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End clap for the 2023/2024 Premier League season and we were treated to quite a spectacle. Between an intense fight for the title between Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool as well as the battle for European places, many individuals have stood out this season and allow us to establish our typical eleven. To start, at the goalkeeper position, we opted for David Raya (Arsenal). Arriving from Brentford, he only conceded 29 goals and kept 16 clean sheets. A strong performance for the Spanish goalkeeper who, despite some initial debates, quickly put the very good Aaron Ramsdale on the bench with the Gunners. The other option we considered is Jordan Pickford who has been instrumental with Everton. Participating fully in maintaining the Toffees, he was very effective in front of his line. Now place on the right side where Kyle Walker (Manchester City) take place. Having become a substitute last season, he perfectly resumed his place on the right side in the Mancunian defense and delivered a convincing exercise. Ben White could also have been part of this team, but he takes his place on our bench.
For the left side, Josko Gvardiol could have been there thanks to his excellent end to the season, but his more sluggish start to the year made us lean in favor of Kieran Trippier (Newcastle). The right back who can also play on the left has been one of the satisfactions of Newcastle. Captain courage of the Magpies, the native of Bury notably provided 10 assists. In the axis of defense, a duo quickly made sense. First of all, Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) who was surely one of the Reds’ most successful and consistent players. Back at a very high level, the Dutchman was able to get rid of his physical problems and once again demonstrated his playing intelligence. A quality that he shares with William Saliba (Arsenal). Certainly the best defender in the championship this season, the Frenchman is no stranger to the honorary title of best defense in the Premier League won by Arsenal. His understanding with Gabriel Maghalaes has worked wonders.
Arsenal and Manchester City dominate the debates
In the midfield, we once again find Rodri (Manchester City). Exceptional like last year and not knowing defeat when he played, the Spanish midfielder was exceptional. Besides his creative and balancing role, he had incredible statistics with 8 goals and 9 assists in 34 matches. To accompany it, the evidence is called Declan Rice (Arsenal). Arriving for more than €115M from West Ham, he largely made his transfer profitable by ensuring the balance of the Gunners. Sometimes a torchbearer or sentinel, he has had an impact at all levels as evidenced by his 7 goals and 9 assists in 38 matches. We could also have mentioned Aston Villa midfielders Douglas Luiz and John McGinn as well as Alexis Mac Allister whose arrival at Liverpool was masterful and allowed him to reach a new milestone.
In attacking midfield, we chose Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) who was once again very consistent with the Gunners. His quality of passing and creation has put many teams in difficulty. He finished the season with 8 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches. This allows him to get ahead of the two Mancunians Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. The first missed the first part of the season when the second had to play in different positions and had a few short spells on the bench. For the wings, we find right side Cole Palmer (Chelsea). Big blow from the Blues transfer window, he adapted directly from Manchester City. In the difficulties encountered by his club, he was the light in the darkness and finished the exercise with 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 matches.
Its left counterpart Phil Foden (Manchester City) was also incredible. Taking advantage of the absence of Kevin De Bruyne at the start of the season to emerge, the young Englishman has reached a milestone in efficiency and consistency. He has 19 goals and 8 goals in 35 matches. Heung min-Son (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) could also have been part of this eleven and appear as honorable mentions. Finally for the center forward we hesitated. Ollie Watkins took Aston Villa to fourth place and was sparkling with 19 goals and 13 freebies. If an Alexander Isak also shone, we decided to reward Erling Haaland (Manchester City). In a more complicated season, the Norwegian still maintained high standards with 27 goals in 31 matches. Top scorer in the championship, the Cyborg was again valuable in Manchester City’s title.
Written by:
Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.