Troy Deeney has named his Premier League team of the season and safe to say, there are a few surprise picks.

Granted, there are nine games to go in the campaign, but it never hurts to take a glance at who the standout performers have been up to this point.

8



Salah has been the best performer in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Getty

Deeney opted for a 4-3-3 formation when it came to his team of the season, which also included his pick for the best manager.

Wembley-bound Nottingham Forest will be too strong for Manchester United	Trent Alexander-Arnold theories aren't strictly true as Liverpool face far from normal situation	PLAY TEAMSHEET: Can YOU name the Everton side that beat Liverpool to dent the Reds' title hopes last season? Or pick YOUR team and guess their starting XI

So, what was the Watford great's criteria when forming his team?

Firstly, Deeney wanted to reward 'consistency' throughout the whole season.

So that means players who started the campaign brightly but faded away or vice versa did not make the cut.

Read more football news

The other key criteria was a player's injury record.

With that in mind, here is Deeney's team of the season up to this point!

Matz Sels has been one of the shining lights in Nottingham Forest's season of dreams.

The Belgian sits clear among the goalkeepers union for the most clean sheets and punches in the league with 12 and 22 respectively.

Non-league chairman to step down after putting club up for sale amid 'abuse'

Wrexham smash turnover record with astonishing growth of 155 per cent

Daniel Levy issues strong response to Tottenham fans demanding more transfers

Arsenal told what Viktor Gyokeres offers over Sesko and how he will fit into new-look team

Sels' tally of 89 saves is the third-most in the league, pointing to a strong shot-stopping ability that has propelled Forest up the table.

8

Sels is on track to create Premier League history with ForestCredit: Getty

Should Sels end up with the Golden Glove, the award given to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets, he would be the first gloveman to win the accolade from a team outside the perceived 'Big Six.'

Deeney's verdict: "He's (Sels) been excellent.

Bournemouth have been one of the league's surprise packages and Kerkez has been a key part of that.

The 21-year-old has been a constant presence bombing up and down the left flank for the Cherries and has registered five assists, the third-most among Premier League defenders.

Kerkez has also played in every match for Bournemouth this season, highlighting his durability given the high-intensity brand of football the team plays under Andoni Iraola.

8

Kerkez's performances have earned him admirers from some top European clubsCredit: Getty

Deeney's verdict: "Undisputed, everyone agrees with this.

Even under Lopetegui when they were poor, he played really well."

8

Wan-Bissaka's performances have gone somewhat under the radar this season

Much was made about Liverpool needing a defensive midfielder in the summer, but it turned out they had a perfectly capable option right under their noses in Ryan Gravenberch.

With a season under his belt, Gravenberch has shown plenty of quality under Slot and has become virtually undroppable.

He has made the fourth-most passes among midfielders and also leads the league in interceptions, proving his adeptness with and without the ball.

Deeney's verdict: "Another player that last season was said not good enough.

But he has been excellent and the best player for Manchester United."

Aston Villa signed Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for an initial £8m in January 2024 and it's not too outlandish to suggest his market value has increased tenfold since.

Rogers has seven goals and four assists for Villa this season but it is his ability to hold off defenders while dribbling at pace that has made the 22-year-old one of the breakout stars.

Deeney' verdict: "Been excellent for Aston Villa all season and been excellent for England as well.

Massively important goals and plays for a team that's in the top three."

Alexander Isak is on course for his best Premier League scoring season yet, but pundits and fans know the Toon talent brings far more than just goals.

With blistering pace and remarkable dribbling ability along with lethal finishing, Isak has cemented himself as one of the best strikers in world football.

Deeney's verdict: "In my opinion, the best number nine in world football currently.

I've said this more or less all season and it's taken a few people to catch up, but they're starting to see it now."

8

Deeney believes there is no striker better than Isak right nowCredit: Getty

Manager: Eddie Howe (Newcastle)

There's a number of contenders for manager of the season and all with incredibly valid claims.

Arne Slot looks on course to win the Premier League in his first season at the helm of Liverpool, an incredible feat considering Jurgen Klopp managed it only once during his tenure.

Not even the most optimistic of Nottingham Forest fans could have dreamed of Nuno Esperito Santo having the club in third with nine games to go.

Andoni Iraola has Bournemouth five points off a potential Champions League spot thanks to a swashbuckling brand of football that has got several of Europe's biggest clubs interest in their players.

Read More on talkSPORT

However, Deeney believes Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is the most deserving of the award for how he has handled external pressure to have the Magpies sitting sixth.

Deeney's verdict: "I think the pressure and expectation on Eddie, what he's had to deal with with the England stuff circling around him, winning the first trophy, but also at times looking like he could get sacked at any moment.
For more news relating to Spurs, visit our sister site Spurs Latest Live.