We are almost at the end of the 2024-25 Premier League season, so it’s time to give out our Premier League end-of-season awards. Let’s see who deserves what?
Team of the Season: Liverpool
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat a start it has been for the Reds in the new Arne Slot era. For any Manager who wins the Premier League in his first season, it is always a dream come true.
But the main credit must go to the entire squad for quickly adapting to his style and philosophy of football.
The biggest difference has been the way he has reconstructed the Midfield with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis MacAlister, Dominic Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe pair of them have done a really good job protecting the back four and setting up Liverpool’s attacks, with Trent Alexander-Arnold using his creative instincts as an inverted Right-Back.
Embed from Getty ImagesVirgil Van Dijk has proven that he is not only the world’s best centre-back but also a true leader.
He has formed a solid partnership with Ibrahima Konate at the back, with 14 clean sheets this season.
In an attacking sense, he has also contributed to three goals and one assist this season.
But overall, it’s been a real team effort from the whole squad to achieve what they have this season.
Player of the Season: Mo Salah
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother of the catalysts to the Reds’ title-winning season.
Manager of the Season: Eddie Howe/Jason Tindall
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving watched his Magpies miss out on Europe last season, it has been a hugely impressive season for Howe’s side.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn 16 March, he lifted the EFL Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
And to do it in a season where Champions League football is still in their hands is an impressive achievement.
During their campaign, Eddie Howe’s side beat Arsenal and Chelsea at home and produced a double over Manchester United for the first time since 1930-31.
Embed from Getty ImagesEven though a big part of their success has been Alexander Isak’s outstanding form, you have to give credit to Eddie Howe for setting his team up in their impressive 4-3-3 system, which has given the Swede the freedom to showcase his goal-scoring talent.
Let’s also not forget the impressive job Tindall did after Howe was taken to the hospital with pneumonia.
Embed from Getty ImagesAn impressive 4-1 win over Ruben Amorim’s United, followed by a 3-0 win away at Leicester, this was the sign that Newcastle were serious about qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
And Howe believes his side can finish the job against Everton on Sunday.
“You want it to be in your own hands, as you say, and we back ourselves at home, we back ourselves under pressure, but it will be, all the build-up to the game will be big, and we have to detach ourselves from it, and just focus on how we need to play. “I’m sure the players will. I think the performance today was strong, and I think we have to take that confidence into the next game.
Howe: Tribal Football
Can he get his side over the line for a second season in Europe’s elite competition?
Surprise of the Season: Nottingham Forest
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite their hopes of Champions League football hanging in the balance, Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest have still had a hugely impressive season.
It is a fine achievement to still be in the running for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Kudos to Espirito Santo and his team for their performance throughout most of the season. No one expected them to come this far.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnthony Elanga has been one of their outstanding players, with eleven assists and six goals this season.
His blistering runs are what have made Forest such a dangerous side, especially on the counter-attack.
Given that Espirito Santo’s side are just a point outside the top five, should they beat Chelsea on the final day of the season, their mission of securing Champions League football will be accomplished.
Can they do it?
Flops of the Season: Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the two sides meeting in the Europa League Final, you cannot deny that this season has been a complete write-off for Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim’s side.
Languishing in 16th and 17th place is nowhere near good enough for two clubs of this magnitude, especially if you’re Manchester United.
You can go easy on the Spurs a little, as according to GiveMeSport, they have had the third-most injuries this season, with 21 players out throughout the season.
United has spent over £ 117.79m this season on transfers, yet Ten Hag and Amorim have not made the most of it.
You could also argue that some of United’s players do not suit Amorim’s system, but that is still not a valid excuse.
Even though Postecoglou has been at the club since June 2023, you can sense that if Spurs don’t win the Final, the fans may start to turn on him, particularly if they begin next season poorly.
That’s why the Europa League Final is so crucial in terms of the future of both clubs, as you earn an extra place in the Champions League.
It could also impact the futures of Amorim and Postecoglou, who could be under pressure to keep their jobs.
“For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, I’m not sure how to answer that question.”
Postecoglou: IndependentBut regardless of whoever wins, this season has proved that there is a lot of work that needs to be done, to get both of these clubs back to where they should be.
So these are World in Sport’s Premier League Awards for 2024-25.
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