The Premier League is under a six week hiatus for the World Cup in Qatar. We may only be 14/15 games into the season but many are viewing this break as the midway point of the campaign.
To mark this point in the season, we have decided to run through what the current Team of the Season looks like based on the average match ratings posted by WhoScored.com.
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Goalkeeper - Bernd Leno, Fulham (7.1)
This will certainly surprise a lot of Premier League supporters given how much of a scapegoat the German goalkeeper was at Arsenal, even if he was prone to a few errors. He has certainly rediscovered his form in west London with Fulham. Leno has made the third-most saves in the league (54) but has only managed to keep two clean sheets.
Right-back - Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United (7.6)
The Newcastle defender has been one of the standout stars in the top-flight this year thanks to his effectiveness going forward as well as his strength defensively. He has scored once and registered three assists for the Magpies, while he has also boasted a 76% tackle success rate.
Centre-back - Fabian Schar, Newcastle United (7.2)
Much has been said about how much the Swiss defender has been revitalised since Eddie Howe was appointed manager. Schar has been a commanding presence in Newcastle’s back line this term. He showed his quality in front of goal as he unleashed a thunderous effort against Nottingham Forest in their opening game of the season.
Centre-back - Thiago Silva, Chelsea (7.0)
The seasoned Brazilian defender continues to excel at the highest level despite being 38 years of age. His wealth of experience has been key for Chelsea and he has undoubtedly been head and shoulders above his teammates. While the Blues are feeling the blues right now, Silva still continues to show that he is a top defender at this level.
Left-back - Joao Cancelo, Manchester City (7.1)
City’s Portuguese star is one of the best in the business for his position. Although naturally a right-back, Cancelo’s transition to the left has been seamless whenever he has been asked to play there. He is often the spark that sets Pep Guardiola’s side away on the attack and his role is crucial to how they play.
Right winger - James Maddison, Leicester City (7.4)
The whole of England felt elated when Gareth Southgate named the midfielder in his World Cup squad. He has been one of the best players in the division statistically over the last two seasons and with 11 goal contributions already this term, he thoroughly deserves his place in this list.
Central midfielder - Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City (7.8)
City’s Belgian superstar is one of the very best in the world and week on week his case to be the greatest midfielder the Premier League has ever seen grows stronger. De Bruyne has already been involved in 12 goals in 14 games for the reigning champions so far, and you know that there is still a lot more to come from him when the season resumes.
Central midfielder - Martin Odegaard, Arsenal (7.4)
The Norwegian midfielder had a tough start in his career due to the weight of expectation placed on his shoulders as a teenager who joined Real Madrid. He has certainly found his feet in north London though, so much so that he was named club captain in the summer. Odegaard has scored six goals for the Gunners this term, including a brace at the weekend to fire his side five points clear at the top of the table over Christmas.
Left winger - Phil Foden, Manchester City (7.4)
City’s star academy graduate is another player who has been enjoying his football this year, scoring seven and assisting three times already - including a hat-trick against Manchester United. He is certainly playing a key role for Guardiola this year, and it is interesting to see how he fares when he returns from World Cup duty.
Striker - Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal (7.6)
Although he has not been the most prolific of strikers this season, Jesus’ addition to Arsenal’s front line has had a huge impact on the way they play, similar to how Roberto Firmino operated alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp. The Brazilian has contributed five goals and five assists already and he has certainly had a big say in the Gunners topping the table over Christmas.
Striker - Erling Haaland, Manchester City (7.9)
As we know already, Haaland playing for City is like a cheat code and his 18 goals already this term is beyond frightening. The towering forward is as clinical as they come as he only needs half a chance to find the back of the net. People are already trying to guess what tally he will finish with come May.
