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Team of the Season 2023/24: Generational Talents, Late Bloomers & Superstars of the Game
Our XI featured the best players from the world’s best leagues every week during the club football season. Now that the 2023–24 season has come to a close, we can reveal the ultimate Team of the Season. To find the best player in each position across all leagues, we used Flashscore’s own player rating system, much like we do with our weekly picks. A player had to have participated in 20 matches and logged 1000 minutes on the field in order to be considered for selection, and they had to have the highest average ratings from their performances in the domestic league.
Given the abundance of exceptional talent this season, some incredible players narrowly missed out. Therefore, we’ve included a few honourable mentions to recognize their outstanding contributions.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St-Germain) 7.2 (average domestic league rating)
Gianluigi Donnarumma might not be everyone’s first pick for Goalkeeper of the Season, but his statistics speak volumes. The Italian stopper achieved the highest average league rating among goalkeepers during PSG’s title-winning campaign. Despite making only 25 appearances, Donnarumma was a formidable presence between the sticks, conceding just 20 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets. His performance was a crucial factor in PSG’s defensive solidity throughout the season.
Honourable Mention (HM): Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray) 7.0
At 37, Fernando Muslera was a rock for Galatasaray as they clinched the Turkish Super Lig with a record 102 points. In his 13th season at the club, Muslera’s experience and consistency were invaluable assets.
Defence
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) 7.4
Joshua Kimmich’s versatility has always been his hallmark, and this season he shone both as a central midfielder and a full-back for Bayern Munich. His adaptability was on full display as he seamlessly transitioned between roles throughout the Bundesliga campaign. In 28 league appearances, Kimmich contributed six assists, made 167 tackles, and covered nearly 300 kilometers of ground. His stellar performances also earned him a spot in our UEFA Champions League Team of the Season.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) 7.2
Entering the season with many questioning his ability to return to peak form after a challenging 2022/23 campaign, Virgil van Dijk silenced his critics in style. The Liverpool captain was instrumental in their defensive efforts, helping the team contend for the Premier League title and secure the Carabao Cup in Jurgen Klopp’s final season. Van Dijk’s leadership and resilience were pivotal for Liverpool’s success.
David Hancko (Feyenoord) 7.4
David Hancko has established himself as the premier centre-back in the Netherlands with his performances for Feyenoord. The Slovakian defender excelled in both defensive duties and ball distribution, dominating most strikers he faced. His standout season has made him a hot prospect in the upcoming transfer window.
Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart) 7.5
A late bloomer at 27, Maximilian Mittelstädt emerged as one of the best full-backs in Germany during Stuttgart’s impressive Bundesliga campaign. Known for his reliability in defence and threat going forward, Mittelstädt’s consistent performances could see him secure a starting spot in the German national team for Euro 2024.
HM: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) 7.5
Andrew Robertson narrowly missed out on the starting XI but remains a top performer. Despite injuries limiting his appearances, Robertson still managed three goals and an assist, showcasing his quality whenever he was on the pitch.
Midfield
Joey Veerman (PSV) 8.0
While we aren’t officially giving out a Player of the Season award, if we were, PSV’s Joey Veerman would be a strong contender. The Dutch midfielder was the highest-rated player across all leagues, orchestrating PSV’s title-winning campaign with 16 assists and an average of 4.6 key passes per game. His performances were so impactful that a move to a bigger club seems imminent this summer.
Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) 7.7
Hakan Calhanoglu was a key figure in Inter Milan’s charge to the Serie A title. The Turkish midfielder scored 13 goals and was the creative heartbeat of the team. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also played a significant defensive role, making him Italy’s Player of the Season in the eyes of many.
HM: Rodri (Manchester City) 7.6
Rodri narrowly missed out on the starting XI but was exceptional for Manchester City. He scored eight goals and provided nine assists from a holding midfield position. Notably, the Premier League champions remained unbeaten in league games when Rodri played, a streak that dates back to February 2023.
Attack
Phil Foden (Manchester City) 7.7
Phil Foden had a breakthrough season, stepping up as Manchester City’s creative force in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence. The Premier League Player of the Season contributed 19 goals and eight assists in City’s title-winning campaign. Foden’s transformation from a promising talent to a dominant force was a highlight of the season.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) 7.9
Jude Bellingham’s debut season in LaLiga with Real Madrid was nothing short of extraordinary. The 20-year-old, signed from Dortmund for over 100 million euros, played a more advanced role and thrived, scoring 19 goals as Real Madrid secured the league title. His performances solidified his status as a generational talent.
Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) 7.8
Alejandro Grimaldo played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic season, helping them secure their first Bundesliga title, a domestic cup, and reach the Europa League final. Grimaldo, who joined as a free agent, contributed 13 assists and 10 goals, showcasing his versatility and skill in various positions.
Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) 7.8
Viktor Gyökeres had a sensational season for Sporting CP, scoring 29 league goals and providing 10 assists in 33 matches. His incredible form helped Sporting dominate the Portuguese league. Signed from Coventry City, Gyökeres’ rise to elite status has been meteoric, and a major transfer seems likely.
HM: Luuk de Jong (PSV) 7.8
PSV captain Luuk de Jong had a career-best season, scoring 29 goals and registering 15 assists in the league. His contributions were crucial in PSV’s title win, and his overall impact was immense, making him an unlucky omission from the starting XI.
Manager
Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
Xabi Alonso’s debut season as a senior football coach was nothing short of remarkable. He led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, a domestic cup triumph, and the Europa League final, losing only one match all season. Achieving an unbeaten domestic double in his first full season highlights Alonso’s tactical acumen and leadership, making him the undisputed Manager of the Season.
Additional Context
The 2023/24 football season showcased a blend of established superstars and emerging talents who made significant impacts in their respective leagues. The increasing use of advanced analytics and data-driven insights has allowed clubs to optimize player performance and identify promising talents. This season, we saw a mix of generational talents, like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, alongside late bloomers like Maximilian Mittelstädt, demonstrating that success in football can come at any stage of a player’s career.
The emphasis on player versatility, as seen with Joshua Kimmich and Alejandro Grimaldo, reflects modern football’s tactical evolution. Managers are increasingly valuing players who can adapt to multiple roles, providing greater flexibility and depth to their squads.
The performances highlighted in this Team of the Season underline the importance of both individual brilliance and collective effort. Whether it’s the creative genius of midfield maestros like Joey Veerman and Hakan Calhanoglu or the clinical finishing of strikers like Viktor Gyökeres, each player’s contribution was vital to their team’s success.
As we look forward to the next season, these players will undoubtedly be ones to watch, and their performances this season have set a high benchmark for excellence in club football.
Bullet Points:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG was the highest-rated goalkeeper, with a 7.2 average rating.
- Honourable mention: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray) with a 7.0 rating.
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) anchored the defense, with ratings of 7.4 and 7.2, respectively.
- David Hancko (Feyenoord) and Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart) completed the defense, with Mittelstädt earning a 7.5 rating.
- Honourable mention: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) with a 7.5 rating.
- Joey Veerman (PSV) was the highest-rated midfielder with an 8.0 average rating.
- Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) and Rodri (Manchester City) were standout midfielders, with Calhanoglu earning a 7.7 rating.
- Honourable mention: Rodri (Manchester City) with a 7.6 rating.
- Phil Foden (Manchester City) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) led the attack, with ratings of 7.7 and 7.9, respectively.
- Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) and Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
