Stats have revealed the ‘true’ best Premier League XI of 2024 and it makes for shocking viewing
By Callum Altimas
18 – 22 minutes
Premier League
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Bukayo Saka named his favourite stadium to play at
Rather than dealing with mere opinion, though, WhoScored deals in facts and, having crunched the numbers, the site has revealed the best XI of Premier League players in 2024. Using the trusty WhoScored rating, the best performers in every position have been identified and it’s led to some surprising results with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland all missing out.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Flekken, Alexander-Arnold, Tarkowski, Magalhaes & Gvardiol
Starting off in goal, there’s the first real surprise in the team and that’s Mark Flekken’s inclusion. The Brentford shot-stopper has had a very impressive 12 months. He’s played a pivotal role in his side’s success throughout 2024 as they have continued to exceed all expectations. No goalkeeper in the English top flight has earned a higher average WhoScored rating than his 6.97.
The backline consists of Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Tarkowski, Gabriel Magalhaes and Josko Gvardiol. The two full-backs have both become known more for their exploits going forward than they are for their actual defensive capabilities. In the middle, the Everton man has been vital for Sean Dyche’s side as they avoided the drop in 2023/24 and are operating just above the bottom three now.
Gabriel has earned a reputation for being a real aerial threat and a goalscoring defender, but he’s also been excellent at the back. Alongside William Saliba, he’s formed one of the strongest centre-back duos in England.
Midfield
Rodri, Palmer & Eze
Moving onto midfield, there’s only one man that could have been in the defensive midfielder role and that’s Rodri. While he’s missed the majority of the current campaign through injury, the Manchester City man was having an incredible 2024 before he was forced onto the sidelines. The Ballon d’Or winner was crucial to Pep Guardiola’s side and how they play and that’s only become more apparent with their issues during his absence.
Just ahead of him, it’s Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze. The Chelsea man had a lightning 2024, which saw his game reach an entirely new level. He shone at Stamford Bridge and no one managed to record more goal contributions in the Premier League during the calendar year than his 39. Just an exceptional talent and his average WhoScored rating of 7.75 is only bettered by one man.
The departure of Michael Olise at Crystal Palace meant Eze had to step up and while it’s not all been smooth seas for the midfielder, he’s been a fine servant for the Eagles. Without him, Oliver Glasner’s side would be much worse off.
Forwards
Saka, Diaz & Havertz
On the other flank, Luis Diaz earns a spot in the team. The Colombian has been operating in a more central role in recent months under Arne Slot, to great effect, but no left-winger has a higher averaging rating than he does. His knack for scoring when Liverpool need it most has made him a key figure for the Reds.
Another rather surprising inclusion in the team is Kai Havertz leading the front line. While initially playing as an attacking midfielder, the German has found a new lease on life playing in a higher role as Arsenal’s number nine. He’s been extremely effective at finding the back of the net for the Gunners and has earned a higher average rating than Haaland for his exploits. It’s easy to see why he described leaving Chelsea for the Emirates as one of the best decisions of his career.
