Graeme Souness's Premier League Player Pick

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Souness's Goalkeeper Choice: A Foundation of Steel

The goalkeeper is the bedrock of any successful team, and Souness, with his unwavering emphasis on defensive solidity, would undoubtedly prioritize a shot-stopper with exceptional command of his area. A goalkeeper in a Souness team isn't just a last line of defense; he's a leader, an organizer, and a confident distributor of the ball.

• Key Attributes:
  • Exceptional shot-stopping ability
  • Commanding presence and aerial dominance
  • Accurate and quick distribution
  • Strong leadership qualities
  • Excellent communication skills

Considering these Premier League goalkeepers and Souness's preferences, a potential candidate might be someone like Alisson Becker (Liverpool). His commanding presence, shot-stopping prowess, and ability to initiate attacks from the back perfectly align with Souness’s tactical vision. The key is a goalkeeper who embodies shot-stopping, commanding presence, and reliable distribution.

The Defensive Line: Grit, Determination, and Tactical Acumen

Souness's teams were renowned for their defensive resilience. His Premier League defenders would be physically imposing, tactically astute, and fiercely competitive. They wouldn't just defend; they'd proactively disrupt opposition attacks.

• Key Characteristics:
  • Exceptional tackling ability
  • Strong in the air (aerial prowess)
  • Excellent reading of the game (anticipation)
  • Pace and strength
  • Disciplined and organized

A potential back four might include a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Players demonstrating these qualities, such as Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) for his strength and reading of the game or a younger, faster player to complement him, would perfectly fit the bill. These Premier League defenders must display excellent tackling, aerial ability, and defensive organization.

Midfield Maestro: Control, Creativity, and Physicality

Souness’s midfield would be the engine room of his team. It needs players who can dictate the tempo, control the midfield battle, and provide both defensive solidity and creative thrust. Premier League midfielders in a Souness team wouldn't just be passers; they'd be warriors.

• Ideal Midfielder Profile:
  • Excellent passing range and accuracy
  • Strong tackling and interception skills
  • High work rate and stamina (box-to-box capability)
  • Tactical awareness and positional discipline
  • Ability to dictate the tempo of the game

A box-to-box midfielder like N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea), known for his tireless work rate and tactical intelligence, would undoubtedly be a key cog in Souness’s machine. Players with passing ability, tactical awareness, and significant physicality are essential for a Souness midfield.

The Striking Force: Clinical Finishers and Unrelenting Pressure

Souness's strikers wouldn't just be goal-scorers; they'd be tireless workers, willing to chase lost causes and press the opposition relentlessly. Clinical finishing would be paramount, but the Premier League strikers would also need the physicality to hold up the ball and create opportunities for teammates.

• Key Striker Qualities:
  • Clinical finishing ability
  • Excellent movement and positioning
  • Strong work rate and pressing ability
  • Ability to hold up the ball
  • Good link-up play

The ideal striking partnership would combine a clinical finisher with a player capable of creating chances and holding up play. Consider a partnership like Harry Kane (Tottenham) for his clinical finishing and ability to hold the ball and a speedy, agile player to create opportunities. Souness values finishing, work rate, and the ability to perform hold-up play in his strikers.

Conclusion: Graeme Souness's Premier League Dream Team – A Summary and Call to Action

Graeme Souness's hypothetical Premier League team would be built on a foundation of defensive solidity, midfield dominance, and clinical finishing. His choices would prioritize players with grit, determination, tactical awareness, and unwavering commitment. This Souness’s Premier League XI embodies his tactical principles: a strong defensive base, a controlling midfield, and clinical strikers. We've explored the key characteristics he'd look for in each position, identifying potential candidates who exemplify these qualities. Now, it's your turn! Share your own Graeme Souness's Premier League Player Picks and let's discuss the ultimate best Premier League team according to Souness in the comments below. What would your ideal Premier League squad look like?