We’re basing this Premier League XI on WhoScored ratings, which essentially means Opta statistics and algorithms that generally reward ‘doing stuff’, so aerially dominant centre-halves are far more likely to be included than calm passers.
Anyway, here we go. At this stage, all candidates must have started 21 of 31 Premier League games.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
An 11th clean sheet of the season came for the giant Italian at Leeds United but then he conceded three goals in two games v Nottingham Forest and West Ham. That he didn’t get to make a single save v the Hammers must be bittersweet. Then sat on the bench and won himself a Carabao Cup medal; he didn’t make a save then either.
He was unlucky not to make our signings of the season list.
Right-back: Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace)
Along with Adam Wharton, undoubtedly one of the most valuable players still at Crystal Palace…for now. If you look at pure right-backs then Matheus Nunes comes into the picture for Manchester City. When it comes to the PFA team of the year, it will undoubtedly be Jurrien Timber.
Centre-back: Gabriel (Arsenal)
Probably the best centre-back in the Premier League bar none. Though he is a dirty, dirty diver. Claimed his fourth assist of the season v Chelsea as Set Piece FC triumphed again. And then 23 clearances across two clean sheet games v Brighton and Everton as Arsenal edge towards the title.
Centre-back: James Tarkowski (Everton)
Tarkowski ranks first for shots blocked and third for aerial duels won in the Premier League this season. And ultimately the algorithm loves that. As does David Moyes. Only Arsenal and Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Everton this season; are they bound for the Champions League?
Left-back: Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth)
Real slim pickings in this position with Nico O’Reilly switching into midfield and Riccardo Calafiori not playing enough games at Arsenal. We eventually fall on Adrien Truffert, who has been excellent in recent weeks. A fully fit Lewis Hall might soon claim this position.
Central midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Probably the best central midfielder in the top flight bar none. Claimed his fifth Premier League assist of the season v Chelsea as Arsenal once again relied on set-pieces. And he’s rather good at set-pieces. He was ‘nervy’ v Brighton, mind. Looks nailed on to be named PFA Player of the Year.
Central midfield: James Garner (Everton)
Added a sixth Premier League assist of the season to celebrate his first England call-up. It’s Everton so he gets through more defensive work than either Bruno Guimaraes or Elliot Anderson.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
We’re not altogether sure why Saka is still in this Premier League XI with only six goals and three assists but we suspect his defensive numbers and diligence are playing a big part here. His pass completion rate was a woeful 61.3% in the north London derby and dropped even lower v Chelsea. Against Brighton it was just 50%.
Attacking midfield: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Probably the best player in the Premier League right now, he has logged a ludicrous 16 Premier League assists this season. We have ranked them all here.
Left wing: Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Now has 15 Premier League goals this season after scoring in blue v Wolves, Tottenham, Fulham, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest; only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago have scored more. He was one of our transfer window winners.
Striker: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The goals have dried up a little but he still has 22 Premier League goals in 29 games, which is not too shabby. And there was a seventh assist of the season v Newcastle. Only Fernandes and Rayan Cherki have more this season so far. A hat-trick against Liverpool suggested that there might be some better form on the horizon.
