Statisticians at Opta have revealed their Premier League Team of the Season based entirely on performance data from the 2025-26 campaign.
Champions Arsenal FC had the biggest presence in the XI with four players included, while stars from Manchester City FC, Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest FC also featured.
The side includes goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Matheus Nunes, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba and Adrien Truffert.
In midfield, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Dominik Szoboszlai earned spots.
The attack features Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes and Haaland headline standout performers
Fernandes was one of the easiest selections after breaking the Premier League assist record with 21 assists for Manchester United.
The Portugal midfielder also created 136 chances during the season — far more than any other player in the league.
Meanwhile, Haaland finished as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner with 27 goals for Manchester City and also added eight assists.
Cherki impressed in his debut Premier League campaign with 12 assists, while Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai starred with his creativity and versatility throughout the season.
Arsenal’s defensive dominance recognised
Arsenal’s title-winning campaign was reflected heavily in defence with Raya, Gabriel, Saliba and Rice all included.
Raya kept 19 clean sheets — the most in the league — while Gabriel and Saliba continued to form one of the Premier League’s strongest defensive partnerships.
Rice also played a major role in Arsenal’s set-piece success and ball progression through midfield.
Bournemouth full-back Truffert and Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson were among the surprise inclusions after impressive individual campaigns.
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