Danny Murphy explains why Manchester City hero Erling Haaland is not in the Premier League Team of the Season

By premiernews On May 15, 2024

Erling Haaland once again leads the Premier League scoring charts, but that's not enough to make Danny Murphy's Team of the Season.

He Manchester City striker extended his tally to 27 top-flight goals this season in his crucial 2-0 victory over Tottenham to put them on top and in the box seat of the title race before the final day.

Haaland is on track to win back-to-back Golden Boots this weekendCredit: Getty

Haaland remains one of the most clinical forwards in world football but, despite his quality, the Norwegian cannot achieve murphy's best XI, with the Aston Villa star Olivia Watkins the man chosen to lead.

The former Liverpool midfielder was asked to name his Premier League Team of the Season between White and Jordan and, when selecting his forward, said: “I've picked Watkins at the top.

“Just because Haaland has done what we expected him to do, Watkins actually scored 27 goals in 52 games this season, 19 in the Prem, 13 assists and reached heights I didn't think he could, and is arguably the main reason why that Villa is in the Champions League positions.”

“You don't include Haaland?” host Jim White asked, and Murphy explained, “No, because he missed a lot of the season, Watkins throughout the season has had a bigger impact.

“You didn't score that many goals and if you said to me: 'If you were a coach, who would you choose tomorrow?' “I would have Haaland, because Haaland is the best striker in the world, but I don't choose who is the best player, but rather who has had the best season.”

He added: “Throughout the whole season, (Watkins) has had more impact on Villa's season than Haaland has on City's. Haaland hasn't scored as many as last season, but City are still winning anyway, still they won games every week when he “I wasn't there for three months.”

“Yes, but they have won games without him,” he reiterated when Simon Jordan referred to his goals against Spurs and when asked if Villa didn't win a game without Watkins, he replied: “Well, I don't think he's missed many.” . “.

Murphy also revealed his full squad for the 2023/24 campaign, with all of the players included coming from teams in the top seven of the table.

But Haaland does not make Murphy's Team of the SeasonCredit: Getty

The talkSPORT expert explained that the City star has done what was expected of himCredit: talkSPORT

Watkins is Murphy's striker, and the Villa man exceeded his expectationsCredit: Getty

“It's a mix of things, there will always be people you leave out and other people listening will say: 'I should have gone in and I shouldn't have gone in'. I have chosen (Emiliano) Martínez in Villa's goal, I think it has been a big reason for his success, he has been exceptional,” Murphy added.

“In fact, I have chosen four defenders, I have chosen Ben White as right back, many of my selections are players who have played almost the entire season and consistently well, not just in moments. I think he has been great, that connection with ( Bukayo) Saka.

Simon Jordan defends Roy Keane for his recent criticism of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland

“I think the left back (Destiny) Udogie for me, a young contracted player, first season in the Premier League at Tottenham. I know he has been injured in recent weeks, but overall his season has been excellent. He has been a breath of fresh air. freshness. Aerial, powerful, adventurous, skillful, also knows how to defend, fast.

“The two centre-backs, I thought the only one that came to mind and that I think deserves a mention but didn't come in was (Micky) Van de Ven, another one at Tottenham, the first season has been good. But me.” I have chosen (Virgil) Van Dijk and (William) Saliba, it is quite easy to choose those two, they are head and shoulders above the others.

Goalkeeper Martínez is another Villa player who joins the teamCredit: Getty

Udogie has enjoyed an 'excellent' first season as Spurs left-backCredit: Getty

Saliba and White have proven to be key in Arsenal's defense this seasonCredit: Getty

“(Van Dijk) has been outstanding, absolutely outstanding, a big reason why Liverpool have even been able to mount a charge (for the title), getting to the point in the season where they were still in it, he has been outstanding.

“So I picked (Declan) Rice and Rodri (in midfield). I mean anyone who doubts those two please. The only one who deserves a mention, probably Douglas Luiz at Villa, I think he's been outstanding.

“Just ahead of them, I chose (Martin) Odegaard because of his consistency throughout the season, I think he has been fundamental in Arsenal's challenge. I know that (Kevin) De Bruyne's numbers are fantastic, but he has only played half the season.

“And don't get me wrong, if you said to me, 'Who would you rather have?' I would prefer that De Bruyne (Odegaard) has been instrumental in Arsenal's success.

Van Dijk partners with Saliba in the heart of the defenseCredit: Getty

Arsenal's title chances have been largely boosted by Odegaard and RiceCredit: Getty

Rodri completes a stacked midfield for MurphyCredit: Getty

“Then I have an English treble. (Cole) Palmer, Chelsea, outstanding, possibly the signing of the season, incredible, especially playing in the team, to shine like he has, incredible.

“I've picked (Phil) Foden on the left, you can play him anywhere right? And then I've picked Watkins up top.”