BBC football pundit Troy Deeney has unveiled his Premier League Team of the Season, marking a departure from his weekly selections to deliver the definitive best XI of the campaign. After a season of standout individual displays and collective triumphs, Deeney's picks reflect both the expected dominance of title-winners Arsenal and the emergence of talent across the league. With Mikel Arteta's champions heavily represented, the team also features contributions from Brentford, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and West Ham—every selection backed by Deeney's characteristic blend of insight and conviction.
In goal, David Raya's inclusion is a nod to an extraordinary season between the sticks for Arsenal. The Spaniard secured a third consecutive Golden Glove, a feat Deeney believes cemented the Gunners' title charge. He highlighted a crucial save against West Ham as potentially title-defining, describing Raya's ongoing exclusion from Spain's number one spot as 'crazy.' The Brentford duo of Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago also earned recognition. At just 21, right-back Kayode drew praise for his defensive tenacity and unique attacking threat through long throws, helping Brentford to an improbable league position. Meanwhile, Thiago's 22 goals made him the first Brazilian to surpass 20 in a Premier League season—a historic achievement for the Bees.
Arsenal's central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel was an automatic choice. Deeney noted Saliba's reading of the game and positional intelligence, which allowed him to mop up danger effortlessly. Gabriel, his partner, was lauded not only for his defensive solidity but also for his set-piece contributions, chipping in with goals and assists at key moments. The duo's understanding was described as monumental in delivering Arsenal's first league title in 22 years, underlining the foundation upon which Arteta built success.
In midfield, Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly received the ultimate accolade as Deeney's Player of the Season. The versatile youngster shone in multiple roles, offering a glimmer of hope for the club's future amid transition. Arsenal's Declan Rice was tipped as a future Ballon d'Or contender, with Deeney highlighting his relentless engine and week-on-week improvement as essential to both club and country. Bruno Fernandes earned his spot by rewriting the record books with 21 assists, a tally Deeney believes was instrumental in dragging Manchester United back into the Champions League places. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai, though perhaps understated by raw numbers, was hailed as a constant beacon of creativity and versatility in a challenging season for the Reds.
The forward line reflects a blend of transformative mid-season moves and individual brilliance against the odds. Antoine Semenyo's January switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City provided the spark that kept Pep Guardiola's side in the title race, according to Deeney. West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, despite the team's relegation, produced a staggering 20 combined goals and assists—a return Deeney labeled 'frightening' given the circumstances. Igor Thiago's presence, already noted, further underscores the value of clinical finishing outside the traditional top six.
Mikel Arteta's selection as manager was perhaps the most predictable choice, yet Deeney framed it as a testament to a cultural resurrection at Arsenal. He credited Arteta with transforming a club 'on the brink of being a laughing stock' into a potential dynasty, praising his unwavering belief system. The implication, Deeney suggested, is that Arsenal could dominate for years to come—a chilling prospect for the rest of the Premier League.
Deeney's team not only rewards individual excellence but also tells the story of the season's key narratives: Arsenal's defensive fortress, the enduring influence of talismanic figures like Fernandes, and the rise of unexpected heroes at clubs like Brentford and Bournemouth. The absence of players from other traditional powers—Chelsea, Tottenham—speaks to the shifting landscape, while the emphasis on versatility (O'Reilly, Szoboszlai) mirrors modern tactical demands.
The pundit's choices are sure to ignite debate, particularly around the omission of certain high-profile stars. Yet the selections are rooted in a season-long perspective rather than fleeting moments, offering a reflection on consistency and impact. The inclusion of three Brentford players, for instance, highlights the club's overachievement, while Semenyo's recognition validates the immediate payoff of a smart January signing.
Looking ahead, the Team of the Season also serves as a pointer to future storylines. Raya's Golden Glove streak, Rice's Ballon d'Or trajectory, and O'Reilly's emergence as a cornerstone for a reshaped City all offer threads to follow. Arteta's Arsenal, meanwhile, will face the pressure of defending their crown with a target firmly on their backs—and Deeney's endorsement only amplifies expectations.
As the football world digests Deeney's selections, the conversation inevitably turns to what might have been and what could come next. The BBC pundit's annual tradition continues to provide a compelling snapshot of the Premier League's ever-evolving narrative, driven by the feats of those who defined the campaign.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
