As Manchester City reflects on a year marked by unprecedented achievements, their presence in EA FC’s Men’s Team of the Year has surprisingly dwindled.
Despite securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title and almost completing a domestic double, only one player from Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad made the cut—a revelation that left many scratching their heads.
How the Team Was Decided
The selection process relied heavily on a fan vote that used a points system to create the ultimate football XI.
The final lineup included players from seven different clubs, with powerhouses like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal well represented.
While the roster featured several expected names, Manchester City’s limited inclusion stood out as a talking point.
A Tough Second Half for City
One potential explanation lies in City’s performance in the latter half of the calendar year.
The defending champions struggled, losing nine games across all competitions.
This slump seemingly influenced the exclusion of standout names such as Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden from the prestigious XI.
However, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri managed to retain his place, even after being sidelined with an ACL injury since September.
Real Madrid’s Dominance
Champions League winners Real Madrid led the lineup, with four players making the squad.
Dani Carvajal, despite his own injury setbacks, was recognized for his contributions, as were Jude Bellingham in midfield and Kylian Mbappé at center forward.
Brazilian sensation Vinícius Jr. claimed his spot on the left wing, fresh off winning FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year in December.
Liverpool’s Resurgence Rewarded
In contrast to City’s struggles, Liverpool enjoyed a stellar second half of the year, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earning spots in the squad.
Van Dijk, whose contract ends this season, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It’s a great feeling to be voted into the FC 25 Team of the Year. Thank you to everyone who supported me!”
Other Notable Inclusions
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer shone in 2024, leading the Premier League in goal contributions and joining Rodri and Bellingham in midfield.
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez solidified his reputation with another selection as goalkeeper, while Arsenal’s William Saliba partnered Van Dijk in defense.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo rounded out the team after playing a key role in his club’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga season and German Cup victory.
What Lies Ahead?
As the footballing world moves into a new season, the surprising omissions and inclusions in the Team of the Year spark fresh debates.
Will Manchester City reclaim their dominance in fan votes, or does this signal a shift in global football sentiment? The stage is set for another thrilling year of competition.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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