SofaScore’s Premier League team of the season of the worst performers has been released, featuring four players from relegated side Leeds United.
- Leicester City the only relegated side to not make an appearance in the worst team of the season
- Patrick Bamford rated as the worst performing Premier League striker
- Tottenham Hotspur defender Clement Lenglet partners Leeds’ Robin Koch at centre-back
SofaScore Worst Premier League Team Of The Season
GK: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton) – 6.58
Southampton’s young goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was the worst performing in his position this season according to SofaScore, with an average rating of 6.58.
The 21-year-old, a highly rated prospect from Manchester City’s academy who spent a successful loan spell at Portsmouth, could be seen as simply the fall guy for Southampton’s defensive woes.
Bazunu conceded an average of 1.8 goals a game and saved one of two penalties faced. The Irishman kept just four clean sheets and let in 52 goals despite facing 35.8 xG.
RB: Adam Smith (Bournemouth) – 6.53
Adam Smith is Bournemouth’s longest-serving player and this season, aged 32, started 34 games. He committed one penalty against Liverpool, which was missed by Mohamed Salah.
Smith kept just six clean sheets and was dribbled past once a game on average. His age is starting to show and Bournemouth’s right-hand side was exposed on occasion.
CB: Robin Koch (Leeds) – 6.63
The first Leeds player in the side is centre-half Robin Koch, the heart of the defence that broke their own club’s Premier League record for most goals conceded in a single month – 23.
Despite standing at six-foot-four, it seemed like Koch couldn’t win a header all season. Spurs are reported to have an interest in the player, which isn’t overly surprising considering his partner at the back in this team.
CB: Clement Lenglet (Spurs) – 6.65
Expectations were somewhat high for Clement Lenglet upon his arrival in north London on loan from Barcelona, but Spurs fans soon realised there was a good reason the Catalans wanted rid.
The Frenchman started 24 games, kept just one clean sheet and committed an error leading to a goal. Despite a shaky season, the club have reportedly made it known to Barcelona that they would like to make the transfer permanent.
LB: Junior Firpo (Leeds) – 6.55
Junior Firpo’s second season at Leeds United didn’t quite go to plan and the left-back has been heavily criticised by the media for his temper and immaturity shown on the pitch.
He picked up five yellows across the campaign, but the highlight was conceding a penalty and earning a red card in his side’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
CM: Orel Mangala (Nottingham Forest) – 6.67
Orel Mangala begins the Nottingham Forest midfield partnership of the worst Premier League performers this year. This might come as a surprise inclusion to some, as Mangala played a key role in the club’s survival.
It certainly took him a while to adapt to the fast-paced nature of England’s top-flight, but a string of impressive performances to close the season including an assist in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge sees an inclusion here from left field.
CM: Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest) – 6.67
Like Mangala, Freuler’s inclusion in this side is largely down to poor performances earlier in the season before fans started to see growing improvement as it progressed.
The 31-year-old started 24 games for Forest and didn’t record a single chance created – nevermind a goal or assist to his name. A defensive-minded midfielder, Freuler’s impact late in the season went beyond the statistics.
AM: Bobby Decordova-Reid (Fulham) – 6.65
Fulham enjoyed a positive season – finishing in the top half of the table – but some fans believe they could’ve made a serious push for Europe with someone other then Reid in Aleksandar Mitrovic’s spot when injured.
The 30-year-old scored four goals and tallied one assist in 36 appearances.
AM: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds) – 6.51
Aaronson was Jesse Marsch’s first signing as Leeds manager, and the American midfielder came to Yorkshire with considerable weight on his shoulders after recording 28 goal contributions in 66 games for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
He is the lowest rated player on this team at 6.51 and reportedly has a relegation release clause in his contract, with the intention of departing the club this summer.
The 22-year-old scored one goal in 36 games with three assists. If he remains, a drop in quality playing in the Championship could be exactly what his confidence needs to break out of his shell.
AM: Mohamed Elyounoussi (Southampton) – 6.64
In Southampton’s penultimate game of the season with relegation already confirmed, Mohamed Elyounoussi broke his Premier League scoring drought of 434 days.
He has played his final game for the club, much to the joy of supporters, and will look for a move elsewhere in the transfer market.
ST: Patrick Bamford (Leeds) – 6.60
If there’s anyone on this list who really needs an arm around their shoulder, it’s Patrick Bamford. The 29-year-old’s confidence looks to be at rock-bottom and he missed numerous golden opportunities to boost Leeds’ survival hopes.
He tallied 13 big chances missed in 18 starts for the Lilywhites – making him the Premier League’s worst striker this season.
❌ Football analytics app Sofascore have provided their ‘Worst Team of the Season’ for 2022/23…
🤔 Thoughts?
[📷 via @SofascoreINT] pic.twitter.com/556JiVLLgZ— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 31, 2023
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