Premier League 2021-22 review: pundits of the season

Welcome to the Guardian’s review of the 2021-22 Premier League season. We have nominated some contenders for this category to get the discussion going

In February, it seemed Roy Keane would be lost to our television screens, when Sunderland came calling for an emotional return to Wearside. Thankfully for those who enjoy Keane’s snarl as part of their Sunday afternoon routine, no deal could be struck. Roy stayed in the pundit’s chair. The habitual dismissals of bluffers and fakers, the smirks at Micah Richards’ self-aggrandisement, the systematic disemboweling of the latest Manchester United disgrace are top-value entertainment. Others may be more dab hands with the iPad, have a keener grasp of xG. They may even be more articulate but there is no better man at being Roy Keane, who can turn even Graeme Souness from alpha male to beta when on a roll. Keane’s rants are often glorious entertainment, appointment viewing when one of his pariahs is due a volley. As TV executives well know, Keane is box office. The sense is that the man behind the frown now knows that as well as anyone.

Hear us out here. McManaman is an urbane man, someone who moved to Real Madrid, worked out his place in the pecking order, quickly learned the Spanish language and soon became an important, popular if unspectacular part of a Liga- and Champions League-winning team. At BT Sport, McManaman has done pretty much the same, fulfilling the role of everyman, the bloke in the pub enjoying the match unfolding in front of him, sometimes with surprise, other times with disgust. Darren “Fletch” Fletcher provides the commentary, and Glenn Hoddle, on the big matches, often completes the triumvirate with his still-boyish chirrups, tactical experience and frequent