Marked with remarkable performers in every position over the 10 odd months, another spectacular English Premier League season has ended.

Picking a team of the year is never easy, but the The Statesman has compiled data to pick out the top XI talents from the English football top-flight (in a 4-2-3-1 formation) for you: 

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton (Burnley)

Starting off proceedings with a bang, Burnley’s shot-stopper beats off stiff competition from several big-names plying their trades for the top Premier League clubs. With a save percentage of almost 75, Heaton kept 10 clean sheets over the course of the season. For a team that finished in 16th place, that is seriously impressive and the 31-year-old displays between the sticks were crucial in the Clarets staving off relegation. 

Right Back: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

Constantly derided by the Red Devils faithful for his predictable game some seasons ago, Valencia has transformed into a beast of a player at right-back. His consistency in every game is reminiscent of a former United full-back and while he may have played only 27 league games this season, there is no denying he has been immense in every single one. Hardly putting a foot wrong and always looking to bomb forward to support his winger, the 31-year-old Ecuadorian is definitely the best right-back in the Premier League. 

Centre Back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

Standing at 6’2, Spurs man Toby Alderweireld has established himself as among the best defenders in the Premier League in his three seasons on the British Isles. With 30 appearances to his name this season, the 28-year-old Belgian was instrumental in Spurs conceding a league-lowest 26 goals. Of course, it’s not just about him and the Lilywhites are a well-drilled unit, but he certainly was a standout player in a team that finished a creditable second. 

Centre Back: David Luiz (Chelsea)

How the doubters have been proven wrong. At one point in his career, it seemed the Brazilian didn't know how to defend. Millions were ridiculing his big-bucks move in July back to the club where he was always a cult hero, but fast-forward to May and all those naysayers are eating their words. Spurs may have conceded fewer goals, but Chelsea kept the maximum number of clean sheets (16) in a and a large part of it goes down to the man with the unique hairstyle. 

Left Back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Yet another signing that was met with a lot of skepticism, but has the 26-year-old Spaniard been a revelation? Hitting the ground sprinting, the former Bolton Wanders man was nothing short of sensational in a wing-back role, with six goals and three assists to his name in 31 starts. Critics will say that Chelsea’s 3-4-3 formation makes him look good, but Alonso was the best full-back in the League, of that there's no doubt, at least for this season. 

Centre Midfield: Ander Herrera (Manchester United)

Quiet and unassuming, this is a Red Devils player who lets his performances on the pitch do the talking. Credit must be given to Jose Mourinho for unleashing the 27-year-old Spaniard to his full potential after two seasons of stop-start play under Louis van Gaal. His tenacious displays in the centre of the pitch were a sight to behold, shackling opposing wingers with ease, allowing his more offensive-minded teammates to do their work. 

Centre Midfield: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)

It’s no coincidence, that Kante won two Premier League titles back-to-back. While he was impressive for Leicester last season, he upped his game at Chelsea, creating immediate comparisons with compatriot and Chelsea legend Claude Makele.
Had he not been in the side, the Blues’s considerable offensive talents would have struggled to score as many as they did. His near-limitless energy, coupled with an uncanny sense of being in the right place at the right time was crucial in Chelsea’s title triumph.

Left Wing: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

After a seriously underwhelming 2015-16 season had threatened to derail his reputation, Eden Hazard knew he needed to put in the hard yards for Antonio Conte. With 16 goals and five assists from 36 appearances, it's safe to say the diminutive Belgian delivered some big performances. While his standout game was a two-goal display in a 2-1 win over Manchester City, the 26-year-old was supremely consistent throughout the season, which is perhaps why rumours to a certain Spanish side are swirling. 

Centre Attacking Midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)

While teammate Harry Kane’s goal-scoring exploits grabbed the headlines for the most part of the season, Dele Alli had nothing short of a stupendous season for the Lilywhites. Alli scored all manner of goals for Spurs, with a delightful volley against Crystal Palace the pick of them. With a haul of 18 goals and seven assists, the 21-year-old made it a year to remember with some scintillating displays, beating off several big names to make the team of the year.

Right Wing: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

The sole bright light in an otherwise disappointing season for the Gunners, Sanchez proved just why he is considered a world-class talent, netting 24 goals and 10 assists. While he may be accused of being overly-petulant, the winger’s battle-ready attitude won him many admirers, from fan bases of rival clubs no less. Considering this may well be his final season in an Arsenal shirt, the Chilean’s barnstorming displays will be sorely missed.

Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Need a goal? Or even better, a hat-trick? Call Harry Kane. Winner of the Premier League Golden Boot for the second season running, Tottenham’s 23-year-old phenomenon topped the goalscoring charts despite missing close to three months with an injury. Four hat-tricks in a single season is a tally few in world football can match and while there were plenty of strikers who had glittering seasons, none came close to the Spurs man. 

Manager: Antonio Conte (Chelsea)

Was there ever a doubt? ‘Don Conte’ as he is affectionately called by Chelsea fans, the fiery Italian turned around a difficult start to end the season champions with a comfortable difference of seven points. Not only did he win the league in his debut season, the 47-year-old did it in style, as Chelsea became the first team in Premier League history to win 30 games in a single season. That’s 30 wins in a 38-game season. 
Yes, they were aided by the lack of European football, but it is a feat that will probably never be matched and Conte will go down as one of modern football’s greats when his career draws to a close.