In a surprising twist to the Premier League season wrap-up, Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have unveiled their personal picks for the Team of the Season, with a notable exclusion that has sparked debate among fans.
The duo, known for their insightful analysis and often contrasting opinions, agreed on seven players in their respective dream teams. Arsenal and Manchester City players featured heavily in both selections, showcasing the dominance of the two clubs this season. However, Liverpool legend Carragher made headlines by leaving out Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland, despite his impressive 25-goal tally.
Carragher’s snub of Haaland has been attributed to what he described as ‘disappointing’ performances in key matches against top-tier teams, including Arsenal and in the Champions League. Instead, Carragher opted for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, praising his overall contribution and impact on the team.
Neville, on the other hand, included Haaland in his lineup, defending the Norwegian’s status as one of the world’s premier goal scorers. The debate between the two pundits reflects the broader conversation among fans and experts alike, as they consider the individual merits and team contributions of players.
As the Premier League season draws to a dramatic close, with the title race and relegation battles still hanging in the balance, these team selections have added an extra layer of excitement and controversy. Fans eagerly await the final matchday to see if their favorite players will shine and if any underdogs will emerge as unsung heroes of the season.
The full teams selected by Neville and Carragher are as follows:
Gary Neville’s Team of the Year:
- Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
- Defenders: Ben White (Arsenal), William Saliba (Arsenal), Gabriel (Arsenal), Destiny Udogie (Spurs)
- Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Rodri (Man City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Man City), Erling Haaland (Man City)
Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Year:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), William Saliba (Arsenal), Gabriel (Arsenal)
- Midfielders: Rodri (Man City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Attacking Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Man City), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Man City)
- Striker: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
With the season finale on the horizon, all eyes will be on these players to deliver performances worthy of their inclusion in such esteemed company. The question remains: will Haaland prove his critics wrong, or will Watkins solidify his place as the preferred choice? Only time will tell.
