Deeney Unveils His XI: A Season's Best

Troy Deeney has named his Premier League team of the season after 38 rounds of action. The former Watford captain selects a 4-3-3 formation packed with title winners and surprise packages.

His picks reflect individual brilliance rather than team success, with only four players from champions Manchester City making the cut.

Goalkeeper and Defence: City's Rock and Villa's Wall

Deeney opts for Ederson in goal, citing his distribution and calmness under pressure. The Brazilian kept 14 clean sheets, second only to David Raya's 16.

In defence, he selects Ben White (Arsenal), Rúben Dias (Man City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), and Antonee Robinson (Fulham). White's versatility and Robinson's attacking output—nine assists—earned their spots.

Midfield: Rodri's Dominance and Rice's Rise

Deeney picks a midfield trio of Rodri (Man City), Declan Rice (Arsenal), and Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle). Rodri's 100% pass accuracy in big games, Rice's 8 goals from deep, and Bruno's 4 key passes per game underscore their influence.

Attack: Foden's Flourish and Watkins' Form

Up front, Phil Foden (Man City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), and Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) feature. Foden's 22 goals and 10 assists make him the league's top scorer among midfielders. Palmer's 17 goals in his first Chelsea season and Watkins' 20 goals for Villa justify their inclusion.

Impact and Omissions

Notable absentees include Kevin De Bruyne, who managed only four goals due to injury, and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, whose 18 goals weren't enough for Deeney. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka also missed out despite 15 goals and 9 assists.

Deeney's selections highlight the depth of talent in the Premier League this season. His team blends experience with emerging stars, sparking debate among fans.

What's Next for Deeney's XI

Many of these players will represent their countries at Euro 2024 before returning for pre-season. FPL managers should note Watkins' 23% ownership and favourable opening fixtures for Aston Villa next season.

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