Only a two of Liverpool players have secured spots in the stats-driven Premier League team for 2023. However, several argue that more from Jurgen Klopp’s squad deserve recognition.
Sofascore’s Premier League team for 2023 highlights Liverpool only twice, with some unexpected names making the list. Among those to miss out are Alisson Becker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Rather than Liverpool’s goalkeeper, the chosen stopper is Fulham’s Bernd Leno. The former Arsenal player’s recent performance against the Gunners played a crucial role in Liverpool’s continued lead, yet his selection raised eyebrows.
In the right-back position, Kieran Trippier of Newcastle was favored over Alexander-Arnold. Although Trippier shone for most of the year during Newcastle’s Champions League qualification, his performance dipped in the final six weeks, leading to several conceded goals.
Virgil van Dijk secures a spot in the back four, but an unexpected choice, Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock, partners with him. Pascal Gross takes up the left-back position, a tactical decision to integrate the Brighton player into the lineup.
In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Rodri join James Maddison, formerly with Leicester and now with Spurs. The forward line features Tottenham’s Son Heung-min, Erling Haaland, and Mohamed Salah.
The complete Sofascore team for 2023 is as listed: Leno, Trippier, Pinnock, Van Dijk, Gross, Fernandes, Rodri, Maddison, Salah, Haaland, Son.
Alisson might feel unfortunate after not being selected. Despite recent injuries (with a return to training expected later this month), Andy Robertson remains one of the premier left-backs in the game. There were several other candidates who could have been prioritized over Pinnock for the center-back position.
While Fernandes hasn’t consistently shone for Manchester United this year, when Erik ten Hag’s team scores, he often plays a pivotal role and contributes significantly.
Maddison has similarly been influential for the teams he’s played for. Rodri stands out as arguably the top defensive midfielder globally. Szoboszlai aims to stake his claim in the upcoming year.
Salah and Haaland are virtually guaranteed spots in the forward line. Son becomes an even more valuable selection, especially with Harry Kane no longer playing in England. It would be interesting to see if Luis Díaz or Darwin Núñez can challenge for a spot in the anticipated combined team for 2024.
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