Premier League 2021/22: Readers’ Choice PFA Team of the Year
The conclusion of another thrilling Premier League season offers an opportunity to reflect on the standout performers who shaped the campaign. In a special edition of Tactical Thinker, fans were asked to select their PFA Team of the Year, casting their votes as if they were among the professionals making the final decision. After assessing a wealth of responses, here is the definitive eleven—featuring Premier League stars who earned your recognition for their exceptional performances throughout 2021/22.
Alisson Becker: The Premier League’s Top Shot-Stopper
Few positions on the pitch invite as much scrutiny as goalkeeper. Alisson Becker, however, rose above the pressure for Liverpool. His remarkable composure underpins Jurgen Klopp’s back line, and his judgment in when to rush off his line and sweeping up behind his defenders is exemplary. This season, Alisson delivered 20 clean sheets and conceded only 22 goals, showcasing his elite shot-stopping, astute distribution, and unrivaled leadership. The Brazilian’s passing range and command of his penalty area have made him a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defensive success.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Revolutionizing the Right-Back Role
As a right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold has redefined expectations with a blend of creative prowess and evolving defensive skill. No defender created more chances, and with 12 assists—second only to teammate Mohamed Salah—he became a vital source of attacking momentum for Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold led the league in progressive passes and crosses, while also expanding his influence by drifting into central zones, adding intelligence and versatility to his game. Beyond his offensive contributions, his defensive awareness continues to develop, making him indispensable on both ends of the field.
Joel Matip: A Standout Season at Centre-Back
While Virgil van Dijk often garners headlines, Joel Matip’s consistency and excellence have been critical to Liverpool’s campaign. Matip significantly contributed to the team’s possession play, ranking fifth for progressive carries (8.62 per 90 minutes) among all players. Defensively, he completed nearly 62% of his tackles (eighth best in the league) and maintained a pressure success rate close to 41%. Distinguished in aerial duels and ever-present at the heart of defense, Matip’s impact has been vital in Liverpool’s bid for silverware.
Aymeric Laporte: The Backbone of Manchester City’s Defense
After a challenging 2020/21, Aymeric Laporte re-established himself as a central figure in Manchester City’s roster. Appearing in 32 matches, he scored a personal best four league goals. Laporte led the Premier League for passing accuracy (94.6%) and long pass completion (88%), while also topping the charts for passes into the final third (10.1 per 90) and ranking second for progressive carries (11.4 per 90). His assured presence both in distribution and defensive play has been instrumental to City’s title journey.
Joao Cancelo: Left-Back with a Playmaker’s Vision
Few players have embodied the modern full-back role as completely as Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international led the league in progressive carries (10.1 per 90), carries into the final third (3.9), and passes into the penalty area (2.55). He dominated touches taken and was a frequent target for passes, ranking second in progressive passes (7.54 per 90). Defensively, Cancelo matched his attacking output with a career-high 2.52 tackles per 90, while also providing one goal and seven assists—a critical contribution to Manchester City’s attacking and defensive structures.
Declan Rice: Commanding the Midfield from Deep
Despite West Ham finishing outside the top six, Declan Rice continued to impress at the team’s core. He ranked second across the league for interceptions (2.74 per 90) and was fourth for passes into the final third (6.79 per 90). Renowned for his composure and passing acumen, Rice’s partnership with Tomas Soucek formed the backbone of David Moyes’s tactical setup. His endurance and leadership—demonstrated by making 35 appearances and captaining West Ham deep into European competition—highlighted his foundational status at the club.
Kevin De Bruyne: Midfield Mastery and Match-Winning Moments
Kevin De Bruyne once again orchestrated Manchester City’s attack with flair, especially in the calendar year’s second half. He notched a career (league) high with 15 goals and contributed seven assists in just 29 appearances, totaling 22 goal involvements. Notably, his goal-scoring outperformed his expected goals (xG) by a wide margin, underlining his ability to convert difficult opportunities. De Bruyne’s influence extended beyond numbers, leading the league in shot-creating actions per 90 (5.54) and proving decisive in tight contests.
Bernardo Silva: City’s Pressing Engine and Creative Force
Bernardo Silva lit up the first half of the season at Manchester City and maintained his influence in the latter stages. Capable of dropping deep, pressing high, or filling in as a ‘false nine,’ Silva scored eight goals—a personal record—and added four assists. His relentless work in possession is underpinned by 10.8 progressive carries and 3.45 carries into the final third per 90, amongst the best in the league. Silva’s adaptability and industry enabled City’s other stars to shine.
Mohamed Salah: Relentless on the Right Wing
Despite competition for headlines within Liverpool’s attack, Mohamed Salah’s output remained unmatched. Topping the Premier League charts in both goals (23) and assists (13), Salah averaged 1.15 goal contributions per 90 minutes—rivaling Europe’s elite. He led the league in progressive passes received (11.9 per 90) and was central to Liverpool’s pressing game. Salah’s consistent attacking threat and commitment made him vital to Liverpool’s successes throughout the campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Leading Manchester United’s Frontline
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United brought both challenges and moments of salvation. Despite the team’s difficulties, Ronaldo scored 18 goals in 30 matches—often providing decisive strikes when United needed them most. His finishing and knack for scoring under pressure reinforced his standing as one of the Premier League’s premier centre-forwards for the season.
Heung-Min Son: Surpassing Expectations on the Left Flank
Despite limited media attention, Heung-Min Son delivered another outstanding season for Tottenham Hotspur. With 21 goals and seven assists in 34 matches, he remained a vital component of Spurs’ push for Champions League qualification. Notably, Son led all players in non-penalty goals and recorded a superb 0.27 goals per shot ratio, underscoring his clinical finishing. His partnership with Harry Kane continued to flourish, driving Tottenham’s attack with consistency and flair.
Summary: The Fans’ Premier League XI
This fan-selected PFA Team of the Year celebrates players whose individual brilliance and consistency shaped the outcomes of countless matches. These eleven stars exemplified excellence in their respective roles and left an indelible mark on the 2021/22 Premier League season.
For further insights into the Premier League and tactical analysis, explore more in-depth articles and features from our Tactical Thinker series. Stay tuned for updates on football’s brightest talents and tactical evolutions in the world’s top leagues.
