My Premier League team of the season so far

We’re only eight games into the Premier League season, but the quality on display has already sparked huge debate online over who makes the Team of the Season so far. From summer signings finding new life at their clubs to established stars reaching even greater heights, there’s been no shortage of standout performers.

There were, however, a few unlucky players who narrowly missed out — honourable mentions go to Roefs, Gravenberch, Calafiori, Xhaka, Romero, Senesi, and Palhinha.

Here’s my XI that, in my opinion, has shone brightest in the early weeks of the campaign. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments — or drop your own TOTS below. Enjoy!

David Raya (Arsenal)

The Arsenal man has kept 5 clean sheets in 8 games so far this season. More staggeringly, he has conceded just 3 goals in that time. Raya will be determined to win the Golden Glove again and to replace Unai Simón as Spain’s number one. He is a top shot-stopper and looks assured with his feet — which is exactly why Arteta made the bold call to axe Ramsdale in favour of his current keeper.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

The Chelsea fullback is really excelling under Enzo Maresca, performing well with incredible consistency. He wins the duel with the opposition winger most weeks and is starting to add goal contributions to his game. He often pops up with late runs into the box, most notably his assist for Estevão’s winning goal against Liverpool where he cut the ball back from the byline. He is more than justifying his price tag after his move from Brighton, despite early criticism from pundits. After nailing down the starting spot for Spain, Cucurella is arguably leading the conversation for the best left-back in the league — perhaps only rivalled by Calafiori.

Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)

Guéhi has been a star performer in a Palace side that has really impressed in the opening weeks. He looks composed on the ball and is a real leader in that Eagles side. He is physical — winning 48 duels this season — and possesses real pace for a centre-half, which is so valuable in 1v1 situations. After his current manager Oliver Glasner announced Guéhi will be moving in the summer, it appears the 25-year-old will have his pick of clubs, all of whom rate him very highly. Liverpool seem the favourites, given a deadline day move only just fell through in January.

Gabriel (Arsenal)

The Brazilian defender has been a consistently high performer for several seasons now and has cemented himself in the top 3 centre-backs in the league alongside Van Dijk and Saliba. However, he has performed better than both of them so far and has arguably surpassed his teammate in terms of overall ranking. Gabriel is very strong and is rarely dribbled past (just 3 times this season). He is also a huge aerial threat and is integral to the Gunners’ set-piece success.

Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

After nailing down the starting spot in the Arsenal line-up ahead of Ben White, Timber has truly excelled this season. Not only does he look good going forward — recording 2 goals and 1 assist already — he is also a rapid and robust defender who wins the ball back with regularity. He’s very technically gifted too, with the ability to beat a man and contribute to the attack.

Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)

Caicedo has been sensational this season and has barely put a foot wrong in the middle of the park. It’s easy to understand the comparisons to N’Golo Kanté. Caicedo wins the ball back better than anyone in the world — even when it seems impossible. He has an incredible engine, covering every blade of grass. His passing range is exemplary and he’s developed a cracking strike, as showcased against Brentford and Liverpool. He is by far Chelsea’s most important player, and the difference in their midfield is clear when he’s absent — especially seen in the first half against Forest. He’s like having two players in one, and the lack of anyone mentioning his price tag recently tells you all you need to know. He’s an 8+ out of 10 every week. Monster.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

I found the second midfielder alongside Caicedo very difficult to pick, with Gravenberch, Xhaka and Palhinha all being considered. I went for Declan Rice given how crucial he is to that Arsenal side — it feels like when Arsenal play well, Rice plays well. He is thriving in that number 8 role and has everything: he can drive forward and propel his team up the pitch but also has the quality to find the final pass. He’s very physical and rarely gives the ball away.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Semenyo has been electric so far and unplayable at times. He is frighteningly quick, strong, and consistently beats his fullback. With 9 goal contributions in 8 games, scoring 6, he is becoming the talismanic player at Bournemouth. Every time he gets the ball he is exciting and gets you off your seat. He feels much improved from last year and looks destined for a big-money move to a top club in the near future — unfortunately for Bournemouth fans.

Mohammed Kudus (Spurs)

After his transfer switch from West Ham to Spurs, Kudus seems to have re-ignited his career and is reaching new levels of performance. He is incredibly skilled with quick feet, dancing past defenders in 1v1 situations. Like Semenyo, it feels like he has a moment of magic in his locker to unlock a defence or create something out of nothing. With 4 assists and 1 goal in 7 games, he looks like an excellent bit of recruitment from Spurs — and they’ll hope he can keep it going.

Jack Grealish (Everton)

The former City man is loving life after his switch to Merseyside. It clearly didn’t work out at a bigger club like Manchester City, but Grealish seems well-suited to Everton, where he’s the main man. He thrives as the focal point of a side — just as we saw at Aston Villa. With 5 goal contributions already, he is well deserving of his place in the TOTS so far.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

He is a machine. Scoring 11 goals and getting 1 assist in 8 games is remarkable — even if we’ve come to expect it from the Norwegian. Many call him the Robot and you can see why. We’ve reached a point where it’s a shock not to see Haaland’s name on the scoresheet. He looks like he’s only getting better and is even offering a defensive side to his game, along with improved hold-up play. He is firmly in the conversation for the world’s best number 9.