The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have announced its Premier League Team of the Year for 2024/25.
An 11-man squad named as the best in England’s top-flight last season included Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) in goal, defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), and Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth, now Liverpool).
Interestingly, the midfield featured Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), and Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool). The attacking trio comprised Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), and Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest).
Liverpool’s four selections showed their title-winning campaign, while Arsenal, finishing second, provided three. Nottingham Forest’s resurgence delivered two names, while Newcastle contributed one.
However, the choices raised questions. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who registered 23 Premier League goal contributions in 37 appearances and was shortlisted for PFA Player of the Year, was excluded in favour of Chris Wood. Analysts argued Palmer’s creativity in a struggling Chelsea side merited inclusion.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was also absent. Despite his team’s inconsistency, Fernandes contributed 18 goals and assists across 36 appearances and was another Player of the Year nominee.
Some critics suggested he deserved a midfield spot ahead of Ryan Gravenberch, whose breakout season at Liverpool had nevertheless impressed peers.
At left-back, Milos Kerkez’s selection talked about his standout Bournemouth campaign before transferring to Liverpool. Yet Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who recorded 10 assists and led defensive charts with 1.74 tackles and 1.77 interceptions per 90 minutes, was tipped by some as the stronger candidate.
Why the votes fell this way?
The PFA’s voting system, determined by players, often favoured title contenders. Liverpool and Arsenal accounted for seven of the 11 names.
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Nottingham Forest’s double inclusion happened as a result of their exceptional season, with Wood’s goals proving vital in survival and progress.
Nevertheless, debates remained fierce. Supporters questioned whether the balance between rewarding team achievement and individual performance had struck.
Critics pointed to Palmer and Fernandes as prime examples of players overlooked due to club struggles, while Robinson’s omission happened due to the difficulty of breaking into a Liverpool-Arsenal dominated squad.
The final team revealed Liverpool’s dominance, Arsenal’s defensive solidity, and Nottingham Forest’s unexpected rise. Yet, its exclusions ensured the PFA Team of the Year remained as controversial as it was prestigious.
