MY ACCOUNT
I’ve really enjoyed penning my Premier League views for LiveScore over the last nine months.
Seeing Manchester City lift the title on Sunday filled me with joy — although to be honest, it was more a feeling of relief by the full-time whistle!
With the campaign now at an end, I’ve picked my Team of the Season.
Unsurprisingly, City and Liverpool dominate but there are some other stars and honourable mentions included as well.
See what you think of my line-up.
Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper — Ederson (Manchester City)
As I’ve said a few times this season, there’s not a lot to separate Ederson and his Brazil team-mate Alisson, but I’ve just edged for the City stopper.
Both of them kept 20 clean sheets this term, which is outrageous. It’s a third successive golden glove for the Citizens’ No1, however, so he gets the nod.
Right-back — Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Joao Cancelo could’ve easily taken this spot but he’s spent his season split between the two flanks, so I’ll go for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Plenty have questioned him defensively but what he offers to Liverpool is phenomenal. His 12 assists this season were only bettered by Mohamed Salah, which says it all.
Centre-back — Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
What a warrior Ruben Dias has been since his arrival from Benfica. He’s won two titles in two years now and was rightly voted the division’s best player last term.
Such is his influence at City now, you really do notice when he’s not playing and he’s going to be pivotal for the champions in the years ahead.
Centre-back — Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Talking of warriors, Virgil van Dijk has bounced back brilliantly from a horrendous injury-blighted 2020-21 campaign.
The towering Dutchman has barely missed a minute this term and has been a colossus at the centre of Jurgen Klopp’s backline.
Left-back — Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
If Cancelo had played all his games in this position, he’d be a strong contender. But I’m a really big fan of Andy Robertson.
In terms of a well-rounded full-back, there aren’t many better than the dependable Scot, who must be one of the greatest bargains ever. Liverpool only paid £8million for him in 2017!
Central midfield — Rodri (Manchester City)
This is where I may get criticised for being biased but I’ve gone with an all-City midfield — and Rodri is a no-brainer in the deep-lying role.
He does the less glamorous side of things so well and keeps things ticking for the champions. But as we’ve seen in recent weeks, he can also pop up with a vital goal when it matters.
Central midfield — Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Already assured of legendary status at City, it was fitting to see Kevin De Bruyne cap off a brilliant individual season by setting up the title-winning goal for Ilkay Gundogan.
The Belgian is one of the best in the business and 23 direct goal involvements in 30 appearances from central midfield is quite something.
Central midfield — Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
For me, Bernardo Silva has been the most consistent player in the Premier League this season and could’ve easily won the individual award instead of De Bruyne.
His goals may have dried up in recent months but his general play has remained outstanding and sometimes I think people overlook just how crucial he is to this City side.
Right wing — Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
There’s no way you can leave out Salah, who finished tied with Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son on 23 goals to earn himself a third Golden Boot.
The fact there was talk of him suffering a blip and yet he’s still finished as top scorer shows the ridiculous level he has set the bar at — he’s an all-time Premier League great.
Centre forward — Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
I’m a little bit old school in liking an out-and-out central striker in my ranks and for all of Manchester United’s struggles this season, Cristiano Ronaldo has only enhanced his reputation further.
I’m running out of superlatives for him, to be honest. To get 18 goals in that side, at his age, is just phenomenal. The funny thing is, I expect him to do exactly the same again next season!
Left wing — Heung-Min Son
How great was it to see Son get a share of the Golden Boot? He’s had another outstanding campaign and you can’t help but love the Tottenham forward.
The thing that always baffles me with Son is how he isn’t really linked with other clubs. Given what he’s been doing for a few seasons now, I think he gets into virtually any XI in world football.
Honourable mentions
I’ve picked a pretty fearsome side, but I also want mention a few other players who have enjoyed great campaigns.
In terms of defenders, regular readers will know I’m a huge fan of Reece James, who has had his faire share of injury trouble but has still caught the eye for Chelsea.
Staying in London, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher have both really impressed at Crystal Palace under Patrick Vieira and look to have bright futures.
Guehi has enjoyed a dream first campaign in the top tier while Gallagher looks posied to challenge for a spot in Chelsea’s midfield next season.
Declan Rice could easily have made it into my midfield and there isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about West Ham’s talisman.
Similar can be said for Sadio Mane, who not only starred for Liverpool but also led Senegal to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Finally, one player I’m really looking forward to seeing more of next season is Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
Having worked with him at England Under-21 level, I’ve seen up close how much talent he has. The way he glides past players so effortlessly, he reminds me of my former team-mate Yaya Toure.
He has one of England’s greatest ever midfielders in Steven Gerrard overseeing his development and is extremely willing to learn and improve — no wonder Villa fans are so excited by him.
Anyway, enjoy your summer and I’m sure Premier League football will be back before we know it!
Joleon Lescott was speaking to Matthew Hill
