The Premier League season has finally drawn to a close with a fittingly dramatic finale as Manchester City claimed their fourth title in five seasons by pipping Liverpool to the crown.
City required another turnaround at the Etihad, a decade after their 2012 heroics, having trailed 2-0 to Aston Villa heading into the final 25 minutes. But up stepped substitute Ilkay Gundogan, who scored either side of Rodri to clinch a stunning victory and the title to go with it, rendering Liverpool's 3-1 success at Wolves as irrelevant in the end.
Pep Guardiola's side were deserving champions after accruing 93 points and scoring 99 goals in the process, but were driven all the way by Jurgen Klopp's spirited Reds, who nearly pulled off the biggest heist in the competition's history after being 13 points adrift in February.
City and Liverpool were once again clear of the rest of the pack in terms of quality and consistency as teams, while Manchester United stuttered over the line to finish only sixth. But individually, there were some outstanding performances lower down the league table that cannot be ignored.
Instead of picking the best XI, Mirror Football have gone one better in assembling a squad of the season. Rather than pack it full with City and Liverpool stars, this balanced roster of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and seven attackers will reflect the true stars of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.
So without further ado, here are the 25 players who made the cut for Mirror Football's Premier League squad of the season...
Goalkeepers
HAVE YOUR SAY! What did you make our picks? Let us know in the comments section aboutwho you think should have made the cut.
Alisson Becker
Consistently one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Alisson has made crucial interventions to protect Liverpool ’s results this season. With 20 clean sheets and just 24 goals conceded, the 29-year-old remains on course to become a Premier League great.
Ederson
For a team that don’t put much effort into defending, Manchester City ’s stellar clean sheet of record is largely down to Ederson’s acrobatics in goal. Quite simply, there is no better distributor of the ball from the back — he is City’s own Tom Brady.
Nick Pope
Burnley conceded 53 goals this season, fewer than Manchester United, yet they were still relegated. There is no doubt that without Pope’s brilliant reaction saves, highlighted in the relegation run-in, that fighting chance of staying up would have ended some time ago.
Defenders
Full-back: Joao Cancelo
A remarkable player who has had a phenomenal season. The Portuguese never seems to run out of steam, despite making the most outfield appearances (36) of any City player in the league. Seven assists highlights his increasing influence in Pep Guardiola’s team.
Full-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Some say he is wasted as a full-back, such is his crossing ability and eagle-eye vision to pick out passes from deep. But Alexander-Arnold is clearly comfortable there as Liverpool’s silent orchestrator, with 13 assists underlining his incredible creative impact for the Reds’ title challenge.
Centre-back: Virgil Van Dijk
It may seem harsh to pick Van Dijk over his defensive partner Joel Matip, but to recover from a serious knee injury and suffer no decline in performance is a massive achievement for Van Dijk. His imposing presence and nonchalance at the back continues to confuse opposition attackers.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva
Even at 37, Silva is showing no signs of slowing down. An unflappable and fearless leader, his passing out from the back has been sublime. When he plays, Chelsea look a more organised and cohesive outfit.
Centre-back: Marc Guehi
An excellent debut season in the Premier League for Guehi, who has led with some brave and commanding displays from the back. The 21-year-old was made Crystal Palace captain by Patrick Vieira just months into his reign, highlighting his growing status with the Eagles.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero
An expensive signing for Tottenham, but a masterstroke from sporting director Fabio Paratici. Romero has become a fans’ favourite for his committed challenges and aerial prowess at the back, becoming a key player under Antonio Conte as Spurs secured a top-four finish.
Full-back: Reece James
The gap between Alexander-Arnold and James appears to be closing with every game as the Chelsea starlet grows in confidence. His technical ability is second to none and return of five goals and eight assists has been crucial for the Blues when their attack has failed to deliver.
Full-back: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella has been Brighton ’s player of the season after a storming campaign. An £18m arrival from Getafe, the shaggy-haired Spaniard’s tireless efforts down the left side have been pivotal in the Seagulls taking ninth spot — and it is easy to see why Man City are apparently keen.
Midfielders
Centre midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne
Utterly brilliant and most importantly, Kevin De Bruyne was Man City's beating hearts when they needed to get over the finish line in the title race. Despite reportedly playing while injured, the Belgian finished the season with 15 goals — his highest-ever total in a Premier League campaign.
Centre midfielder: Fabinho
The key defensive cog in the mechanics of Jurgen Klopp’s engine room, the Brazilian mops up danger with consummate ease and even chipped in with an impressive eight goals this season. A class act and one of the very best holding midfielders around.
Centre midfielder: Declan Rice
There could be a £100m tug-of-war for Rice this summer after another phenomenal season for the 23-year-old. His control of the midfield operating from box to box and incredible athleticism makes him a crucial asset for West Ham, who will fight until the bitter end to keep him.
Centre midfielder: Conor Gallagher
The clamour from Crystal Palace fans to sign the Chelsea loanee on a permanent deal reflects his impact at Selhurst Park. With eight goals and three assists, Gallagher’s role in keeping the Eagles safe this season should not go understated — he leaves with a player of the year award for good measure.
Attacking midfielder: Mason Mount
Chelsea’s Cobham star continues to shine brightly after his best attacking season yet with 11 goals and 10 assists — the only others players to hit double figures in both charts were Mohamed Salah and Jarrod Bowen. Has made huge strides under Thomas Tuchel.
Attacking midfielder: Bernardo Silva
An unassuming character who does the grunt work to keep Guardiola’s side ticking, Silva has enjoyed a glowing revival this term. Once destined for a La Liga switch, the Portuguese made himself indispensable with some outstanding displays earlier in the season.
Attacking midfielder: Bukayo Saka
It is difficult to believe Saka is only 20 given the responsibility he is burdened with at Arsenal. Martin Odegaard has relieved him of some creative work, but a return of 11 goals and seven assists reflects his improving attacking attributes. A bumper new contract beckons this summer.
Attackers
Forward: Son Heung-min
The South Korean has been on another level since Antonio Conte arrived, with none of his 23 goals coming from penalties. His partnership with Harry Kane is the Premier League’s most devastating in history and his ability to run and finish with aplomb is breathtaking at times.
Forward: Mohamed Salah
Had it not been for the Africa Cup of Nations and the unavoidable burnout, Salah might have broken his record for goals in a campaign after an extraordinary start. He shares the Golden Boot with Son on 23 goals and his 12 assists underline his superb contribution again for Liverpool this year.
Striker: Harry Kane
Tottenham’s talisman was outscored by Son this year, although their team effort helped Spurs recover to secure a top-four spot against the odds. A No.9 and No.10 rolled into one, the 28-year-old remains one of the Premier League’s sharpest finishers — and Spurs will be glad they refused to sell.
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
In Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League season, some fans might dread to think where they would be without the Portuguese superstar’s heroics. A return of 18 goals dismissed fears the Ronaldo, 37, wouldn’t be able to produce his magic — Erik ten Hag will need his experience next season.
Striker: Ivan Toney
Despite some bizarre off-field issues with the club, Toney’s performances on it have been consistently excellent. A battering ram up front, the 12-goal striker’s contributions have been key to helping Brentford secure their top-flight status at the first time of asking.
Forward: Jarrod Bowen
What a season Bowen has had. Like Mount, he is one of only three players to register double figures for goals (12) and assists (10) after emerging as West Ham’s star performer. Calls for the electric forward to be included in England’s World Cup squad hold merit.
Forward: Wilfried Zaha
Palace’s mid-table finish means Zaha has largely flown under the radar, but the Ivory Coast star has found his best form under Patrick Vieira with 14 goals — more than Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez managed. Don’t be surprised if the ‘Big Six’ keep a close eye.
