David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard have all been selected for the 2023/24 PFA Premier League Team of the Year. This prestigious recognition is based on votes from their fellow players, highlighting their exceptional performances over the past season, during which Arsenal secured 89 points and 28 victories.
This marks the second consecutive year that both Saliba and Ødegaard have been included in the PFA Team of the Year, while Raya, Gabriel, and Rice make their debut appearances. The last time Arsenal had such a significant presence in this lineup was during the 2003/04 season, following their Invincibles campaign, which saw six Gunners included.
*David Raya* had an outstanding debut season at the Emirates, keeping 16 clean sheets and winning the Golden Glove award. The Spaniard impressed with his remarkable saves and quick distribution, which often transformed defense into attack.
*William Saliba* and *Gabriel* continued to solidify their formidable center-back partnership, which began in the 2022/23 season. Saliba, one of only two outfield players in the Premier League to play every minute of the 2023/24 season, also contributed two goals. Gabriel, once again in commanding form, helped Arsenal maintain the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 29 goals.
*Declan Rice* made an immediate impact in his first season with Arsenal after his transfer from West Ham United. Playing in all 38 league matches, Rice scored memorable goals against Manchester United and Luton Town. He also added nine assists, five of which came directly from set-pieces, contributing to Arsenal’s back-to-back second-place finishes.
*Martin Ødegaard*, Arsenal’s captain, had another sensational season, earning the club’s Player of the Season award. He provided 10 assists and scored eight goals in the league. Ødegaard created 88 chances, the most of any player in the Premier League, earning him a nomination for the PFA Player’s Player of the Year award.
Champions Manchester City had four players in the team: Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Rodri, and Kyle Walker. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk made his fourth appearance in the XI, while Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa completed the lineup after his 19 goals and 13 assists helped Villa qualify for the Champions League.
23/24 PFA Premier League Team of the Year:
– David Raya (Arsenal)
– Kyle Walker (Man City)
– William Saliba (Arsenal)
– Gabriel (Arsenal)
– Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
– Rodri (Man City)
– Declan Rice (Arsenal)
– Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
– Phil Foden (Man City)
– Erling Haaland (Man City)
– Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
By Ebubedike Ochu
