Who made Opta’s team of the season?
Who made Opta’s team of the season?
Who made Opta s team – Opta, the respected football analysts, have compiled a Premier League team of the season based on comprehensive data gathered throughout the campaign. This selection highlights standout performances, statistical excellence, and contributions that defined the 2025-26 season. Notably, the Opta XI shares six players with Troy Deeney’s team of the year, underscoring overlapping achievements in the league. Here’s a breakdown of the key players that made the cut, showcasing their impact and unique feats.
David Raya: The Unstoppable Goalkeeper
Arsenal’s David Raya emerged as a dominant force in goal, securing an impressive 19 clean sheets in the Premier League this season. This achievement placed him at the top of the goalkeeper rankings, with four more than any other netminder. His performance was pivotal in the Gunners’ charge toward their first title since 2004, particularly highlighted by a crucial save against West Ham that turned the tide of a critical match.
“It is, of course, at the other end where Gabriel really stands out, ending the season with 17 clean sheets, which was more than any other defender despite being absent from eight starting XIs in 2025-26.”
Raya’s success also positions him among the rare group of Spanish goalkeepers to earn a Premier League winners’ medal. Only David de Gea, who claimed the title with Manchester United in 2012-13, and Adrian, who achieved this with Liverpool in 2019-20, had previously secured such an honor. This milestone reflects his reliability and adaptability in high-stakes games, as well as his role in stabilizing Arsenal’s defense.
Matheus Nunes: The Defensive Powerhouse
Matheus Nunes’ evolution as a full-back was a cornerstone of Manchester City’s defensive solidity. The Brazilian made a staggering 32 appearances and contributed over 2,865 minutes on the pitch, surpassing the combined total of his first two seasons at the club. City’s performance improved dramatically with his inclusion, winning 66% of games when he started, compared to just 33% without him. His ability to influence play from the flank was unmatched, with 1,153 passes into the opposition half, the most by any player in the league.
Nunes also excelled in set-piece distribution, earning a spot among the league’s top performers in open play assists. With five assists, he joined forces with other top-tier contributors. Additionally, his work rate extended beyond passing, as he recorded the most line-breaking passes (275) and final third passes (600) of any full-back. His physicality was equally notable, with 514 ball carries and a total distance of over 5,000 meters, underscoring his all-round contribution to City’s midfield.
Gabriel Magalhaes: The Goal-Scoring Defender
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes defied expectations as a central defender, amassing a record 17 clean sheets in the Premier League. This figure outperformed all other defenders, even though he was often sidelined in the starting XI. His impact extended beyond defense, as he became the first Arsenal central defender to score 19 corner goals in a season, a number that rivaled the combined output of stars like Jorgen Strand Larsen (5) and Bernardo Silva (6). His goal involvements (3 goals, 4 assists) were predominantly from set-pieces, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposition defenses and create scoring opportunities.
Gabriel’s defensive statistics were equally impressive. Arsenal conceded just 20 goals during the 2,751 minutes he spent on the pitch, an average of one goal every 138 minutes. This rate surpassed any Arsenal defender to play 2,000+ minutes since the 2003-04 season, when Sol Campbell achieved a similar record. Gabriel’s consistency and composure under pressure were instrumental in helping the Gunners maintain their competitive edge throughout the campaign.
William Saliba: The Reliable Partner
William Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes formed a defensive duo that set the standard for Premier League central defense. Together, they recorded only 15 defeats in 117 games, a testament to their cohesion and effectiveness. While Gabriel led the way with 17 clean sheets, Saliba’s contributions were equally vital, with 15 clean sheets of his own and a goal-conceding rate of one every 131 minutes. This statistic ranked him second among defenders in the league, trailing only Gabriel.
Saliba’s influence extended beyond defense. His passing accuracy of 92.9% placed him in the top three for players who attempted 2,000+ passes, a rare feat for a defender. On average, he completed 67 passes per 90 minutes, outpacing even his own previous season (2023-24: 69 passes, 2024-25: 71 passes). His ability to control the tempo of games and contribute to build-up play highlighted his versatility and value to the Arsenal squad.
Adrien Truffert: The Dynamic Full-Back
Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert redefined the role of a full-back with his explosive energy and attacking flair. He became the only player in the Premier League to exceed 50 overlapping runs, a measure of his ability to stretch the opposition’s defense. Truffert’s proactive style was further reflected in his possession-winning capability, with 105 times securing the ball in the defensive third—a number that placed him among the elite in this category.
His defensive attributes were equally standout. Truffert ranked in the top five for underlapping runs, demonstrating his adaptability across the flank. He also led all full-backs in both interceptions (48) and tackles (103), showcasing his relentless work rate. His ball-carrying statistics were remarkable, with 279 progressive carries and a total distance of over 2 miles upfield, the second-most by any full-back in the league. These contributions made him an indispensable asset to Bournemouth’s midfield structure.
Key Performances and Season Highlights
The Opta XI reflects a season marked by individual brilliance and collective achievements. Raya’s 19 clean sheets were a defining factor for Arsenal’s title hopes, while Nunes’ 32 starts and 2,865 minutes played elevated his status as one of the league’s most consistent defenders. Gabriel and Saliba’s partnership exemplified how defensive stability can coexist with creative flair, as both players dominated their respective metrics.
Meanwhile, Truffert’s unique blend of speed and defensive tenacity highlighted the importance of full-backs in modern football. His 105 possessions in the defensive third and 48 interceptions underscored his role as a key player in Bournemouth’s strategy. These performances collectively illustrate how data-driven insights can capture the essence of a season’s standout contributions, even as teams like Arsenal and Manchester City emerged as the league’s most formidable forces.
In conclusion, Opta’s team of the season is a celebration of statistical excellence, individual milestones, and the transformative impact of key players. From Raya’s record-breaking clean sheets to Truffert’s dynamic runs, each selection tells a story of resilience, skill, and innovation. As the Premier League continues to evolve, such analyses provide a deeper understanding of the factors that shape success, both on and off the pitch.