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With the 2023-24 Premier League campaign drawing to a close tomorrow, Pep Guardiola's side is on course to win their fourth straight Premier League title and his sixth in the United Kingdom.
Aston Villa has surprised everyone by qualifying for the Champions League group stages next season. While Luton is on the brink of relegation, Burnley and Sheffield United have already been relegated from the Premier League.
On the other hand, clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham have struggled to qualify for the prestigious Champions League, with Chelsea and Tottenham likely to qualify for the Europa League.
The final day will be intriguing as the race for Europa League spots remains open. Some players have had an outstanding season, leading their clubs to success, while others have struggled to meet expectations. The Premier League has delivered thrilling action since the beginning of August, and it's time to look at five individuals who have had the best 2023-24 Premier League season.
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#5 Phil Foden
Make no mistake, Phil Foden has had an exceptional year, but he is not the Premier League's best player despite being named so today. The Manchester City star has scored 17 goals and provided 8 assists in 32 starts, making him an integral part of the Citizens' frontline.
Notably, most of his contributions came during the second half of the season, as he scored just nine goals in the first half. This reinforces the point that he truly flourished later in the campaign. The 23-year-old stepped up when Haaland struggled for goals, helping to lead Pep Guardiola's side to victory.
While Foden is undoubtedly a top-five performer from the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, that's as far as it goes.
#4 Declan Rice
Ever since Declan Rice moved to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, the Gunners have become a tough side to overcome. The English international, who initially started as a number 6, is currently playing as a number 8, with Kai Havertz flourishing as a false nine and Jorginho anchoring the midfield.
The 25-year-old has made 36 starts for the Gunners, cementing his spot in the starting eleven. Despite primarily playing as a holding midfielder, Rice has contributed significantly to the attack, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists in the Premier League.
Rice is undoubtedly one of the top five players in the Premier League this season, impressing the footballing world with his defensive and offensive qualities.
#3 Cole Palmer
Nobody expected Cole Palmer to rack up more than forty goal contributions during his debut season at Chelsea after struggling to break through at Manchester City. Out of the 22 goals he has scored in the Premier League, nine have been penalties. However, it is still incredible that he managed to put together 13 non-penalty goals and 10 assists after establishing himself in the team.
The Manchester City academy graduate has been deployed as a right winger, where he has shone from both open play and spot kicks. Palmer has been the go-to man for goals for Mauricio Pochettino, who is ending this season on a high note following a catastrophic start.
With a contract until 2030, Palmer, who won the Young Player of the Year award, is expected to continue contributing in the coming years at Stamford Bridge and to become a star.
#2 Rodri
Rodri has been Manchester City's best player this campaign and the Premier League's second best. The Spanish international missed four Premier League games this season, during which the Citizens lost three and drew one. With his presence, they won 27 out of 33 games, making him an irreplaceable asset to Pep Guardiola's dominant side. When a team struggles significantly in a player's absence, it underscores that player's importance.
Similar to Rice, Rodri has scored seven goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League. His defensive stability, offensive threat, press resistance and positioning make him arguably the best in business.
#1 Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins has scored 19 non-penalty goals and assisted 13 goals during the 2023-24 Premier League season, steering his team to Champions League football with his prolific scoring. He has also outperformed his expected goals (xG) by scoring 19 goals from an xG of 16.5.
His presence up front has caused havoc for the opposition, who have struggled to mark him due to his threat both on the ground and in the air. Additionally, his link-up play and strength make him one of the most complete strikers in England. Although Watkins was included in the Premier League Player of the Season shortlist, his name did not receive the recognition it deserved. In my opinion, he should have won the Premier League Player of the Season.
