Premier League 2016-17 Team of the Season

Here is The Football Lab Team of the Season for the 2016-17 Premier League campaign. It is built with only one player from each club – think you can do better? Tweet us at @_FootbalLab and let us know the changes you would make.

Goalkeeper – Tom Heaton: He has been crucial for a Burnley side that face a lot of shots, with some excellent displays over October and January.

Right-back – Antonio Valencia: At 31, Valencia remains one of the most athletic footballers in England and has adapted his game to become the perfect modern full-back.
Centre-backs – Toby Alderweireld and Gareth McAuley: Alderweireld is a class act on the ball and has been a mainstay in the division’s best defence, while McAuley has shown great professionalism to stay at the top level at 37.
Left-back – Ryan Bertrand: Often the fifth furthest forward players in Southampton’s team and always among the most creative.

Central midfielders – N’Golo Kante and Idrissa Gueye: The energy and tenacity of both players means they are capable of covering wide areas, which is much-needed with two attacking full-backs.

Right-wing – Sadio Mane: the Senagalese wide man has been a crucial outlet for Liverpool. His right-sided combination play with Valencia would be a siege of pace and power.
Attacking midfield – Kevin De Bruyne: Whilst retaining the consistent creativity and technique he has showcased over the last three years, De Bruyne has improved on his defensive contributions this term.
Left-wing – Gylfi Sigurdsson: No player outside the top six has a better delivery than Sigurdsson. McAuley would be licking his lips before free-kicks and corners.

Striker – Alexis Sanchez: Not only has Sanchez scored 17 goals in 23 games when played up top, his work rate and dribbling ability make him key to this team’s build-up play.

Substitutes
Josh King: 13 goals is a superb return for a player who has only started nine games as a main striker.
Wilfried Zaha: he has always had pace and potential, but this is the first season we have seen consistent product from Zaha.
Manuel Lanzini: his performances improved after Payet left in January. Has the capacity to wriggle away from opponents and a good eye for goal.
Harry Maguire: has the maturity to handle the Premier League, after spending the early stages of his career away from the national limelight in League One.
Kasper Schmeichel: the one Leicester player whose performance level has not dropped from last season. Made some wonderful saves at West Ham.

Manager – Mauricio Pochettino: by demanding a high work rate from every player, he has built the most exciting, young team in England.