Team of the Year
Opta's team of 2022

With the World Cup taking us almost all the way to the end of 2022. The best way to make a best XI is to do it.

The Opta index, which grades players across a wide pool of metrics, is used to support the selections. With a database that contains every touch in the premier league this year, we can rely on more than just memory and opinion.

There's only one rule, and that's that the 11 players must have played in at least one of the two seasons that made up the year.

I apologize to Erling Haaland fans.

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson

The goalkeeper has remained near the peak of his powers even though they might not have planned for it. Alisson has recorded more clean sheets than anyone else in the league.

The Brazilian has conceded less goals than expected based on the quality of shots he has faced.

Right-back: Kieran Trippier

Newcastle's Kieran Trippier

There weren't many signings that could have the same effect as Trippier. The captain has been an important part of the team's rise throughout the year, which began in 19th position and ended in third place.

Trippier has averaged two or more chances created per 90 in the league this year. The 900 minutes were played by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Centre-back: Thiago Silva

Chelsea's Thiago Silva

Thirty-eight-year-old Thiago Silva might be the oldest outfield player to play in the premier league in 2022, but he has not been affected by his age in his performances. Silva has played more minutes than any other player this year.

The Brazilian has recovered possession more often than any other centre-back in the league. 1,500 minutes were spent.

Centre-back: Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Magalhaes is one of only two players to have started every single game for the club in the premier league. The Brazilian defender has played in the league for the entire season.

Gabriel has carried the ball more than any other centre-back in the league this season.

Left-back: Andy Robertson

Liverpool's Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson has only conceded 0.7 goals per game this year, but he has won more games than any other player. In the games he hasn't started, the win percentage has dropped to 50% and the team has conceded more than one goal in each game.

This season, the full-back has made 10 assists, which is both the most of any defender in the competition and the most by any player in the club.

Defensive midfielder: Rodri

Manchester City's Rodri

The steadying hand of the winning machine has remained the same in the years since. His calm influence on the team has made him one of the first names on the team sheet.

Rodri has the lowest possession loss rate of any player in the league this season. He lost the ball with less than 10% of his touches.

Centre-midfielder: Declan Rice

West Ham's Declan Rice

Rice has excelled in his defensive duties and combined them with thrusting runs in possession.

Rice has made more progressive carries than any other player in the league and has recovered more times than any other player.

Centre-midfielder: Kevin de Bruyne

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne

It has been business as usual for Kevin De Bruyne as he continues to be the most influential player in the league.

The only player to have created more than 100 chances in the league this year is Manchester City's Belgian. Only Harry Kane has more combined goals and assists in the league.

Right-wing: James Maddison

Leicester's James Maddison

James Maddison was one of the few players who raised their level in view of the World Cup in 2022. In 30 league games this year, De Bruyne has 23 goals and assists, which is the most of any player in the middle of the field.

Maddison's six goals from outside the box have been the most in the premier league. He has three direct free-kick goals.

Centre-forward: Harry Kane

Tottenham's Harry Kane

The case for Harry Kane is easy to understand. The Spurs forward has scored more goals and non-penalty goals than any other player in the league.

Kane has been involved in the second most sequence of play that resulted in a shot or a goal in the premier league this year. The Englishman has combined his work as a leading scorer with an all-round contribution to the team.

Left-wing: Son Heung-min

Tottenham's Son Heung-min

Kane is the only player to score more goals in the league this year than Son Heung-min, who has 18.

The Korean has scored more goals with his left foot than he has with his right this year. Jamie Vardy was the last player to score 9+ goals with both feet in a year in the premier league.

Who makes your team of 2022?

The players who played in the current campaign and the previous campaign would be included in your XI. Share your choice with your friends on social media.

You can pick your XI from our list.

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