It’s that time again. 2023 is nearing a close and we’ve looked back on yet another historic year in football. Here is NetBet’s 2023 Team of the Year.
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GK – Emiliano Martinez
It’s been a big year for the Argentina and Aston Villa keeper. Well, big is an understatement, unbelievable. To think he was Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper until a few years ago is just crazy. He won the World Cup, received the tournament Golden Glove, and added the Yashin award for best goalkeeper at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. We might forgive him for his World Cup celebration soon…
RB – Achraf Hakimi
Not a bad year for the rapid Moroccan. The full-back made his big-money move to PSG in 2021 and has become one of the crucial players in that team, securing them the French title. He also inspired the Moroccan national team in the World Cup, even scoring the winning penalty with a panenka-style shot in a shoot-out against Spain in the round of 16, securing a place for his country in the quarter-finals. He deserves this spot for the panenka alone. Go and watch it, again. Not sure about the celebration.
CB – John Stones
Is it a defender? Is it a midfielder? No, it’s John Stones! He’s had a stellar year, a treble win with City and a World Cup semi-final with England. But it’s the style of play that’s been most impressive, stepping into midfield and making it look his own. He put in a near man-of-the-match performance in the final and has solidified his place as one of the best defenders around.
CB – Ruben Dias
Mr Reliable. He earned a well-deserved spot alongside Stones in the Team of the Year. This dynamic defensive duo played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester City’s formidable defence. Their exceptional partnership not only bolstered City’s backline but also stood out as a testament to their defensive prowess and contribution to the team’s overall success and treble win.
LB – Alphonso Davies
Meep Meep. At just 22, Alphonso Davies (the roadrunner) navigates the balance between defensive and attacking duties, showcasing extreme speed and dribbling prowess. Davies ranks impressively in chances created, pass completions, and defensive stats. He recently led the Canadian national team to its first World Cup in 36 years. He also helped Bayern continue their domination with another Bundesliga title. Not bad for a 22 year old.
CM – Rodri
Rodri seems a bit like a Sergio Busquets re-gen, but with more goals. Rodri featured in all but one of City’s Champions League matches, scoring twice. His standout performance in the final secured him the Player of the Match award. Not to mention the winning goal. One that will immortalise him in City forever. Another City player joins the ranks.
CM – Jude Bellingham
What a year its been for our Jude. At just 20 years old, it’s hard not to get carried away with this guy. A special talent. Bellingham, a key figure in Gareth Southgate’s England squad since the 2022 World Cup, recently clinched the 2023 Golden Boy award. His stellar performances, propelling England to the quarter-finals, set the stage for his recognition as one of the world’s top young footballers. Since his €103 million move to Madrid in June, he’s been nothing short of untouchable. At the moment, he’s the best CM on the planet.
CM – Kevin De Bruyne
What more can you say about Kev? Treble winner, certified himself as a great, pulling the strings in one of the best sides we’ve ever seen. De Bruyne’s stats last season: 32 games played, contributing 7 goals, and providing 16 assists. Although his Belgium side underperformed, he was still at his scintillating best with some unbelievable stats. Its just another year for Kev though. It’s his world, we’re just living in it.
RW – Lionel Messi
889 games, 721 goals, 344 assists, 8 Ballon d’Ors, and one World Cup. Enough said. Leo.
ST – Erling Haaland
One of the ones we don’t have to justify. But, we can do it anyway. Premier League: 35 games, 36 goals, 8 assists. Champions League: 11 games, 12 goals, 1 assist. FA Cup: 4 games, 3 goals. He’s won everything he could in the first season. Not a bad start, no?
LW – Kylian Mbappe
Kylian had another top year for one of the world’s best players. Another title, another year older, nearly another World Cup. Scoring an impressive 56 goals in as many games in 2022, he concluded the year as the highest-scoring player in world football—a remarkable feat for a 24-year-old. Additionally, he played a key role in guiding France to the World Cup final. A hat trick in the final, not bad stuff.
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