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Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken (Brentford)
The busiest goalkeeper in the division in 2024. Flekken made more saves (156) than any other Premier League goalkeeper to play a key role in Brentford’s Premier League survival and solid start to this campaign. The Dutchman was also able to pick out a teammate from range with ease, making the second-most accurate long balls (368). WhoScored rating: 6.97
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The first of two Liverpool players to feature. Although Alexander-Arnold registered only five assists, four of which have come this season, it wasn’t for want of trying. He created the seventh-most clear-cut goalscoring opportunities (17), the best return of any defender. His 31 accurate crosses, excluding corners, were the third-most in the division. Rating: 7.09
Centre-back: James Tarkowski (Everton)
Although Everton are enduring another relegation-threatened campaign, they remain defensively sound and conceded the eighth-fewest Premier League goals in 2024 (47). A core reason was the form of James Tarkowski, who made the second-most clearances (204) and won the third-most aerial duels (129). Rating: 7.07
Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Arsenal conceded the fewest goals (25) in the Premier League, with Magalhães a vital cog in their resolute machine. The Brazilian was hugely influential at the other end of the pitch, too, scoring six headed goals; no player scored more. Rating: 7.06
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Even with City’s dire run to see out 2024, Gvardiol makes the XI. The Croat was key on the ball, having made the 10th-most accurate passes (1,897), and his form in front of goal proved vital in last season’s title run-in. Gvardiol scored more goals (eight) than any other defender in 2024. Rating: 7.13
Central midfield: Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri just makes the cut having made 20 appearances, a number that would have been higher had he not sustained a season-ending injury in September. The Ballon d’Or winner made 1,865 accurate passes, enough to rank 11th despite only 66 minutes of game time this season. He was also directly involved in 11 goals. Rating: 7.66
Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
With a rating of 7.83, Saka is the WhoScored.com Premier League player of the year. Saka, who is out with a hamstring injury, was arguably the most consistent performer in the division. He was directly involved in 28 goals, ranked fifth for shots (105) and key passes (83) and recorded 51 successful dribbles, the 14th-most. Rating: 7.83
Attacking midfield: Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
No player was directly involved in more goals than Palmer (39). He scored 26 times. and should perhaps have registered more than 13 assists after ranking second for key passes (97) and clear-cut goalscoring chances created (25). Rating: 7.75
Attacking midfield: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
The England international was linked with a summer move and his Palace performances last year show why interest was so high. Eze completed the fifth-most dribbles (64) and directly contributed to 15 goals. Rating: 7.40
Left wing: Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
The second Liverpool player in the XI, Díaz was always a threat but has taken his game to the next level under Arne Slot. The Colombian was directly involved in the 14th-most goals (19) and completed the fourth-most dribbles (66). Rating: 7.33
Striker: Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
The third Arsenal player to make the cut. Although few would have opted for Havertz as the striker in their team of the year, the German managed a respectable 16 league goals and his style of play gives the wingers space to exploit in their pursuit of goals. Havertz is also an important physical presence in the final third, winning the league’s fifth-most aerial duels (123). Rating: 7.41
