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Introduction
The 2024-25 season will be remembered as one of triumph and transformation for Liverpool. Under Arne Slot’s leadership, the Reds lifted their 20th league title, and on Tuesday night in Manchester, that dominance was recognised in style. Five Liverpool players were named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, underlining the impact of a squad that blended experience, resilience, and fresh energy.
Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Mohamed Salah all earned their places in the prestigious XI, an honor voted for by professional players across the country. It is a fitting reward for individuals who not only excelled in their positions but also drove Liverpool back to the very top of English football.
Van Dijk: The Captain Who Set the Tone
Few players symbolize Liverpool’s resurgence more than Virgil van Dijk. Now in the latter stages of his career, the Dutch defender continues to marshal the backline with authority. His inclusion in the Team of the Year is a testament not just to his defensive numbers, but to his leadership.
Van Dijk anchored a defense that conceded some of the fewest goals in the league, repeatedly shutting down top opposition forwards. His calmness under pressure and his ability to organise those around him allowed Slot’s system to flourish. More importantly, he provided the composure and belief that the younger players needed. For a team pushing toward a record-equalling 20th title, that influence was invaluable.
Milos Kerkez: The Surprise Package
If Van Dijk’s inclusion was expected, Milos Kerkez’s rise was the surprise story. The Hungarian left-back started the season at Bournemouth, where he caught the eye with his relentless energy and attacking intent. In 38 league starts, he contributed five assists and two goals, numbers that made him one of the most productive defenders in the division.
His selection shows that the PFA award does not just recognise players from the title-winning clubs, but also rewards consistent excellence across the league. For Kerkez, this honor confirms his rapid growth and signals that bigger stages are now calling. While his Liverpool connection is only recent, fans are already excited to see how he develops under Slot’s guidance in the years ahead.
Gravenberch: A Midfield Engine Transformed
Ryan Gravenberch arrived at Liverpool with plenty of promise but also questions about consistency. Under Slot, those doubts were silenced. The Dutch midfielder blossomed into a complete force, driving the Reds’ engine room with a mix of athleticism, vision, and tenacity.
What made Gravenberch’s season stand out was his ability to dictate games. He transitioned seamlessly between breaking up opposition play and launching attacks, often carrying the ball through midfield with confidence. His development into a first-choice starter was a major factor in Liverpool pulling clear of rivals by April. To see his peers vote him into the Team of the Year is proof of the impression he made not only at Anfield but across the league.
Mac Allister: The Architect of Midfield
If Gravenberch was the engine, Alexis Mac Allister was the architect. The Argentine midfielder thrived in Slot’s system, showcasing his intelligence, passing range, and ability to control tempo. While others grabbed headlines for goals or assists, Mac Allister’s influence was subtler but just as crucial.
His calm presence allowed Liverpool to stay balanced in high-pressure matches. Whether picking passes between lines, recycling possession, or pressing opponents with precision, he was always in the right place. The title run-in demanded composure, and Mac Allister delivered it week after week. His inclusion in the PFA XI is a deserved nod to a player who quietly became indispensable.
Salah: The Evergreen Superstar
For all the new faces and tactical shifts under Slot, Mohamed Salah remained the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack. Even in his thirties, the Egyptian forward continues to deliver at the highest level. Goals, assists, and moments of brilliance defined his campaign once again, ensuring he wrote yet another chapter in his glittering Anfield story.
What sets Salah apart is not just his numbers, but his consistency. Opposition defenders know what he can do, yet few can stop him. His ability to step up in decisive matches proved vital as Liverpool sealed the title with four games to spare. Being named in the Team of the Year is almost expected of Salah, but that should not lessen the achievement. He remains one of the greatest players the Premier League has seen.
A Season to Remember for Liverpool
The recognition of five Liverpool players reflects more than individual brilliance. It underlines the collective strength of a squad that responded perfectly to Slot’s arrival. The Dutch coach inherited a team in transition, but in less than a year he molded them into champions.
Liverpool finished the season with 84 points, comfortably ahead of their nearest challengers. They combined attacking flair with defensive solidity, while rotating a squad that had the depth to handle injuries and fixture congestion. The PFA honors now serve as a reminder of just how dominant they were.
The Full PFA Team of the Year
The Reds may have provided nearly half the XI, but the rest of the Team of the Year showcased talent from across the division. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood formed a surprising but effective forward line, both recognised for their ability to trouble defenders all season.
Arsenal were also well represented, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Declan Rice making the cut. Their contributions were central to the Gunners’ strong campaign, even if they fell short in the title race. Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels rounded out the lineup, ensuring the team had a reliable presence between the posts. The mixture of names demonstrates the breadth of quality across the league, but Liverpool’s five standouts made sure the champions left the biggest mark.
What This Means Going Forward
For Liverpool supporters, the PFA awards are both a celebration of the present and a glimpse into the future. Van Dijk and Salah continue to define an era, but the recognition of Gravenberch and Mac Allister shows the core of a new midfield dynasty is already in place. Kerkez’s breakthrough hints at further strengthening in key positions.
Arne Slot’s task now will be to build on this foundation. Defending a title is always harder than winning one, but the recognition of so many players proves Liverpool have the quality and mentality to stay at the summit. With a mix of established legends and emerging stars, the Reds look well positioned for another charge.
Conclusion
The PFA Premier League Team of the Year is one of the most respected accolades in English football because it reflects the views of fellow professionals. For Liverpool to dominate the 2024-25 edition with five representatives shows just how commanding their season was.
Van Dijk provided the leadership, Kerkez delivered a breakout campaign, Gravenberch brought drive, Mac Allister offered control, and Salah supplied the stardust. Together they symbolised a title-winning side that blended experience with fresh talent. As the dust settles on another unforgettable season, one thing is clear: Liverpool are back at the pinnacle, and the recognition of their stars is the clearest sign yet that Arne Slot’s revolution has only just begun.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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