From the shortened list of 60 players, fans worldwide were invited to select the Premier League’s Best XI of the season, comprising a goalkeeper, two full-backs, two center-backs, two central midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and two forwards. The players who received the most votes in their respective positions, with a maximum limit of four players from each club, would form the standout team.
David Raya was the top choice for the goalkeeper position in this lineup. He joined Arsenal on loan from Brentford and immediately secured the Golden Glove with 16 clean sheets. He became the third Arsenal goalkeeper to win the Golden Glove after Wojciech Szczesny in the 2013-2014 season and Petr Cech in the 2015-2016 season, both with 16 clean sheets. The image depicts Raya blocking a shot from forward Miguel Almiron during Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle in Matchday 26 of the Premier League on February 24th.
Right-back Ben White played a crucial role in helping Arsenal boast the league’s best defense with only 29 goals conceded and 18 clean sheets. The English international often surged forward to support Bukayo Saka’s attacks on the right flank, contributing four goals and four assists. In the image, White (number 4) is captured taking a shot during the London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on September 24th, 2023.
Center-back William Saliba became the first player in Arsenal’s history to play all 38 Premier League matches in a single season. The solidity of this French international helped Arsenal stay in the title race with Manchester City until the final round. In 2024, the “Gunners” only suffered one defeat, a 0-2 loss to Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. In the image, Saliba is seen thwarting forward Luis Diaz during Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in Matchday 23 of the Premier League on January 4th.
Gabriel Magalhaes, alongside Saliba, formed Arsenal’s formidable central defensive partnership. In addition to keeping 15 clean sheets, the Brazilian player was a significant threat from set-piece situations for the “Gunners,” scoring four goals this season.
Left-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (in red) endured three spells on the sidelines due to injury but still made it into the season’s Best XI. The English international contributed four assists and scored three goals, including a late winner in the 4-3 victory over Fulham in December 2023. In the image, Alexander-Arnold is seen battling with Brentford forward Ivan Toney at Anfield on May 6th, 2023.
Midfielder Cole Palmer was signed for a fee of $50 million from Manchester City and immediately became a bright spot in Chelsea’s disappointing season. The 22-year-old player scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 33 matches, earning him the title of the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season. In the image, Palmer (number 20) celebrates after converting a penalty to equalize 3-3 in Chelsea’s comeback 4-3 victory over Manchester United on April 4th.
Kevin de Bruyne was absent for the first half of the season due to a wrist injury but still emerged as Manchester City’s top assist provider with ten assists. The Belgian midfielder also scored four goals, playing a significant role in helping Manchester City win 15 and draw three of their final 15 matches to surpass Arsenal in the title race. In the image, De Bruyne is seen passing the ball during the Burnley vs. Manchester City match in Matchday 1 of the Premier League on August 11th.
Rodri is a master of defense in the midfield, but he has been more involved in attacking this season. The Spanish defensive midfielder scored eight goals, achieving his best-ever tally in a Premier League season, including the goal that sealed a 3-1 victory over West Ham in the final round. In the image, Rodri is seen controlling the ball amidst opposition pressure during the Manchester City vs. Arsenal match at the Etihad Stadium on March 31st, 2024.
Midfielder Phil Foden had his most explosive season yet, with eight assists and 19 goals in 35 matches. He was a key factor in helping Manchester City set a record for winning the Premier League four times in a row and was voted the Player of the Season. In the image, Foden is seen taking a shot during the 1-1 draw against Liverpool in Matchday 13 of the Premier League on November 25th, 2023.
Striker Ollie Watkins scored 19 goals, none from penalties, and was also the top assist provider in the Premier League this season with 13 assists. The 28-year-old player spearheaded Aston Villa’s qualification for the Champions League for the first time and earned a call-up to the England national team for Euro 2024 by manager Gareth Southgate. In the image, he (on the right) is seen scoring a goal in Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on April 14th.
Erling Haaland scored 27 goals in 31 matches during the 2023-2024 season, securing the Premier League Golden Boot award for the second consecutive time. After setting a record of 36 goals in 35 matches in his first season in England, the Norwegian striker experienced a slight decline in form but still outscored the runner-up, Cole Palmer, by five goals. Haaland became the sixth player to win this award in consecutive seasons, following Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah.
In the image, Haaland is seen rushing in to prepare for a close-range tap-in to open the scoring as Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the rescheduled Matchday 34 of the Premier League on May 14th.
