Best of the rest XI: Part 2
I asked a few of my friends to construct the best Premier League team they can using players outside the traditional big six clubs (Manchester City Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool & Tottenham).
Here’s how it went…
Goalkeeper
Martinez is my choice of goalkeeper. Many of the top six sides would gladly take him on as their number one choice goalkeeper. Villa qualifying for Champions League football has surely kept him at the club.
Defenders
My defence will look different to others, but let us not forget how good Rico Henry was before his injury. Comfortably one of the Premier League’s most exciting left backs. If he can return to his pre injury form, an England call up won’t be too far away.
Murillo is another unpopular choice but I expect him to make the move to one of the Premier Leagues big six in the next few years. Someone who loves to defend but also has an eye for a pass, Nottingham Forrest have a gem in Murrilo.
Midfielders
Today is the day I explain my love for John McGinn. The epitome of consistency, the Scotsman mixes this with quality. A manager’s dream. Amongst the Villa midfielders that I could have included such as Jacob Ramsey, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, & Amadou Onana, I had to include the underrated Villa captain John McGinn.
Bruno Guimaraes also got the nod for me. Easily top six standard, the Brazilian has flirted with a move away from St. James’ Park. A true all-rounder, he partners well with McGinn and as a result gives Eberechi Eze the licence to display his magic.
The Palace talisman had to make the team. It almost feels criminal not including Lucas Paqueta, but then where would McGinn go?
Strikers
My front three is what you call potent. Gordon’s pace on the left provides a perfect balance to Kudus’ dribbling on the right.
Up top we have the best striker outside the top six, Alexander Isak. Ollie Watkins came close, but some are even calling for John Dhuran to replace him in Villa’s starting 11.
Everton would already be relegated without Jordan Pickford, simple. Fulham’s Antonee Robinson has quietly built a case as one of the most underrated players in the league.
Pau Torres has been an assured presence since arriving in England. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is firmly rated now, bolstered by his Euro 2024 performances.
Also at Palace, Adam Wharton has enjoyed a near seamless transition from the Championship to the Premier League.
He is partnered in midfield by the genius of Lucas Paqueta, and the guile of Bruno Guimaraes. The two Brazilians are indisputably the heartbeat of their respective sides and a joy to watch.
Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon are everything you want in modern Premier League wingers — productive, versatile and capable goal threats.
Up front, additional Aston Villa representation comes in the form of Ollie Watkins — he leads the line after his historic 23/24 campaign in the West Midlands.
GK Emiliano Martinez — No need for an explanation.
LB Antonee Robinson — I think he should be playing for a team like Villa Newcastle or the back up at spurs Chelsea etc.
CB Pau Torres - Composure, line breaking left foot, wins his aerial, what more do you want?
CB Sven Botman — Was out of him, Joachim Anderson and Marc Guehi but he just controls back lines. Jarrad Branthwraite needs another year for me.
RB Ola Aina — Underrated. Plays LB as well. Been solid for Forest for a while. Must be a long day facing him as a winger, lock you up and dribble down the wing too.
Dm Bruno Guimaraes - Could have been Andre Onana, but the Newcastle man is just pure class. Dog work with technique? Underrated combo. Sandro Tonali will get in next year.
Lcm JOHN MCGINNNNN — JOHN MCGINNNN!!!! I don’t care what you tell me, this man is class. Even though his face is screwed up, he is winning his midfield battle and scoring a left foot long shot top bins. Certified baller!
Rcm Eberechi Eze — Shouldn’t even be at Palace. They are lucky to still have him. south London’s finest
RW Mohammed Kudus How he hasn’t got a move is crazy. Unless the Hammers have slapped a 100m price tag on him. What a player. Will beat your full back all game then go eat 10 eggs full time. Honourable mentions to Jarred Bowen and Antoine Semenyo.
LW Kaoru Mitoma Injury last season, but the season before and the start of this season shown me enough. Top 3 degrees of all time. Clubs need to look into getting him. Honourable mention to Anthony Gordon.
ST Alexander Isak Not a debate. Better than five of the big six strikers.
So, that’s it. Six different teams best of the rest teams, but who from from part 1 and 2 do you think had the best team? Vote using the link below
