Premier League all-time record scorer Alan Shearer has picked his team of the season so far, with a few surprises.
The former Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle striker scored an incredible 260 goals in the league, the most of any player.
Now a presenter and pundit on numerous TV shows and podcasts including BBC’s Match of The Day, the 53-year-old has had his say on the season to date.
While there are some sure-fire picks in his lineup, there are also some huge names missing. Most obvious is the omission of Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian sensation smashed Shearer’s own record for goals in a single campaign, with 36 for City in his debut season. And he’s top of the charts again in 2023/24, level with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on 14 goals so far.
But despite his prolific record, Haaland misses out on a place in Shearer’s squad at this stage of the season. He’s not the only surprise pick, though.
Alan Shearer’s Premier League Team Of The Season So Far
Here is @alanshearer's Team of the Season so far 💫
What do you think of his selections? pic.twitter.com/SjNkBlHozU
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 9, 2024
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)
Tottenham signed Italian goalkeeper Vicario from FC Empoli in Serie A this summer. Playing every minute under Ange Postecoglou, he has picked up five clean sheets from 20 Premier League games.
The 27-year-old gets into Shearer’s team ahead of some big names, such as Brazilian duo Allison and Ederson. Shearer has opted for Vicario, who has more saves (65) than any of the other keepers in the top five.
Right-Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is no surprise. The England star has regained some of his best form in recent months, and would make most people’s team of the season as it stands.
The 25-year-old has notched up two goals and nine assists from right-back for Liverpool in all competitions, and is well deserving of his place.
Centre-Back – William Saliba (Arsenal)
Moving into the heart of the defence, Shearer has picked William Saliba. Another easy choice, the Arsenal man has been vital for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners’ title challenge was derailed last season with the Frenchman injured toward the end of the campaign. Thankfully for Arsenal fans, he’s fit again and proving his worth once more.
Centre-Back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Partnering Saliba at the back in Alan Shearer’s squad is Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman has been pivotal in Liverpool’s climb to the top of the table, and is one of the best defenders in world football at his best.
One of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted generals, Van Dijk has played 18 of the Reds’ 20 league games this season, scoring once.
Left-Back – Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Destiny Udogie is another Italian import for Tottenham this season. The 21-year-old left-back has made 17 Premier League appearances since joining from Udinese in Serie A, and has gained many admirers.
One of them is Shearer, who has chosen Udogie in his team of the season so far.
Centre Midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Things haven’t always been easy for Declan Rice since his £105 million move across London. Rice left West Ham for Arsenal in the summer for a record-breaking fee.
Despite losing to his former club when the two sides met on 28 December, Rice has been a huge boost for Arsenal. He’s certainly shown enough quality for Shearer, who has picked him in midfield.
Centre Midfield – Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Rice is joined in the middle by Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian has been huge for Unai Emery’s side this season, popping up with six goals and three assists from 19 games.
Luiz has courted the attention of several Premier League rivals, including former club Manchester City, who are reportedly keen on re-signing him.
Right Wing – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah is another obvious choice from Shearer, with good reason. The Egyptian captain tops the scoring charts with 14, alongside Haaland.
Currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah recently broke into the top ten on the all-time Premier League scoring charts. He displaced Shearer’s former England teammate, Michael Owen, and now has 153.
Left Wing – Son Heung-Min (Liverpool)
Since Harry Kane left Tottenham for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, Son Heung-Min has stepped up another gear. Now captaining the side, Son has scored 12 and assisted five goals in the league this season.
The South Korean star is also away with his national side, as they compete in the Asian Cup, but he’s already earned his spot in Alan Shearer’s team.
Forward – Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Jarrod Bowen’s 11 goals in 19 games is one of the best strike rates in the league. The England man has been phenomenal again this season, and vital in West Ham’s rise up the table.
A cornerstone of David Moyes’ side, Bowen is a perfect representation of everything good about West Ham at the minute – and Shearer seems to agree.
Forward – Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Rounding out Alan Shearer’s team of the season so far is Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker has netted nine goals while also providing 11 assists for his side.
Another man enjoying great success under Unai Emery at Villa Park, Watkins makes it into Shearer’s squad ahead of both Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez.
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