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Rio Ferdinand named his best XI for the first half of the Premier League season.
The 2024-2025 campaign has already brought with it plenty of compelling stories as we approach the halfway mark.
In his first campaign in almost a decade without Jurgen Klopp in the dugout Liverpool became the first popular titles – p Arne SlotHis side are sitting pretty with a six-point lead at the top of the table and a game in hand.
In the following package, Chelsea appear revitalized under Enzo Marescawhile Arsenal the title fee increases again.
Meanwhile, despite a strong start, Manchester City they have found themselves in the midst of their worst run since Pep Guardiola took over the reins.
On Saturday, Ferdinand was joined by Jody Morris, Joel Beya and his exes Manchester United teammate Owen Hargreaves with the group tasked with reaching consensus on the team of the season.
Rio Ferdinand has named his 2024-25 Premier League squad so far
Mohamed Salah has earned a place in his playing XI after a successful start to the campaign with Liverpool
Cole Palmer also earned a place after maintaining his stunning form after the off season
Gunners goalkeeper David Raya was the first to make the squad, despite protests from Bey that Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher deserved a look after impressing when deputizing for the injured Alisson.
The group was unanimous when it came to centre-backs, with Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba getting the nod.
Salib’s Arsenal team-mate Gabriel ended up missing out, with Ferdinand claiming the Brazilian was “unlucky” not to find a place in the squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been joined at full-back by Marc Cucurella, with former Chelsea midfielder Morris insisting Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber is also worth considering.
Moises Caicedo and Ryan Gravenberch earned spots in midfield, with the group opting for a front three playing as a lone striker.
After a successful start to the campaign, Mohamed Salah moved to the right, joined by Cole Palmer in the middle.
A debate ensued over who would play on the left, with Bukayo Saka eventually selected out of position to ensure he didn’t miss out on a place.
The final piece of the puzzle came in the form of Erling Haaland, who has enjoyed a torrid start to the campaign but has suffered a dip in City’s form in recent weeks.
Bukayo Saka was in the XI with a place on the left as Ferdinand insisted he could not be left out
Ferdinand added that Arsenal defender Gabriel was ‘unlucky’ not to be selected
Despite Liverpool suffering just one competitive defeat under Sloto, Ferdinand insisted Enzo Maresca had his most impressive managerial campaign to date.
“Arne Slot was amazing, don’t get me wrong,” he continued Rio Ferdinand presents.
But he took over a very good team, a stable team, a stable club. The manager said he was leaving months before he left, he was able to prepare, he didn’t go crazy in the transfer window in terms of recruitment.
“(Slot) is already coming into a well-oiled machine, but he’s stuttering a bit. (He) tweaked a few things, nothing crazy, which I think is an art in itself, which I give them credit for, and they fly.
“Maresca came to the circus. We talked about them before the end of last season, that they were in great form. But still, kamikadzee circus season, right? Everyone who says “where will he be. They can finish 20th, they can finish 10th, they can finish second”. All around.
“Having to deal with saga after saga (he) completely steadies the ship and they’re flying. Most chances created, most shots on goal, most goals etc, fun to watch, draw.”
