Sels saves, Rice runs the show, Salah scores – Premier League team of the season

It has been another memorable Premier League campaign, with plenty of fine individual performances.

Here, the PA news agency picks out 11 players who have impressed over the 2024-2025 season.

Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Belgian keeper Sels has produced a string of consistent displays as Nottingham Forest pushed towards European qualification and also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The 33-year-old, who had a spell at Newcastle earlier in his career, has 13 clean sheets to put himself in the running for the Premier League’s Golden Glove award.

Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)

Cherries left-back Kerkez has caught the eye this season as Andoni Iraola’s side continued to punch above their weight.
The 21-year-old Hungary international, signed from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in July 2023, is rumoured to be on the summer watchlist of several clubs – including Liverpool and Manchester City.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool captain Van Dijk has again been a colossus at the heart of the Reds defence, driving Arne Slot’s men on to the Premier League title – a record-equalling 20th English championship for the Anfield club.

The 33-year-old Netherlands defender, who ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract in April, was just as cool on the ball as he was strong at winning it back – leading the league’s passing statistics with more than 2,800 completed through 36 games.

Gabriel (Arsenal)

Brazilian Gabriel may have seen his season cut short by a hamstring injury in April which required surgery, but nevertheless he was one of the standout defenders for the majority of the campaign.

With Gabriel in the side, Arsenal returned 10 clean sheets, winning 16 league games and losing just three. The centre-back was also a threat from set pieces, scoring three headers.

Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)

Eagles’ marauding wing-back Munoz has been an integral part of the swift transition from defence to attack by Oliver Glasner’s slick side, who have set a new club-record Premier League points tally.

Covering plenty of ground either surging forward or tracking back, Munoz helped deliver Palace’s goal in the FA Cup final for Eberechi Eze – and but for a tight offside VAR call, the Colombian would have also got on the scoresheet in the second half at Wembley.

Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)

Newcastle winger Murphy has enjoyed a standout campaign, providing 12 Premier League assists – second only to Mohamed Salah – and scoring eight goals.

Having helped the Toon Army end their long wait for silverware with a memorable victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and also pushing Eddie Howe’s men on towards a top-four finish, the 30-year-old could well have put himself in England contention this summer.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

While Manchester United may have endured a forgettable domestic campaign, Portuguese playmaker Fernandes dug in to drag the team on into the Europa League final – but that then proved a match too far for Ruben Amorim’s misfiring side who were beaten by Tottenham in Bilbao.

Leading by example in an underperforming Premier League team bereft of ideas, the Red Devils captain has made nine assists and scored eight times – with three coolly dispatched from the penalty spot.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Although Arsenal’s title push eventually ran out of steam, England international Rice remained at full speed as the heartbeat of the midfield.

As well as his superb free-kick double in the memorable Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Real Madrid, the 26-year-old cracked in another fine Premier League goal in the Gunners’ last home game which secured a return to Europe’s elite again.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah made himself the leading contender for individual awards after a stellar campaign with 28 Premier League goals and 18 assists – topping the rankings for both.

Having joined his Liverpool captain in signing a new deal, the 32-year-old Egypt forward will be determined to better those impressive returns again next season – and also push Slot’s men on in the quest for more European success.

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

As well as being a solid defensive unit, Forest have also boasted a formidable frontline – with Wood plundering 20 goals to date.

The New Zealand international – who moved to the City Ground, initially on loan, in January 2023 – has produced his best tally in the Premier League this season.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Sweden forward Isak has fired in 23 league goals so far – and also scored in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The 25-year-old is expected to be a summer target for Arsenal, but could just be persuaded to stay on at St James’ Park and lead the Toon Army’s next European adventure.