Premier League 2021-22 season review: our writers’ best and worst

Nick Ames Because he deserves the recognition: Son Heung-min. This was not Harry Kane’s finest season, despite a big uptick in its second half, but Son’s brilliance ensured that ultimately mattered little. Mohamed Salah had looked nailed on for this until the last couple of months and still needs mentioning, as does Kevin De Bruyne; his performance at Wolves, which I was fortunate to report on, was mindblowing and an already supreme Manchester City are transformed when he is at his best.

Gregg Bakowski De Bruyne. It looked like Salah would be a shoo-in halfway through the season but the Manchester City midfielder has been talismanic in the run-in, dragging his team kicking and screaming over the line with some supreme performances. A tip of the hat to Son, too.

John Brewin De Bruyne. In a season of no completely overriding star, he was the best player in the best team.

Michael Butler De Bruyne. The best midfielder in the world and the best player in the Premier League. He is more than the sum of his stats, though only five players scored more than his 15.

Ben Fisher Flip of a coin between Salah and De Bruyne. Sadio Mané has equally had an extraordinary season, for club and country.

Barry Glendenning Salah continues to amaze with his consistent excellence for Liverpool.

Daniel Harris De Bruyne. Needs to do more in Europe to be ranked alongside the greatest but is the standout player in England and has been for years – even when people thought Eden Hazard was.

Andy Hunter Salah. More goals than any other Premier League player apart from Son, more assists than any other Premier League player and in phenomenal form for most of the campaign. Had to deal with two major disappointments at international level plus the