Manchester City’s sensational midfielder Phil Foden has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the first time, following his remarkable performances that helped the Citizens secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Foden’s inclusion in the team was announced at the annual PFA awards, where he was also crowned the PFA Player of the Year. His impressive displays throughout the season, which saw him score 19 league goals in 27 matches, including a crucial brace on the final day against West Ham to secure the title, earned him the recognition.
The Player of the Year honor is voted for by Premier League players, with the team of the year comprising the most popular choices. Foden is joined by three Manchester City teammates, including golden boot winner Erling Haaland, who earned his second successive selection after scoring 27 goals last campaign.
Phil Foden headlines the PFA Premier League Team of the Year after his stunning season
Erling Haaland is included for the second straight year after scoring 27 Premier League goals
David Raya and William Saliba’s inclusion followed Arsenal’s impressive defensive record
Influential midfielder Rodri has also been named in the team for the second time, while right-back and Manchester City captain Kyle Walker makes his fourth appearance, having impressed in 47 matches in all competitions last season.
Despite finishing as Premier League runners-up, Arsenal have more players – five – included in the Team of Year than champions Manchester City.
Their strong defensive record has been noted, with the Gunners having conceded just 29 goals last season. This has led to the inclusion of goalkeeper David Raya, who won the golden glove after keeping 16 clean sheets in the league.
Raya has also succeeded team-mate Aaron Ramsdale, who was named as the goalkeeper in last year’s team.
Arsenal’s centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have been included. Saliba, who played every minute of the Premier League season, features for the second successive year.
The defence is completed by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, with his fourth selection seeing him feature alongside Walker, Saliba, and Gabriel in the back-line.
Two Gunners stars join Rodri in the midfield, with Declan Rice earning the nod after his impressive debut season at the club following his £105million move from West Ham.
Rice is joined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, with the Norwegian earning his second successive selection.
Virgil van Dijk has been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for a fourth time
Ollie Watkins has been included in the forward line after helping Aston Villa finish fourth
There was no place in the team for Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka despite another productive season
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also misses out despite being named PFA Young Player of the Year
Champions Man City have four players in the team, while five come from runners-up Arsenal
The Manchester City duo of Foden and Haaland are joined in attack by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
The England forward scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists to help Aston Villa finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.
The inclusion of Watkins with Foden and Haaland means there is no space for Arsenal favourite Bukayo Saka and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Saka misses out despite scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists during the campaign.
He was Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League last season, while only Odegaard bettered his assist tally in the squad.
Palmer, who was confirmed as the PFA Young Player of the Year, has missed out on selection to the team.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a stunning debut season at Stamford Bridge after moving from Manchester City for £42.5m, netting 22 times and laying on 11 goals for teammates despite the Blues’ mixed campaign.
FULL XI: Raya; Saliba, Van Dijk, Gabriel, Walker; Rodri, Rice, Odegaard; Foden, Haaland, Watkins