August 20th 2024.
Mikel Arteta's squad at Arsenal has made a strong showing in the PFA Premier League Men's Team of the Year, with five players earning a spot in the best XI for the previous season. Despite narrowly missing out on the title in 2023-24, the Gunners gave Manchester City a run for their money, with the title race coming down to the final day and City ultimately retaining their crown by a mere two points.
This marks the second consecutive season that Arteta's men have been in contention for the title, a testament to the strength of the team he has built. With eyes set on going one step further this year, it's clear that the Gunners have become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. And their peers have taken notice, with five Arsenal players being selected for the 2023-24 PFA Team of the Year based on their outstanding performances over the past 12 months.
Leading the charge is goalkeeper David Raya, who earned his spot after an impressive debut season in the Arsenal goal. He quickly solidified his position as the number one choice for Arteta, surpassing Aaron Ramsdale and securing the starting role. Alongside Raya, defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have also been recognized for their exceptional partnership in the backline, which has proven to be one of the best in the league. Saliba, in particular, has shone in his role at the heart of the defense.
In midfield, both Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have been named in the best XI. Odegaard, who was also included in last year's team, continues to impress with his creative play, while Rice has made a huge impact in his first season at the club, following his record-breaking £105million move from West Ham United. The backline is completed by Manchester City's Kyle Walker and Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk, both of whom have been integral to their respective teams' success.
In attack, Rodri has been recognized for his exceptional season in the midfield, while Phil Foden and Erling Haaland round out the front line. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has also earned a spot in the XI after an outstanding campaign that saw him score 19 Premier League goals.
The PFA Player of the Year awards were dominated by Manchester City, as Foden and Bunny Shaw were named the men's and women's winners for 2023-24. Meanwhile, Chelsea's Cole Palmer was recognized as the PFA Men's Young Player of the Year after an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge, where he scored 27 goals. Manchester United's Grace Clinton took home the women's award.
With this recognition from their peers, it's clear that Arsenal is a team to watch out for this season. Keep up with all the latest news, exclusives, and analysis by signing up for our newsletter, and rest assured that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
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