Seven clubs, 11 players: who will make up this 2024 Premier League team? | first division
Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken (Brentford)
Most active goalie in the division in 2024. Flekken made more saves (156) than anyone else first division The goalkeeper will play a key role in Brentford's survival in the Premier League and a strong start to this campaign. The Dutchman was also able to spot a teammate from a distance with ease, making the second most accurate long pass (368). WhoScored Rating: 6.97
Right back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The first of two Liverpool players to highlight. Although Alexander-Arnold only recorded five assists, four of which came this season, it wasn't for a lack of trying. He created the seventh-clearest scoring opportunity (17), the best return of any defender. His 31 accurate crosses, excluding corners, were the third most in the division. Rating: 7.09
Central defender: James Tarkowski (Everton)
Although Everton are enduring another relegation-threatened campaign, remain solid defensively and conceded the eighth-fewest goals in the Premier League in 2024 (47). One of the main reasons was the form of James Tarkowski, who made the second most clearances (204) and won the third most aerial duels (129). Rating: 7.07
Central defender: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Arsenal is the team that has conceded the fewest goals (25) in the Premier League, and Magalhães is a vital cog in their determined machine. The Brazilian also had a huge influence at the other end of the pitch, scoring six headed goals; no player scored more. Rating: 7.06
Left back: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Even with City's terrible run until 2024, Gvardiol is in the XI. The Croatian was key with the ball, having made the tenth most accurate pass (1,897), and his form in front of goal proved vital in last season's title race. Gvardiol scored more goals (eight) than any other defender in 2024. Rating: 7.13
Central midfielder: Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri just made the cut having made 20 appearances, a figure that would have been higher had he not suffered a season-ending injury in September. The Ballon d'Or winner made 1,865 accurate passes, enough for 11th place despite only 66 minutes of play this season. He also participated directly in 11 goals. Rating: 7.66
Right Wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
With a rating of 7.83, Saka is WhoScored.com's Premier League Player of the Year. Saka, who is out with a hamstring injury, was arguably the most consistent player in the division. He was directly involved in 28 goals, ranked fifth in shots (105) and key passes (83) and recorded 51 successful dribbles, 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 perhaps should have recorded more than 13 assists after ranking second in key passes (97) and clear scoring opportunities created (25). Rating: 7.75
Attacking midfield: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
The England international was linked with a summer move and his performances at Palace last year show why interest was so great. Eze completed the fifth-most dribbles (64) and directly contributed to 15 goals. Rating: 7.40
Left winger: Luis Díaz (Liverpool)
Diaz, Liverpool's second player in the XI, was always a threat but has taken his game to the next level under Arne Slot. The Colombian participated directly in 14th place with the most goals (19) and completed the fourth with the most dribbles (66). Rating: 7.33
Forward: Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
The third Arsenal player to make the cut. Although few would have opted for Havertz as a striker in their team of the year, the German managed a respectable 16 league goals and his style of play gives wingers room to exploit in their quest for goals. Havertz also has a significant physical presence in the final third, winning the fifth-most aerial duels in the league (123). Rating: 7.41
