Premier League Team of the Year 2020-21: Expert Selection and Season Review
The 2020-21 Premier League season was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by constant disruptions and an unrelenting schedule due to the global pandemic. Consistency was rare, with only a handful of players and clubs managing to rise above the challenges. Manchester City, in particular, saw several key names stand out. However, talent shone across the league, resulting in a fiercely debated selection for the league’s best eleven. Here, we present a carefully considered Premier League Team of the Year, focusing on exceptional individuals from all clubs.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa
In his debut season with Aston Villa, Emiliano Martinez proved indispensable. Recording 14 clean sheets in 28 appearances, Martinez showcased remarkable shot-stopping ability, saving 99 shots—fifth-most in the league—while conceding just 30. His saves-per-goal-conceded ratio of 3.3 led all Premier League goalkeepers. With Villa often allowing long-range efforts but improving defensively, Martinez’s reliability between the posts was a game-changer, helping keep his club in the top half of the table throughout the campaign.
Right Back: Joao Cancelo – Manchester City
Originally expected to be a squad player, Joao Cancelo quickly established himself as a tactical lynchpin in Manchester City’s defense. Operating as an inverted fullback in Pep Guardiola’s innovative system, Cancelo contributed to both ends—leading his team with 2.3 tackles per match and supplying three assists. His forward runs and defensive work were fundamental to the club’s 16 clean sheets, reflecting both versatility and consistency.
Centre Back: John Stones – Manchester City
John Stones has enjoyed a career-best season, revitalised by his partnership with Ruben Dias. Stones’s confident defending and comfortable play from the back enabled City to remain solid, with just 21 conceded goals in 30 games and 16 clean sheets. He added an attacking threat as well, scoring four times, and played a crucial role in City’s dominance throughout the league campaign.
Centre Back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City
Arriving as a new signing, Ruben Dias instantly became the backbone of City’s defense. The Portuguese international brought composure and leadership, shown by his remarkable 93.5% passing accuracy—the highest in the league. Dias’s calm presence and excellent discipline (only three bookings) were critical to City’s improved defensive record. His impact at age 23 suggests a long, influential career at the heart of City’s backline.
Left Back: Luke Shaw – Manchester United
After overcoming injury setbacks, Luke Shaw reached new heights this season. The Manchester United left back provided 5 assists in 25 matches, creating 2.1 chances per game. Shaw’s attacking runs and solid defense made him one of the league’s most impressive fullbacks. With renewed competition for his spot, his level soared, marking him as a standout performer for his club.
Defensive Midfield: Declan Rice – West Ham United
Declan Rice played a pivotal role in West Ham’s unexpected rise up the table. The 22-year-old anchored the midfield alongside Tomas Soucek, displaying maturity and composure that belied his age. Rice’s ability to disrupt opponents’ play, maintain possession, and dictate tempo was central to West Ham’s push for European football—a remarkable achievement given preseason expectations.
Central Midfield: Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City
Ilkay Gundogan was this season’s revelation for City, emerging as an improbable goal threat. He scored 12 goals, often timing his late runs to perfection—drawing comparisons with the likes of Frank Lampard. Gundogan’s invention and poise helped fill the club’s attacking void during spells without a recognized striker, making him one of the most valuable contributors as City dominated the Premier League.
Right Wing: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
Despite missing time due to injury, Kevin De Bruyne’s influence was unmistakable. In just 23 matches, he notched 5 goals and 11 assists, creating over 3 chances each game. His combined creativity, leadership, and improved defensive work further cemented his status as City’s most potent midfielder and one of the league’s premier playmakers.
Attacking Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has transformed Manchester United since his arrival, and this season he elevated his game even further. Registering 16 goals and 10 assists in 29 appearances, Fernandes became the league’s most prolific number ten. His direct impact on United’s climb to second in the table cannot be understated, setting the standard for midfielders throughout England.
Left Wing: Jack Grealish – Aston Villa
Jack Grealish’s creativity and drive were vital for Aston Villa. Before injury sidelined him, Grealish provided 6 goals and 10 assists in 22 games, earning more fouls per match (4.5) and creating more chances per game (3.4) than anyone else in the league. His dribbling prowess and leadership ensured Villa steered well clear of relegation—a dramatic improvement from the previous season.
Centre Forward: Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane demonstrated his world-class abilities by leading the league in both goals (17) and assists (13). As the focal point for Tottenham, Kane’s all-around play was crucial, and he stood as a rare bright spot in an inconsistent Spurs side. Should he top both charts by season’s end, he will join only Andy Cole in achieving this feat in Premier League history.
Tactical Formation: 4-2-3-1 Overview
The selected eleven slots seamlessly into a balanced 4-2-3-1 setup, blending defensive solidity, creative flair, and goal-scoring expertise in every area of the pitch. This structure utilizes a double pivot in midfield for control, energetic fullbacks, and a trio of dynamic attacking midfielders behind a versatile striker.
Notable Substitutes
For a full perspective, several outstanding performers narrowly missed the starting eleven. Here are the top candidates for the bench:
- Ederson Moraes (Manchester City) – Goalkeeper
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United) – Right Back
- Youri Tielemans (Leicester City) – Central Midfielder
- Tomas Soucek (West Ham United) – Central Midfielder
- Heung-Min Son (Tottenham Hotspur) – Right Wing
- Mason Mount (Chelsea) – Attacking Midfielder
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – Left Wing
Conclusion
The 2020-21 Premier League season featured spectacular stories of individual brilliance across the division, despite widespread unpredictability. The lineup above reflects consistent excellence, resilience, and creativity that defined this unique campaign. As debates continue around worthy inclusions, this team highlights the outstanding talents who shaped another memorable season in English football.
