What a strange season we’ve had… empty stadiums, postponed matches, Manchester United at the top of the table (that actually feels right).
Nevertheless, it’s time to pick a best eleven from the first half of this chaotic season. So here we go!
Goalkeeper: There can’t be too many arguments about this one. Emi Martinez has been immense for Aston Villa so far in 2020-21, keeping 15 clean sheets in 32 games so far. Considering where Villa were in the table last season, Martinez, along with their other summer signings, has taken Villa to a new level. Hard to believe Arsenal let him go so cheap.
Defense: No doubt I’ll turn some heads with my selected back line. Starting at left back is Luke Shaw. Shaw is one of the most improved players in the league this season, putting the trauma of a Jose Mourinho regime behind him. It says a lot that United fans haven’t been screaming for Alex Telles to play. These days, there’s a real cool and collected feel to Shaw’s game.
My center defensive pairing is Rúben Dias and Wesley Fofana. I think Dias is pretty self-explanatory (he’s completely transformed City’s defense – similar to a Vincent Kompany figure), but Fofana is certainly a surprise to be even considered for a best XI. He may not be everyone’s first choice, but he’s had an incredible season so far stepping in for an injury prone Leicester defense. I think he’s got a legitimate shout for making the England squad for the Euros this summer!
Lastly, at right back, João Cancelo, City’s versatile wing-back. He can play both sides of the pitch and has really taken a leap in the right direction this year. Last season, he seemed shaky defensively and didn’t quite seem to have the final pass or his crossing down. This season, he looks a real scoring threat from either flank, and he’s grown to be a key part of the best defense in the league.
Midfield: My choice of attacking midfielders was easy. Although it’s hard to leave out someone like James Maddison or even Paul Pogba with the way he’s currently playing, Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne were guaranteed to have a place. Those two playing together is a truly mouthwatering prospect.
My holding midfielder (that might be a stretch) is a bit of a surprise though. Tomáš Souček, West Ham’s 11th most expensive signing in their history, has been a revelation for the Hammers. He came into a team last January that was fighting to stay in the Premier League. He now has propelled the Hammers into 7th place currently, and is tied for top scorer (5 goals), 3rd most passes in the team, most shots, 3rd most tackles, most aerial duels won, and 2nd most interceptions. He’s scored some massive goals to help West Ham in tight games this season as well. Can’t argue with those numbers!
Attack: In attack, there were two players I couldn’t leave out; Salah and Kane. They sit first and second in the goalscoring chart respectively and Kane also sits top of the list for assists. Although they’ve both experienced minor dips in form lately, they’ve carried their teams to a large extent this season and their productivity has been consistent.
The left wing position was a much tougher decision. First, I had to take Rashford out of the running, which was brutal! It then came down to Jack Grealish or Heung Min Son and I had to go with the latter. As good as Grealish has been, I couldn’t split up Son and Kane (the most productive single season partnership in premier league history so far). Although Son has looked like a top player the past few years, this season he’s looked truly world class.
Top of the Table 