The 2021-22 Premier League was quite the spectacle, twisting, turning and offering a great deal of entertainment. In what was likely the most dramatic title challenge since the famous "93:20" final day 10 seasons ago, Manchester City against used another furious comeback to best one of its bitter rivals. The league season saw the title challenge, European qualification places and relegation all come down to the final day, creating maximum viewing pleasure for the fans.
Throughout the 38-game season, numerous players rose to prominence, producing quality performances week in and week out. This squad highlights 27 players—a best XI, nine substitutes and seven reserves—based on their performances this season. Thus, "better" or more prominent players may appear on the bench or in the reserves behind players who are traditionally less-prominent. Previous seasons and career accolades were not being taken into account for this squad.
STARTING XI
Goalkeeper: José Sá - Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Portuguese shot-stopper announced himself in the black-and-gold in stunning style this season, proving that his departed countryman Rui Patrício would not be missed. Sá was a key cog of the the fifth-best Premier League defense this season; a defense that was the best amongst non-traditional "Big Six" sides. Wolves secured a top-half finish in 10th position, largely due to the team's ability to defend.
Sá made 121 saves this season, even with Burnley's Nick Pope for fourth-most of any Premier League goalkeeper. Wolves only conceded 43 goals for an average of 1.13 goals per game, and only conceded more than one goal in nine of the 38 matches this season. The Wolves No. 1 was responsible for just 40 of those goals in 36.5 games, and averaged just 1.10 goals conceded per 90 minutes. He also secured 11 clean sheets for the black and gold.
While he showed that his ability to play out from the back was a little shaky at times, he proved that also displayed an ability to spring counter-attacks with well-time, quality disruption. He displayed an uncanny ability to defend the space behind his backline, as he registered 31 sweeping clearances, the most in the Premier League this season. Overall, the Portuguese well and truly earned his spot as the top goalkeeper of the season.
Right Back: Marc Cucurella - Brighton and Hove Albion
Another Premier League newcomer gets the nod, this time Brighton's livewire in defense, Marc Cucurella. The 23-year-old was key to the Seagulls' best-ever Premier League points haul and finish, playing the most minutes of any outfield player.
After joining from Getafe, he immediately showed that he was up to pace in the Premier League; key word: pace. The Spaniard is one of the quickest players in England and seems to never stop running. His versatility is also impressive. He played as a traditional left back while also deputizing brilliantly as a center back in a back three quite often, in the sixth-best Premier League defense this campaign (44 goals conceded). His role as a center back never prevented him from getting forward, either. His versatility, combined with a lack of formidable options at right back, is why he slots in on the right in this XI.
In addition to his high work rate, he showed a consistent quality of cross, a vital trait for a successful outside back. Brighton finished the season on a five game unbeaten run (3W, 2D) to secured a ninth-place finish, and Cucurella was key to that success. He scored his first-ever Premier League goal in Brighton's historic 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United at the Amex and was named Man of the Match in the team's 3-0 over Wolves on April 30, who they ultimately tracked down to finish above on goal difference. It's no big surprise that he is now garnering attention from many top clubs, including Manchester City and Chelsea.
Center Back: Joël Matip - Liverpool
Often the forgotten player in the Liverpool's starting XI, Joël Matip made it virtually impossible to overlook himself this season. The big center half was likely the first name on the team sheet for Jürgen Klopp due to his consistency and quality week in and week out.
The Cameroonian featured in 31 of Liverpool's 38 Premier League matches, logging 44 blocked shots and winning 109 aerial duels, fourth-most amongst defenders. He portrayed calmness and composure in the back and was a significant contributor to Liverpool's conceding of only 26 league goals, even with rivals Manchester City for fewest in the league.
Matip was immense down the stretch, scoring two massive goals in the month of May. After Liverpool conceded just three minutes into the match against Aston Villa, he wasted no time in delivering the equalizer. The Reds went on to win the match 2-1 to draw level on points with City. Then, a week later, as Liverpool played with a squad-rotation side just three days after their FA Cup Final triumph in penalties, Matip's second-half header lifted them to a vital 2-1 victory away at Southampton to again keep pace with City. Despite falling short on the final day, its safe to say Liverpool would not have been so close to the title without Matip's contributions.
Center Back: Marc Guéhi - Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace was a much-changed side this season, undergoing a renaissance under first-year manager Patrick Vieira. Marc Guéhi, formerly of Swansea City in the Championships, was a key new addition that allowed the London club to achieve its best Premier League finish since 2018-19.
Palace only conceded 46 goals this season, the least in any of their last eight Premier League campaigns since its return to the top tier in 2013-14. It is also far-and-away the fewest amongst any team that finished in the bottom of half of the table. He developed a stout partnership with Joachim Anderson that allowed the Palace defense to excel.
Guéhi, featuring in all but two matches this season, made 126 clearances and blocked 26 shots, the most of any Eagle this season, all while demonstrating a calmness in defense and in possession. He completed the eighth-most passes of any player in the Premier League and the most of any player outside of a traditional "Big Six" club (2,346), and did not commit a single error that lead to an opponent goal. His quality this season earned him his first England cap and a place in the June squad as the Three Lions prepare for the World Cup in Qatar.
Left Back: João Cancelo - Manchester City
The first representative from the title winners comes in the form of their diminutive left back. João Cancelo is about as close to a mainstay as one can be in a Pep Guardiola side that sees a ton of squad rotation. He appeared in 36 of the possible 38 matches this season.
Cancelo is an absolute menace down the left. He served 124 crosses this season and
provided seven assists. The Portuguese is comfortable playing in possession as well, as he lead the Premier League in successful passes, completing a staggering 2,951. He also completed 21 through balls, just one shy of the league-high this season (Fernandes, Kane; 22), and took the most shots (81) of any Manchester City player this season. Take a moment to appreciate the other players on that roster, and the fact that the left back leads that team in shots. He also took the most touches of any player in the Premier League this season (3,908).
The 27-year-old is not just a one-way player, he also defends well. He led City in successful tackles with 87, 15 more than the next closest Cityzen, and interceptions with 59, more than doubling the next closest City player. Cancelo is an all-around superstar, and was nothing short of a lynchpin in City's title triumph.
Holding Midfield: James Ward-Prowse - Southampton
Let's get this straight right now: James Ward-Prowse is the best striker of a dead ball in football. After this season, there is no room for debate. Although Southampton only finished the season five points clear of the relegation zone, the Saints captain's career campaign was enough to keep them out of true danger during the entire run-in.
Ward-Prowse reached double figures for the first time in his career, scoring a team-high 10 goals, and added five assists to total an impressive 15 goal contributions. This was the first season of the last three in which Ward-Prowse did not feature in every match for the Saints, as a red card saw him sidelined for two. That makes the fact that he attempted 302 crosses even more impressive. He is just one of two players to attempt even 200 (Alexander-Arnold; 273). The Saints academy graduate averaged a staggering 8.4 crosses per match.
Four of Ward-Prowse goals came from the penalty spot while four more came directly from free kicks, a stunning feat. He is the definition of a dead ball specialist, and it's no surprise that he also led the Premier League in corners taken (212). When opponents see the Southampton skipper over a dead ball, they know its trouble. He also traveled the most distance of many Premier League player this season, which really doesn't come as much of a surprise.
His stellar campaign has earned him a place alongside Guéhi in England's June squad. He has never played for any club other than Southamp, but after his output this season, he is attracting attention from "bigger" clubs. The Saints would do well to hang on to their starman.
Attacking Midfield: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - Leicester City
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall quite possibly takes the cake as the revelation of the season in the Premier League. The young Englishman has gone from being virtually unknown to arguably the first name on the team sheet week in and week out for Leicester City. After a successful loan spell with Luton Town last season, manager Brendan Rodgers gave him a chance in the first team this season and the creative midfielder hasn't looked back.
Dewsbury-Hall featured in 28 Premier League matches this season. His first-ever Premier League goal came in an April victory over Crystal Palace, when the tricky midfielder slithered into the box and roofed a beautiful strike past Vicente Guiata for what proved to be the winner on the day. It was a long time coming for the England U23, as he had been positive all season. Rodgers gave him a nod early in the season when injuries plagued Leicester City, but Dewsbury-Hall's play made it impossible for him to lose his place.
He completed 1,148 passes this season, second only to Youri Tielemans amongst attacking players, and took 1,625 touches. He also made 39 tackles and 22 interceptions, proving he is not solely focused on attacking but also industrious when necessary. The 23-year-old was pivotal to Leicester's eighth-place finish, and remember, squad rotation and depth was key as Leicester played went deep in the UEFA Europa Conference League this season as well.
Attacking Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City
Any 2021-22 best XI would completely lose its creditability without Kevin De Bruyne's inclusion. Quite frankly, he is the first name on the teamsheet when it comes to this squad. The Belgian, yet again, showed that he is the class of technicians that England—and likely the footballing world—has to offer.
Known primarily in the past for his ability to pick a pass, while not leaving that aspect of his game behind, De Bruyne found his goalscoring boots, netting 15 this season. In a season where De Bruyne battled injuries all-throughout, missing eight games, he still accounted for more than 23 percent of City's total goals, leading the team in both goals and assists. He connected on 20 through balls, just one shy of João Concelo's team-high, took on 78 shots and registered 1,907 touches.
Perhaps most importantly, De Bruyne elevated his play down the stretch in the title race. He provided two assists in the month of May, including the all-important helper on İlkay Gündoğan's Premier League-winning goal against Aston Villa on the final day. He also scored four in City's 5-1 dismantling of Wolves which really elevated the pressure on Liverpool in regards to goal difference, as City ended the season with a five-goal advantage in that category. Without De Bruyne's production this season, City don't come anywhere close to the title.
Right Wing: Jarrod Bowen - West Ham United
Jarrod Bowen is another player who reached a new level in 2021-22. The Hammers winger played in every match last season and had a solid campaign with 13 goal involvements, but he soared to new heights this year with 12 goals and 10 assists as West Ham secured Europa Conference League qualification on the final day of the season.
The Hull City product was involved in 36.7 percent of West Ham's goals on the season, the fourth-highest mark in the Premier League this season. He registered 34 shots on target for a shot conversion rate of 35.3 percent, and attempted 141 crosses, just four behind Aaron Cresswell for the West Ham team-high.
West Ham have returned to vintage form under David Moyes, finishing sixth last season and seventh this campaign. The Hammers secured European football in back-to-back seasons and did so while balancing a run to Europa Conference League semifinals. Bowen's verve and ability on the ball has been nothing short of instrumental in the overhaul. His form this season has earned him an England call up ahead of the June Nations League matches, where he will join Guéhi and Ward-Prowse with the Three Lions.
Left Wing: Son Heung-Min - Tottenham Hotspur
The South Korean was pivotal in Spurs securing their first top four finish since 2018-19, as the winger scored a staggering 23 goals to split the golden boot with Mohamed Salah. What's even more outrageous about his performance is the fact that all 23 came from open play: Not a single one came from the penalty spot. Oh yeah, and he added seven assists.
Son was involved in 30 of 69 Spurs goals this season, meaning he played a part in 43.5 of Tottenham's goals during the campaign. Surprisingly, this is the second-highest player/goal involvement in the Premier League, as Teemu Pukki was involved in 60.9 percent of Norwich City's goals (11 goals, 3 assists of total 23 goals). However, Son's feat is a little more joyous as Norwich averaged .61 goals per game and were relegated dead bottom of the league, while Spurs will be playing Champions League football next season.
Son provided the fifth-most crosses of any player in the Premier League (192) and averaged 5.1 per match. He put 49 shots on target, meaning he converted at an impressive 46.9 percent clip. Spurs finished the season unbeaten in their last sixth, taking points off of Liverpool in what ultimately could be looked at as the decisive result in the title race. Son scored on that day, and he also netted one in a 3-0 dismantling of rivals Arsenal in a match that all-but eliminated the Gunners from Champions League contention. Tottenham finished the season on an extreme flourish, winning its final three matches by an aggregate score of 9-0.
Center Forward: Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Joint-league-top goalscorer Mo Salah gets the nod to lead the line in this season's Best XI. While he is not a traditional striker, he is the best option based on performances this season, and he does have some experience playing in this position during his time with the Egyptian national team.
Regardless, it would be a crime to leave Salah out of the starting XI after earning a share of the golden boot with Son. While five of his 23 goals did come from the penalty spots, he was able to provide enough goals to help his side keep pace with Manchester City until the final day. In fact, he netted a late goal against Wolves on the final day which so nearly gave the Reds the title, if not for City's quick-fire comeback at the Etihad.
Salah tested opposing goalkeepers more than any other player in the Premier League this season, putting 60 shots on target. He also led the league in total shots with 139 and hit the woodwork three times. Salah is never afraid to take a shot on and is always putting the opposing backline under pressure.
On top of his 23 league goals, he provided a league-high 13 assists en route to the Premier League Playmaker award. His 36 goal-involvements means he contributed to 38.3 percent of Liverpool's 94 league goals. While the Reds fell just shorts of the title, there is no question that without Salah, they would not have been able to keep up with City's furious pace.
SUBSTITUTES
Goalkeeper: Alisson - Liverpool
Allison earns a spot on the bench after another stellar season for the Reds. The Brazilian shot-stopper dueled his countryman Ederson down to the final day, and both of them ended the season by sharing the golden glove with 20 clean sheets a piece. Twenty clean sheets in a 38-game season is pretty impressive, and Allison made 76 saves while only conceding 24 goals. He also made 30 sweeping clearances, just one behind José Sá for the league lead.
Outside Back: Tyrick Mitchell - Crystal Palace
Another Crystal Palace defender makes the squad, as Tyrick Mitchell is named to the bench. The young Englishman's contributions to a solid Eagles defense earned him a nomination for Premier League Young Player of the season and a call up to the June England U23 team. He is one of only three players to win more than 100 tackles in the Premier League this season (104) and he made 87 clearances.
Center Back: Craig Dawson - West Ham United
The wily veteran slots in on the bench after a very impressive season for West Ham. After a poor showing as part of Watford's defense in their 2019-20 relegation season, it seemed like Dawson's best years may have been behind him. This season he proved that is not so. The 32-year-old had a career season, proving he was the Hammers best defender by some margin. He was made 52 blocks, second-most in the league (Tarkowski, 61), and made 138 clearances, 84 of which were headed. He played in 34 of the team's 38 league games, and also scored two goals and provided two assists.
Center Back: Mohammed Salisu - Southampton
Mohammed Salisu had a solid season in a very quiet manner. In 34 games, the Ghanian led the Premier League in interceptions (78) and made the joint-fourth-most clearances (150). Suspension was the only barrier that kept him off the field as he struggled with discipline a bit, accumulating nine yellow cards and one sending off. A poor run by Southampton — winless in six and losing the last four games of the season — did not flatter the team's defensive record. Salisu, though, has a bright future as he is only 23.
Holding Midfielder: Christian Nørgaard - Brentford
Brentford's inaugural season in the Premier League was one to remember, and Christian Nørgaard was a huge reason why. A largely unsung hero, Nørgaard was industrial in the midfield, doing dirty work week in and week out. He made the most successful tackles in the Premier League (109) and was top five in interceptions (64). The Dane was resourceful going forward as well, providing seven goal involvements, none bigger than his goal to secure the points in the team's first-ever Premier League match, a 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Attacking Midfielder: James Maddison - Leicester City
If James Maddison played the way he did the final few months of the season for its entirety, there's no way he doesn't find himself in the Best XI. Nonetheless, Maddison put together a stellar campaign, providing a constant threat on the attack while talisman Jamie Vardy was out injured for a long period. Maddison's 12 goals were second to Vardy and his eight assists were second to Harvey Barnes, but his 20 goal involvements led the Foxes, and were pivotal in securing another top-half finish.
Attacking Midfielder: Anthony Gordon - Everton
While Everton had an abysmal campaign, Anthony Gordon was maybe the one and only bright spot (arguably Jordan Pickford and Richarlson, late on). The attacker is pacey, tricky and elusive on the ball, and plays very direct. He loves running at defenders, and although he has developed a bit of a bad habit when it comes to simulation, he showed extremely well for himself in a tough situation this season. The England U21 international netted four times and provided two assists in 35 games this season, and was instrumental in Everton securing safety on the penultimate day of the season.
Wing Back: Marcos Alonso - Chelsea
Marcos Alonso may be one of, if not, the most underrated player season in and season out when it comes to Chelsea. Every season the Spaniard preforms well, and he is one of the best attacking defenders in the Premier League, and likely the world. This season, he scored four goals and provided four assists in 28 matches en route to a third place league finish and Champions League football next season. While he may be on his way out at Chelsea, he deserves more recognition and respect.
Striker: Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur
The out-and-out striker finds himself on the bench, after another impressive season of both scoring and providing. Harry Kane scored 17 goals and provided nine assists this season as part of a killer front three in combination with Son and newly-arrived Dejan Kulusevski. Talk about a picture of consistency, Kane is that, through-and-through. In eight season in the Premier League, he has never scored less than 17 goals (!!!). While yes, this did equal his lowest goal-scoring return in a season, when 17 is your low, that's an insane threshold to hit every year. And on top of that, he has now taken on the role of provider at a much higher rate than earlier in his career.
RESERVES
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez - Brighton and Hove Albion
Ever since taking over in between the sticks for Mat Ryan last season, Robert Sánchez has proven an extremely capable Premier League goalkeeper. This season, he was huge for the Seagulls in securing their best-ever league finish. He made 101 saves, kept 11 clean sheets and claimed league-high 60 high balls.
Center Back: Kristoffer Ayer - Brentford
Another Bee makes the Team of the Season, and this time its versatile defender Kristoffer Ayer. After coming into the side late, the Norwegian has been extremely good in defense. He made 26 interceptions and 11 blocks in 24 games, while also adding a goal and three assists.
Outside Back: Matt Targett - Aston Villa / Newcastle United
Matt Targett finds his way into the squad after splitting his time between Aston Villa and Newcastle this season. After the January transfer window took him to the newly-revitalized Toon Army, he continued to show well for himself and slotted into a defense that was much improved to the first half of the season.
Outside Back: Matty Cash - Aston Villa
Matty Cash, who recently chose to represent Poland at an international level instead of England, featured in every match for Aston Villa and played the most minutes of any outfield player in the Premier League this campaign. Cash is one of the most attacking fullbacks in England. He served 98 crosses, registered three assists and scored four goals for the Villains.
Holding Midfield: Yves Bissouma - Brighton and Hove Albion
The Mali international was rumored to be sought after in January, but after staying put, completed the second-half of the season just as he did the first: effectively. Bissouma made 76 successful tackles and 50 interceptions, and acted as the engine in the midfield for Brighton for much of the season. It would be no surprise if big clubs come back in for his services.
Attacking Midfield: Bruno Guimarães - Newcastle United
The Brazilian contests Philippe Coutinho for best January signing, as both players caught fire down the stretch. Guimarães scored five goals and provided one assist for Eddie Howe's side, and looks to be a great asset going forward as Newcastle look to return to the stature of previous decades.
Attacking Midfielder: Jacob Ramsey - Aston Villa
The 20-year-old burst onto the scene this season, claiming his spot in the Villa starting XI consistently. Appearing in 34 matches, Ramsey scored six goals and provided one assists, and was never shy when it came to running at defenders and being direct. The young Englishman looks to be a top talent.
TOTS by the Numbers:
Teams Represented - total number (number in starting XI)
Liverpool - 3 (2)
Brighton and Hove Albion - 3 (1)
Manchester City - 2 (2)
Crystal Palace - 2 (1)
Tottenham Hotspur - 2 (1)
West Ham United - 2 (1)
Southampton - 2 (1)
Leicester City - 2 (1)
Aston Villa - 2
Brentford - 2
Newcastle United - 2
Wolverhampton Wanderers - 1 (1)
Chelsea - 1
Everton - 1
Nations Represented - total number (number in starting XI)
England - 11 (4)
Spain - 3 (1)
Portugal - 2 (2)
Brazil - 2
Belgium - 1 (1)
Cameroon - 1 (1)
Egypt - 1 (1)
South Korea 1 (1)
Denmark - 1
Ghana - 1
Mali - 1
Norway - 1
Poland - 1
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