Former Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand has named his team of the season, and it includes one Newcastle United player.
This has been a tough season for Newcastle United that has seen injury stifle their progress, but it has still been a productive campaign filled with impressive performances.
The standout player has been Anthony Gordon, having taken his game to a whole new level this season. He has become a reliable source of goals and assists for the Magpies, and is now one of Eddie Howe’s most reliable players.
That is why he was named Newcastle’s player of the season, coming out on top ahead of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak chosen ahead of Anthony Gordon
Despite his impressive performances, Gordon was not nominated for Premier League player of the season or young player of the season. But Alexander Isak was, as the Premier League recognised him for an incredible year in front of goal.
The 24-year-old has scored 20 Premier League goals in 28 appearances, enjoying the best campaign of his career.
And that is why he is the Newcastle United player who Rio Ferdinand has included in his team of the season.
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Rio Ferdinand names Alexander Isak in his team of the season
Speaking on the Football Joe YouTube channel, Ferdinand has named his best XI from the 2023/24 Premier League season, and it includes Alexander Isak – but not as a striker.
“I am going to go Ollie Watkins upfront,” he said.
“Bowen has been good at West Ham. Isak has been good as well this year. Salah has got 20 odd goals as well on the right. Haaland has got 25 goals.
“I am going to go three attacking players who I think have done brilliant this year. I am going Cole Palmer on the right, Ollie Watkins upfront, Isak on the left.”
Ferdinand’s XI: Martinez; Gusto, Van Dijk, Gabriel, Udogie; Rice, Rodri, Foden; Palmer, Watkins, Isak.
Newcastle players snubbed by Neville and Carragher
It is interesting to see Ferdinand put Isak on the left of a front three. It is not somewhere he has played too often this season, but it sums up Ferdinand’s desire to get him in the team.
And he is more than deserving of his place. It has been a special season from Isak, who has more than justified why he is Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever at £63million.
But while Ferdinand made space for Isak, the Sweden international did not receive the same treatment from Gary Neville or Jamie Carragher.
They did their end of the season awards on Monday Night Football, and there were no Newcastle United players present throughout. Isak and Gordon both missed out in their teams of the year, which does seem slightly unfair given the season’s they have had. However, they did have strong competition.
While Gordon and Isak were snubbed by the Sky Sports duo, they will not care. It is a team game after all, and their sole focus will be on qualifying for Europe.