An early look at the team of the season in the Premier League so far.
With the Premier League briefly in hibernation for another international break, we look at the team of the season so far, based on the first seven games of the season. There have already been a few surprises and new faces making names for themselves, and here is a lineup based on the best players in the country at this early stage of the season.
Defence
Simon Mignolet (Liverpool) – A superb summer signing, Simon Mignolet has continued his fine Sunderland form at his new club Liverpool. The £9m man made an immediate impact, saving a penalty on his debut for the club, and has generally looked like a big upgrade on Pepe Reina.
Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) – At right-back, Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna has been on top form so far this season and seems worthy of a place in the side given the Gunners’ impressive performances that have seen them go top of the table. A solid and experienced defender, the Frenchman also has the bonus of a goal to his name this season.
Leighton Baines (Everton) – On the opposite full-back slot, it has to be Everton’s Leighton Baines. A target for Manchester United all summer, the England international has shown why with his displays this season. Two superb free-kicks won his team the recent game against West Ham at Upton Park and he remains one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league despite primarily being a defender.
Dejan Lovren (Southampton) – Amazingly, Southampton have only conceded two goals all season, giving him the best defensive record in the league. Lovren has been a key part of that, and was one of a few exciting signings made by the Saints during the summer when he arrived from Lyon for £8.5m. He also scored a memorable winner against Liverpool to give Mauricio Pochettino’s side a shock 1-0 win at Anfield.
Per Mertesacker (Arsenal) – A much improved player this season, Per Mertesacker has been rock solid at the back for Arsenal, and has definitely looked like one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League this season. Despite his lack of pace, he reads the game excellently and has been a great leader for the club, taking the captain’s armband in the absence of both Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta.
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) – In a traditional-looking 4-4-2, Aaron Ramsey is an obvious contender to make up one of the central two in midfield. The Welshman has been in superb form this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists for his side, as well as doing his job defensively. A fine all-round box-to-box midfielder, Ramsey has been a revelation this year and is a big reason for Arsenal topping the table at the moment.
Yaya Toure (Manchester City) – Along with Ramsey, Yaya Toure is the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League at the moment with four goals, many of which have been things of beauty from long range. As always, the powerful Ivorian has been highly influential for City and despite their inconsistent start, he remains an ever-reliable and threatening player, who is surely up there with the best in the world on his day.
Morgan Amalfitano (West Brom) – A great addition for the Baggies on loan from Marseille, the club will now be desperate to keep Morgan Amalfitano on a permanent deal. The skillful winger has added a new dimension to West Brom’s play, and his individual brilliance saw him open the scoring in fine style in the club’s surprise 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. With two goals, two assists and two man of the match awards in just four appearances so far, the Frenchman is highly deserving of a place in this team.
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) – One of the most exciting new arrivals to the Premier League this summer after his £42.4m deadline day move to Arsenal from Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil has certainly lived up to his fine reputation so far, and currently leads the assists charts in the Premier League with three in just four games. The skillful German may yet prove to be the missing link between Arsenal and silverware this season, and looks like he’ll be a joy to watch regardless.
Attack
Loic Remy (Newcastle) – The loan signing from Queens Park Rangers didn’t attract a great deal of excitement this summer as Newcastle were generally quiet in the transfer market, but this prolific French striker has been in superb form so far for the Magpies, and has five goals in as many appearances this season. Remy had looked in deadly form for QPR last season as well and continues to establish himself as one of the most accurate and composed finishers in the Premier League. Impressively, his five goals have come from just sixteen shots, and he has one assist to his name as well.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) – And finally, perhaps the least surprising inclusion of all is the Premier League’s top scorer Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool forward has been terrific since moving to Anfield from Chelsea last January, and has six goals from just seven appearances so far this season. A highly skillful and clinical player, Sturridge looks a great all-round striker and will surely only continue to improve with the presence of Luis Suarez alongside him upfront, in what Brendan Rodgers has described as the best partnership in the Premier League. The hope now is that Sturridge can continue his fine club form for England!