The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Alternative Team of the Season
May 14, 2026
Mark Carey, a tactics and data journalist known for scouting and stats, and Michael Cox, a veteran tactical analyst with deep system knowledge, pick an alternative Premier League Team of the Season from bottom-half clubs. They debate goalkeeper choices, defensive balance, midfield pairings and creative wide attackers. Conversations cover underrated performers, promoted teams' impact and an alternative manager pick.
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Goalkeepers Can Make Promoted Sides Competitive
- Premier League survival and competitiveness often hinge on goalkeeper quality, not just outfield players.
- Michael Cox cites Martin Dubravka as a Premier League-standard signing who turned likely losses into draws for Burnley.
Sunderland Keeper Anchors Deep Defensive System
- Robin Roefs' calming presence and dominance in aerial/cross claim situations anchored Sunderland's deep defensive block.
- Liam and Mark stress his cross-claim leadership and that Sunderland didn't lose at home until February, showing his impact.
Back Four Built For Balance Not Hype
- Individual defenders from lower-table teams provided balance: Kyle Walker's diagonals, Maxence Lacroix's aerial work, Mickey van der Ven's minutes and Hugo Bueno's crossing.
- Mark Carey built a back four prioritizing switches, aerial clearances, minutes played and crossing output.