Pundits' teams of the season so far

As we reach the halfway point of the 2024/25 season, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen have selected their Premier League teams of the season so far.

The pundits have also given the reasons behind their decisions following the conclusion of Matchweek 19.

Interestingly, the trio have agreed on seven of the 11 positions, with the midfield and attacking players all identical - but the picks in defence provoked plenty of debate, while they've all opted for a different goalkeeper.  

Gary Neville's team of the season so far

Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Josko Gvardiol (Man City), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest).

The reasons why...

"Mohamed Salah picks himself. What a performer. You’re talking about the best of the best. He’s one of the best the Premier League has ever had. He’s been doing it for years, and seems to be getting better. He’s adapting with age. He looks stronger and leaner. It’s mesmerising.

"I’ve been struggling with a left-back. Josko Gvardiol is the one I would probably pick as this moment in time, trying to build a back four. I get that Manchester City are conceding goals left, right and centre at the moment, but he’s a goal threat. I’m not sure there’s been a better left-back from what I’ve seen.

"I’ve gone for William Saliba ahead of Gabriel. He’s edged it, I looked at the numbers and he was the obvious choice. The Arsenal man is still the second-best centre-back in the league. 

"The more I watch Trent Alexander-Arnold, the more I think his defending has improved. I’m not saying he’s perfect, but he has a far better attitude towards it. He has improved immensely. What he does on the ball and what he produces on a consistent basis is remarkable." 

Neville and Carragher discuss their choices

Jamie Carragher's team of the season so far

David Raya (Arsenal), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest), Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest).

The reasons why...

"Ryan Gravenberch has been the biggest surprise. When he came in I saw him as a floating attacking player, who was a little bit of nothing. He’s now become one of the most disciplined players in the Premier League. He’s been a revelation.

"I think Isak is a better centre-forward than Chris Wood, but it feels like Wood has been more consistent.

"On the right side, we’ve got three world-class players. I actually don’t think we’ve got that on the left. Son Heung-min has dropped off, Anthony Gordon hasn’t been as good as he was last season. [Cody] Gakpo and [Luis] Diaz have almost swapped positions a lot of the time. So I’ve gone for Matheus Cunha, who plays more of a floating role for Wolves.

"I think we’re seeing an all-time season with Mo Salah. I think if he takes Liverpool to the Premier League title, and wins the Player of the Year, he’s fighting with Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard in the argument over who is the club’s greatest ever player. This is his big chance to win the Ballon d’Or.

"Every time I watch Nottingham Forest, it’s the defensive side of their game that impresses me. I had to get two defenders in. I look at Ola Aina and think he could play for a club who expects to be in the UEFA Champions League every season. It’s difficult to say he’s had a better season so far than Trent Alexander-Arnold, but he’s done it on both sides.  

"Nikola Milenkovic is the Van Dijk of Nottingham Forest. I was very close to putting Gabriel in, but I just feel what Forest do defensively swings it. Antonee Robinson has seven assists, he’s been great for Fulham. Milos Kerkez has been excellent for AFC Bournemouth, I was considering him as well." 

Michael Owen's team of the season so far

Jordan Pickford (Everton), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest).

The reasons why...

"It is Jordan Pickford over David Raya for me. He’s had a great season. I had to go for the Everton man.

"I could have picked three players at left-back, but I like Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. I think he could interest Liverpool in the future. He attacks so well, and his defending has improved.  

"I’ve gone for Moises Caicedo and of course Ryan Gravenberch. He’s made the position his own. I want to now see him do it in the top, top games, but so far so good. It’s one of Arne Slot’s masterstrokes. 

"It’s a hard one leaving Saka out, but I want to play all players in the correct positions. Matheus Cunha has been a shining light for Wolves. Where would they be without him? 

"Chris Wood for me has to get in. Isak was my second pick, Haaland the third for that central striker role, but Wood seems to be getting better with age. He is having an incredible season."