Leaders Tottenham dominate our all-star XI, but there's still space for players from Arsenal, Manchester City and Crystal Palace
Doesn't time fly when you're having fun? We have already reached the second international break of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, and despite the gloomy, pre-season predictions that Manchester City would run away with it, the title race is already shaping up nicely.
Incredibly, it's Tottenham who currently top the charts, though north London rivals Arsenal are breathing down their necks in second place, only trailing on goals scored. Key to Spurs' success has been the surprise rise of a crop of players that few would have backed to create a storm this season. However, they have done exactly that – and Ange Postecoglou's reinvigorated brigade are not the only Premier League stars that have turned heads so far.
Arsenal, City, Crystal Palace and Newcastle have all also had players included in GOAL's 2023-24 Team of the Season so far. Check out the full starting XI below:
Getty ImagesGK: Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)
Vicario's arrival was met with very little fanfare this summer, especially when compared with the more expensive acquisitions of Andre Onana and David Raya by Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively. But while the aforementioned pair have struggled – Onana far more so than Raya in fairness – Vicario has enjoyed a pretty seamless transition to life in the Premier League.
The Italian currently boasts the highest save percentage in the division and has been competent with his feet, too. During a season when so many No.1s have been attracting headlines for the wrong reasons, Vicario has been a beacon of calm in the Spurs goal.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
Few players have contributed more to Newcastle's rapid rise under Eddie Howe than his first-ever signing – and Trippier has continued his fine form this season. The 33 year old is one of only three players who have registered five Premier League assists this campaign. He is also the only defender to achieve that feat.
Although the Magpies have not been quite as solid as we're used to at times, their defence has still been one of the toughest to break down. Trippier has been a key reason why.
GettyCB: William Saliba (Arsenal)
With Virgil van Dijk no longer looking like the player who narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or in 2019, it's not controversial to describe Saliba as the best centre-back in the Premier League.
Nowhere was his importance to the Gunners more evident than in their massive win over Manchester City just before the international break. With his side's composure seemingly slipping at times, Saliba oozed authority from the heart of defence all afternoon. He did not give Erling Haaland a sniff, with the Norwegian not permitted a single attempt on goal. It was a performance typical of Saliba over the past few years.
Getty ImagesCB: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace fans won't like us saying this, but it's remarkable that one of the Premier League big boys have never been tempted to go after Andersen. The Dane's passing range is among the best in the division, with his raking, cross-field balls forming a vital part of the Eagles counter-attacking threat. This season, he's even added goals to his game.
He netted his side's only goal in a 1-1 draw with Brentford and then scored an absolutely stunning winner against Manchester United. That, combined with the fact Palace have only conceded seven times this season, makes him well worthy of a spot in our team.