2019/2020 EPL Superlatives

Author: Jonah Ferro

Thanks to the guys at the Charity Stripe for having me on board! This has been a phenomenal English Premier League season, which fortunately was able to finish and give the people some much needed entertainment. There is no better way to wrap up this season than with superlatives. If you’d like to read about anything specific about football (the one played across the Atlantic) please leave a comment below!

Team of the Season – Liverpool

Liverpool has graced the Premier League with one of the most dominant teams and seasons in the modern era. Piggybacking off their Champions League glory, Klopp’s Reds have been near perfect in their first Championship season since 1990 and first of the Premier League era. The key to their remarkable success has been their home form, which includes 24 wins in a row dating back to last February. Some of their other remarkable records include 61 of a possible 63 points to start the season, the largest gap at the top of table (25 points), and the first team to clinch the title with 8 games left to play.

Jordan Henderson’s dominance and leadership in midfield really stood out this season along with the play of Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Roberson. When you add Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane’s brilliance in front of goal, and the league’s best goalkeeper in Alisson Becker to the mix, it is no surprise Liverpool was able to stay at the top of the table from the get go. This is a team full of in-prime starts that will continue to compete for the title year in and out.

Honorable Mention – Sheffield United, Leicester City

Player of the Season – Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

While Liverpool is a star studded team, it would be disrespectful for City’s Belgian maestro to not be named Player of the Season. Coming off of his injury laden 18-19 campaign, KDB has been a force to be reckoned with for City. De Bruyne is closing in on Thierry Henry’s single season assist (he has 19), set a career high in goals with 11, and has the most big chances with 32 (14 more than any other player). His performances have been top notch week in and out. Disappointing seasons from Bernardo Silva and David Silva for much of the campaign made his elite playmaking essential in keeping City towards the top. De Bruyne proved he is the glue for Guardiola’s Man City team, and I expect to see his continued dominance in this summer’s Champions League restart.

Honorable Mentions – Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Man. City)

Manager of the Season – Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Much of Livepool’s aforementioned dominance stems from having the best manager in the world right now. Klopp has transformed Liverpool into the best team in world football. His man management, expectation of excellence, and his club’s ability to win gritty games speak wonders to his greatness. As long as Klopp is in charge, Liverpool will continue to set the standard of excellence in the English top flight.

Honorable Mention – Chris Wilder (Sheffield United), Nuno Espirito Santo (Wolves)

U-20 Player of the Season – Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

I know the PFA uses 23 and under as the cutoff age for their Young Player of the Season award, but most fans agree that most elite players careers now begins in their very early 20s or even teens. Alexander-Arnold is the easy pick for their award, so I thought it would be best to look at U-20’s.

Mason Greenwood has to be the choice here. The 18 year old’s consistency this season when given an opportunity has been remarkable. He has chipped in with 9 goals in 29 appearances (10 starts), and since the restart, he has been a goal scoring machine. The two footed forward’s finishing is at an expert level already, and his hunger to become great stands out. He should be the next in line of homegrown stars for Man. United.

Honorable Mention – Mason Mount (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Signing of the Season – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United’s resurgence since the restart of the league season is largely due to their new Portuguese playmaker. Since Bruno’s first game on February 1st, United are unbeaten in the league and the Red Devils have pushed themselves to the cusp of Champions League qualification. He has the most goal involvements in the league in that time with 7 goals and 7 assists. Some of his stand out abilities include his defensive hard work, unlocking of defenses, and immense quality in front of goal and on penalties. United is in great hands with Fernandes as their key man, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to be applauded for finally bringing him to Old Trafford.

Honorable Mention – Danny Ings (Southampton), Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle)

Flop Signing of the Season – Moise Kean (Everton)

When Everton signed Moise Kean from Juventus, many thought they had snatched up a young star who could push their attack to the next level this season. Unfortunately for the Toffees this could not be further from reality. In Italy, Kean played a valuable substitute and part time starter role for Juventus, and he already made his debut for the Italian National Team when Everton shockingly signed him for 30 Million Euros this summer. But under two managers Kean has been a massive disappointment. He rarely plays for Everton, and when he does he looks like a shell of the player we saw at Juve. Not to mention, he has faced issues with discipline. I would not be surprised if Kean is sent back to Italy this summer either permanently or on loan to get his career back on the right track.

Dishonorable Mention – Sebastian Haller (West Ham), Joelinton (Newcastle), Joao Cancelo (Man City)

Breakthrough Player of the Season – Danny Ings (Southampton)

Southampton would be fighting for EPL survival with the Watfords, Villas, and Bournemouths of the league at the bottom of table if it wasn’t for Ings fantastic season for Southampton. The once Liverpool flop has finally remained healthy and has scored a remarkable 20 goals for the Saints this season to help them push to the top half of the table. Ings has scored a league leading 13 away goals, and has come clutch time and time again. With Harry Kane’s perpetual injury issues it would not be a surprise to see him lead the line for England at next season’s Euros if he keeps this form up.

Honorable Mention: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Adama Traore (Wolves), Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester)

Goal of the Season – Heung Min Son vs. Burnley (literally)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXCmLUD1EDA. Enough said.

EPL XI of the Season (4-3-3)

Allison Becker

Trent Alexander Arnold Virgil Van Dijk Caglar Soyuncu Andy Robertson

Jordan Henderson Bruno Fernandes Kevin De Bruyne

Raheem Sterling Jamie Vardy Sadio Mane