Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Season Revealed
Troy Deeney’s definitive Premier League Team of the Season is headlined by Arsenal’s Gabriel and Saliba, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, and Declan Rice’s midfield dominance. The selections underscore a campaign defined by defensive resilience, creative firepower, and managerial brilliance.
Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba have been named in Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Season, capping a campaign where defensive solidity redefined the league’s hierarchy. Deeney, BBC football pundit and former striker, unveiled his 11 on Friday, with Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta also making the cut in a lineup that reflects the tactical and technical evolution of this year’s competition.
Deeney’s team places Arsenal at the core, with goalkeeper David Raya starting ahead of a back three of Kayode, Saliba, and Gabriel. The Brentford right-back Michael Kayode, 21, emerges as the youngest starter, credited for his defensive discipline and long-throw threat that has destabilised opponents all season.
Nico O’Reilly, Manchester City’s teenage sensation, is named Player of the Season by Deeney, who praised his adaptability and composure in two distinct roles. The 19-year-old’s performances have offered a glimpse of City’s future under new management, with Deeney labelling him “the real glimmer of hope” for whoever takes over at the Etihad.
Key Picks
- ⚡ Nico O’Reilly (Man City) — Player of the Season; played in two positions with elite composure
- ✅ David Raya (Arsenal) — Third straight Golden Glove; pivotal in title triumph
- 💡 Declan Rice (Arsenal) — Engine of midfield; on pace for Ballon d’Or contention
In midfield, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes breaks the assists record with 21, while Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, deployed across the attack, contributed goals and creativity that defied a turbulent season. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen delivered 20 goals and assists despite relegation, a feat Deeney called “frightening.”
| Position | Player | Club | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | David Raya | Arsenal | Golden Glove (3rd straight) |
| Defender | Michael Kayode | Brentford | 21yo youngest starter |
| Midfielder | Declan Rice | Arsenal | 11 goals, 8 assists; Ballon d’Or pace |
| Forward | Igor Thiago | Brentford | 22 goals — first Brazilian to hit 20+ in PL |
Brentford’s Igor Thiago, 22, becomes the first Brazilian to score more than 20 goals in a Premier League season, a milestone that underscores the league’s global reach. His arrival at City in January provided the spark that kept them in the title hunt, while Bowen’s heroics at West Ham redefined what’s possible for relegated sides.
📋 By The Numbers
- 21 assists — Bruno Fernandes breaks the Premier League assists record
- 20+ goals — Bowen and Thiago deliver despite relegation and mid-season transition
- 19 years old — O’Reilly’s age at season’s end, youngest Player of the Season candidate ever considered
Mikel Arteta receives high praise for reviving Arsenal from ridicule to dominance, steering the club toward potential long-term hegemony. Deeney’s selections reflect a season where defensive organisation, midfield control, and managerial vision redefined success, with Arsenal and City leading a new tactical era.
💡 Pro Tip
When evaluating a Team of the Season, prioritise consistency over highlight moments. A player’s ability to deliver week after week — like Rice’s engine or Saliba’s positioning — often outweighs one-off brilliance.
Deeney’s team will spark debate, but it captures the essence of a campaign marked by defensive mastery, creative overload, and the rise of a new generation. Whether you agree or not, one thing is clear: the Premier League is no longer just about attack.