LAURA WOODS’ 2024/25 PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE SEASON
GOALKEEPER: MATZ SELS (NOTT’M FOREST)
Sels has been reliable, consistent and kept the most clean sheets of any Premier League goalkeeper.
He has faced a lot of shots – he’s comfortably top five in division for most saves made – and has excellent distribution as well. He has been crucial to Nottingham Forest's success this season.
Sels just edges out David Raya, who has had yet another exceptional season for Arsenal.
RIGHT-BACK: OLA AINA (NOTT’M FOREST)
What a player! Aina is a big character and a big leader.
Forest have had a brilliant season and he’s been a huge part of it. It doesn’t matter if he plays in a back three or four, he just does his job so well.
He’s been a goal threat, too, and he came on a free. What’s not to love?
CENTRE-BACK: GABRIEL (ARSENAL)
Gabriel has been immense at the back but also has been banging in the goals.
Since he got injured, he’s been a huge miss and his impact on the Arsenal team has shown even more when he’s been out.
I think it’s fair to call him an elite defender now – he can pick out passes and shows up in high-pressure games.
CENTRE-BACK: VIRGIL VAN DIJK (LIVERPOOL)
I think it’s impossible not to include Van Dijk.
He is the captain of the Premier League winners – and what a player he is.
He’s the complete defender: a leader, dominant in the air, cool and calm… just a defensive rock.
LEFT-BACK: ANTONEE ROBINSON (FULHAM)
It’s been a breakout season for Robinson.
He’s managed double figures in Premier League assists as well as being excellent defensively.
On top of that he’s got an engine and has great timing and delivery from wide areas. He’s physical, versatile and has really lifted Fulham this season.
Robinson deserves plenty of praise for what he’s done this campaign.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: RYAN GRAVENBERCH (LIVERPOOL)
Gravenberch has been incredible for Liverpool this season.
He’s had such a transformation from last season and is totally trusted by Reds manager Arne Slot.
The Dutchman is a big, physical presence but, at the same time, is so graceful with it.
He carries the ball so well and lets Alexis Mac Allister push forward more so he can do what he does best.
Gravenberch has been a big influence on this title-winning side.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: DECLAN RICE (ARSENAL)
He’s the complete midfielder.
Three goals and seven assists show what he’s doing offensively while, defensively, he’s done a great job too.
Declan is a big personality in that team and a proper leader. Excellent from set-pieces, commanding on the pitch and adored by Gooners.
It’s very hard not to love him.
RIGHT WING: MOHAMED SALAH (LIVERPOOL)
Season after season Salah turns up and is consistently one of the best performers in the Premier League.
He’s exceptional and reinvents himself each season so he can get better. A two-time Premier League winner now, he is just a wonderful player to watch.
I think he’ll probably win player of the season – and it’s not hard to see why.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: COLE PALMER (CHELSEA)
Palmer has had another brilliant season.
He can turn games on their head, he’s always super-composed when he needs to be and he’s created and scored a hatful of goals for Chelsea.
He has dragged the Blues through in some big moments this season; he is their shining light. Top-class.
LEFT WING: MATHEUS CUNHA (WOLVES)
Cunha is wonderful to watch and his stats are incredible for a team that has struggled so much.
His stats actually rival Salah’s in some aspects, which shows how good he’s been.
He’s created moments of magic with long-range strikes, brilliant assists and loads of top-class pieces of skill.
Where would Wolves be without him?
STRIKER: ALEXANDER ISAK (NEWCASTLE)
If there was one player I could nick as an Arsenal fan it would be Isak.
He’s been one of the best in the world this season, let alone the Premier League.
I would have loved to put Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood in here but there’s something about Isak. He’s been instrumental in Newcastle’s charge for the top four.
Clinical and brilliant – everything you wanted in a modern-day number nine.
LAURA WOODS’ GOLDEN GOALS PICKS FOR MATCHDAY 37
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