Haaland Leads Sports Brief’s Best XI 2022/23 in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues

• With the 2022/23 season now closed, there have been some standout players from across Europe who have impressed in different positions
• Some of these players’ exemplary performances in different leagues have earned them a place in the Sports Brief European Best XI
• The list was carefully compiled after intricate analysis by editors, who analysed data and player stats to come up with a final XI

SportsBrief.com has come up with an elite team of the best XI from across Europe for the 2022/23 league season, and there are some surprise picks.

With at least 12 members on the jury, votes from the editors are finally in, and the final list makes for interesting viewing.

As expected, the team, which takes up a 4-4-2 formation, features stars from the big guns across Europe’s top 5 leagues. Despite Manchester City completing the treble this season, only two players from the Etihad Stadium made the list, and justifiably so.

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Serie A was represented in all three European Finals this past season, and thus three players from the Italian league made it into the side.

The Sports Brief Europe Best XI is as follows:

GK: Onana (Inter Milan)

At Inter, Andre Onana has been thoroughly impressive this season, with his ability to keep a clean sheet helping the Nerazzuri get to the Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

Onana’s performances this season and his ability to practically play like a sweeper keeper with superb ball distribution have led to fans saying he deserves a considerable transfer from the San Siro.

RB: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)

When Newcastle signed Trippier from Atletico Madrid, there was a feeling the England international had made a downgrade.

But under new ownership and manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies have been a force to reckon with, and the likes of Trippier have found their best form this season.

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The former Atletico Madrid man registered an impressive 10 assists in the Premier League last season, helping his side qualify for the Champions League.

CB: William Saliba (Arsenal)

Another player who returned to the Premier League and rediscovered himself is William Saliba, who proved crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side as they challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title.

The French international made 33 appearances for the Gunners this past season, and netted three times for them as well.

He also made his debut for France last year and featured in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

CB: Kim Min Jae (Napoli)

The South Korean, 26, has seen his ratings shoot up after a successful debut season with Napoli, where he helped Luciano Spaletti’s side win the Scudetto.

He played 45 games for the Napoli team that also made it to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Kim Min-Jae has been so good that he will likely join Bayern Munich soon, despite Manchester United showing interest in the player.

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LB: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Adding more African flair to the Best XI is Achraf Hakimi.

The Moroccan defender has enjoyed a great season for both club and country and was an integral part of The Atlas Lions' side that reached the World Cup semi-finals.

Back in France, Hakimi was resolute in defence as Paris Saint-Germain won the Ligue 1 title and he also chipped in with five goals and four assists during the league campaign.

CM: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

One of the most talented youngsters in world football at the moment, Jude Bellingham was a name on everyone’s lips this past season.

After an impressive showing for England in the FIFA World Cup and his brilliant performances for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, the race for Bellingham’s signature dominated headlines recently.

Real Madrid won the race in the end, and the 19-year-old will now be looking to set La Liga alight as well.

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CM: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Another player that has been a revelation under Mikel Arteta is former Real Madrid 'wonderkid' Martin Odegaard, who has added a new element to his game from midfield: goals.

In 45 appearances for Arsenal last season, the Norwegian managed an impressive 15 goals and eight assists. Only Bukayo Saka registered more.

CAM: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

This comes as no surprise, as the Belgian has turned up for Manchester City when it mattered for several seasons now.

Last season, despite facing some injury challenges, De Bruyne came to light in the latter stages of the campaign, helping Man City to a frightening unbeaten run that eventually toppled Arsenal at the top.

CAM: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

A pacey winger who left many defenders for dead, Vinicius Junior was one of Real Madrid’s star players this season.

The Brazilian scored 23 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos and was one of the most talked about players in La Liga.

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While he was at the centre of nasty racial abuse throughout the season, Vini kept his head up and continued to put in brilliant performances for the Spanish side.

ST: Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Another player from Napoli makes the best XI and for good reason too.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of the best marksmen in world football today, emerging as the Serie A top scorer last season with 26 goals.

He had 36 goal contributions across all competitions as Napoli won the Italian Serie A.

ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The list would not be complete without the best striker Europe has to offer at the moment.

Haaland made light work of the Premier League in his debut season, emerging as the top scorer in the league with 36 goals.

He also won the European Golden Shoe, beating the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe to the award thanks to his prowess in front of goal.

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AFCON releases Best XI team

Super Eagles players were conspicuously missing as the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) released the best eleven players from the just concluded AFCON in Cameroon.

The competition which came to a thrilling end on February 6 was won by Senegal after the West African nation defeated Egypt in the final via penalties.

CAF then released the list of the top eleven players from the tournament with Senegal having four of its players in the team, Sports Brief previously reported.