relentless overlapping runs and attacking intent, Muñoz has become an essential part of Oliver Glasner’s tactical setup. His energy and forward thrust have lit up Selhurst Park, and with European football on the horizon, he’ll be eager to continue his impressive form in the UEFA Europa League next season.
CB – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Following Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield, there was considerable uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s future and how the team would adapt under new manager Arne Slot. Stepping up in this transitional phase, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk led by example and played a pivotal role in guiding the Reds to their first Premier League title in four years.
Liverpool conceded just 37 goals in 37 games—a testament to their defensive solidity. At the heart of that resilience was Van Dijk, who expertly marshalled the backline, turning Liverpool’s defence into a fortress that proved to be a nightmare for opposing attackers throughout the season.
CB – Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham)
Nikola Milenković stood out as a defensive pillar for Nottingham Forest throughout the season. The Serbian centre-back featured in every single match, playing a vital role in securing 13 clean sheets for his side. His presence brought much-needed stability to the backline, while his impact extended beyond defence.
A constant threat during set pieces and counterattacks, Milenković contributed five goals and two assists, showcasing his all-round ability. With two games remaining, he’ll be aiming to deliver more strong performances as Forest push to clinch a coveted continental spot for next season.
LB – Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Marc Cucurella is having a standout Premier League campaign with Chelsea this season. Fresh off his UEFA Euro triumph with Spain, the Spanish full-back now finds himself on the verge of another title, as Chelsea have reached the final of the UEFA Conference League.
Cucurella has made 35 appearances for the Blues, contributing five goals—an impressive tally for a defender. His energetic performances, attacking intent, and quick adaptation to Enzo Maresca’s tactical system have made him a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
RM – Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
The Dutch midfielder played a crucial role in Liverpool’s dominance in the middle of the park this season. Ever-present under fellow countryman and manager Arne Slot, he featured in every single game, proving his reliability and importance to the team. With four goal contributions to his name, his influence extended beyond just defensive duties.
Highly effective during transitions, he provided an additional layer of defensive security and balance. His physical presence was equally significant, winning 26 aerial duels and consistently neutralising aerial threats, making him a key component of Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.
CM – Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
Sandro Tonali has established himself as a cornerstone of Newcastle United’s success this season. Featuring in 35 matches and scoring four goals, the Italian midfielder played a vital role in the heart of the Magpies’ engine room. His performances brought a renewed sense of joy and optimism to St. James’ Park, especially after their memorable Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.
With Newcastle already securing silverware, Tonali now has his sights set on helping the team finish in the Premier League’s top five and securing direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League—a fitting reward for a standout season.
LM – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
After an outstanding season both domestically and in Europe, Declan Rice will no doubt be disappointed as Arsenal endured yet another trophyless campaign. The Gunners fell short in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and finished second in the Premier League for the third straight year—an agonising case of “so close, yet so far” for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Rice featured in 34 matches for the North London club, contributing four goals, and consistently delivered commanding performances in midfield. Despite the team’s heartbreak, he stood out as one of Arsenal’s most influential and reliable performers throughout the season.
RW – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Following Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield, questions loomed over Mohamed Salah’s future with Liverpool. However, the Egyptian superstar silenced all doubts in emphatic fashion, claiming the Premier League Golden Boot with 28 goals to his name.
In addition to his prolific scoring, Salah also registered 18 assists, terrorising defences week in and week out. Once again, he proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the English top flight, cementing his legacy with another sensational season.
CF – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Alexander Isak enjoyed a sensational season with Newcastle United, finishing as the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League with 23 goals. His standout moment came in the Carabao Cup final, where he netted the second goal against Liverpool, sealing a historic triumph for the Magpies.
Amid ongoing transfer rumours linking the Swedish striker to a move to the Emirates, Isak has already etched his name into Newcastle folklore, delivering unforgettable moments and becoming a beloved figure at St. James’ Park.
LW – Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
It’s rare to see a player score 15 goals in a season while his team finishes outside the top 10 and fails to secure any domestic silverware. Yet, that’s exactly the kind of impact Matheus Cunha has had for Wolverhampton Wanderers this campaign. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United reportedly expressing interest in the Brazilian forward.
Cunha has been at the forefront of Wolves’ attack for the past four seasons, and this year, he once again proved his worth. Despite the team’s struggles, he remained a consistent and reliable performer, showcasing his quality and resilience throughout the campaign.
Tags
Premier League