The Football Boots of 2025's Premier League XI

To build a general shortlist for this ultimate squad, we have explored a handful of sources, such as Ladbrokes and Football 365, that have produced their own "Best XI" squad for the 2024/25 season. Names mentioned by every source, such as the obvious Virgil Van Dijk, are automatically selected for this definitive MyShoeCents starting XI. This list is strictly stats-based, combining all relevant factors from matches played and eliminating biases.

Before announcing the chosen eleven players and five substitutes, here is the full list of shortlisted players:

Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, David Raya, Mark Flekken.

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Milos Kerkez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Myles Lewis Skelly, Antonee Robinson, Nikola Milenkovic, James Tarkowski, Moises Caicedo, Daniel Muñoz.

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Ryan Gravenberch, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma, Youri Tielemans, Bryan Mbeumo.

Attackers: Erling Håland, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Luis Díaz, Chris Wood, Alexander Isak.

STARTING XI

Guarding the net in this fantasy XI is none other than Arsenal’s David Raya — statistically the Premier League’s most reliable shot-stopper.

Crowned with the “Safest Hands” accolade, Raya boasts an impressive 74.2% save rate and an average match rating of 7.04. After helping Arsenal secure a second-place finish and adding another Golden Glove to his name, Raya continues to prove indispensable between the posts.

If you're after a football boot that performs as consistently as Raya, look no further than the Adidas F50 Elite. This cutting-edge boot combines a Fibertouch upper with a Sprintweb 3D texture for elite ball control, a Sprintframe 360 stud configuration for sharp, agile movement, and a TPU-reinforced tongue that delivers a snug, comfortable fit — making it the ultimate all-rounder on the pitch.

Slotting in on the left side of the back three is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who racked up 6 assists and 3 goals, proving he's still one of the most creative defenders in the league. Considering his average form of 7.25, he earns his spot with ease.

Matching Trent’s stylish versatility is the Adidas Predator Elite Beckham edition. It features a nostalgic yet modern design with Zoneskin rubber ridges for enhanced control, a Primeknit collar for adaptive support, and an eye-catching aesthetic worthy of a playmaker like Trent.

Calm, commanding, and completely in control — Virgil Van Dijk remains the heartbeat of Liverpool’s defense. With a stunning 91.6% pass accuracy, 3 goals, and a composed average form of 7.28, VVD takes home the “Best Passer” title in this year’s lineup. His leadership and presence were pivotal across 37 appearances.

He laced up the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite, a boot built for precision and composure. With FlyTouch+ engineered leather and a cushioned interior, this boot delivers the perfect balance between control and comfort — much like Van Dijk himself.

Quietly but relentlessly effective, Moises Caicedo was Chelsea’s defensive engine this season. Leading all shortlisted defenders with 73 tackles, Caicedo also logged 29 completed dribbles, 2 assists, and an average form of 7.24. His positional awareness and ball-winning abilities earn him the “Best Defender” title on this list.

Caicedo wore the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite, a boot designed for control and agility. With a generative texture upper and a dynamic fit collar, it supports the kind of high-intensity, box-to-box performance that defines Caicedo’s style.

Holding things down at CDM is Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool’s deep-lying playmaker with an elegant approach to the game. He completed 89.2% of his passes, made 60 interceptions, and pulled off 37 dribbles — all without scoring a goal, yet still achieving a solid average form of 7.04.

Gravenberch sported the Adidas F50 Elite, a reboot of a speed-focused classic. With a Fibertouch upper and Sprintweb 3D texture for smooth ball control, this boot complements his composed yet dynamic presence in midfield.

What a season for Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s breakout star. He ended the campaign with a jaw-dropping 15 goals, 8 assists, 51 dribbles, and an average form of 7.63 — the highest of any outfield player in this list. With 144 crosses and 80% penalty accuracy, Palmer was a constant threat.

He wore the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite – Cosmic Speed 2, a fitting choice for a player with flair. Designed for explosive acceleration and razor-sharp cuts, it’s a boot built for game-changers like Cole.

Taking control on the right side of midfield is Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s tireless creator and captain. He contributed 8 goals, 10 assists, and made a league-high 186 crosses among shortlisted players. With a strong average form of 7.62, 100% penalty accuracy, and 2 free-kicks scored, he’s this squad’s “Elected Free-kick Taker.”

Bruno laced up in the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite, a lightweight boot that enhances speed and precision. Built with Vaporposite+ and Air Zoom technology, it’s the ideal weapon for a set-piece specialist like Fernandes.

In the attacking midfield role is Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s standout star and possibly one of the league’s most underrated talents. With 20 goals, 7 assists, and a lightning top speed of 36.6 km/h, he was an ever-present attacking threat. Mbeumo completed 52 dribbles and held a strong average form of 7.47 across all 38 appearances — earning him the double distinction of “Most Reliable” and “Most Agile.”

He sported the Adidas F50 Elite, designed for fast-paced, explosive play. With its Sprintweb 3D texture and Sprintframe soleplate, it mirrors Mbeumo’s blend of balance and speed.

On the left flank is Arsenal’s golden boy, Bukayo Saka, whose performances continue to elevate him into world-class territory. Despite playing fewer games, he managed 6 goals, 10 assists, and 41 dribbles — paired with an excellent average form of 7.6.

Saka wears the New Balance Furon Pro v7+, a boot focused on acceleration and clean strikes. It features a Hypoknit upper and nylon outsole, offering the support and agility needed to glide past defenders like he does weekly.

Leading the line and the team is Alexander Isak, Newcastle United’s clinical finisher and this team’s “Captain.” He netted 23 goals, provided 6 assists, and completed 42 dribbles, all while maintaining a sharp average form of 7.29. With a 100% penalty record and a top speed of 34.7 km/h, Isak is the full attacking package.

Wearing the Adidas F50 Elite, Isak benefits from lightweight construction and lockdown support — the perfect boot for a striker with poise and explosiveness.

Rounding out the front three is Mo Salah, who once again lit up the Premier League. He topped the chart with 29 goals, dished out 18 assists, and maintained a blazing top speed of 33.7 km/h. With 58 dribbles completed, 100% penalty accuracy, and a staggering average form of 7.78, Salah collects no fewer than four titles: “Top Scorer,” “Most Consistent,” “Biggest Attacking Threat,” and “Best Assister.”

His boot of choice? The Adidas F50 Elite — engineered for elite movement, precision, and goal-scoring instinct. It’s only fitting for a player who continues to redefine excellence.

SUBSTITUTES

Making the bench is Matz Sels, whose impressive campaign with Nottingham Forest earned him a spot among the league's top-performing keepers. With a save percentage of 73.9%, 13 clean sheets, and a solid average form of 7.13, Sels proved to be a reliable last line of defence.

He wore the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite, a boot crafted for control and composure under pressure. Its FlyTouch+ leather and adaptive fit mirror Sels' cool-headed goalkeeping style.

Back in the squad once again is Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal’s commanding left-footed centre-back. Across 28 appearances, he tallied 3 goals, 1 assist, and 29 blocked shots — earning him a strong average form of 7.24. Whether in the air or on the ground, Gabriel’s physical presence and defensive timing were crucial for the Gunners.

Gabriel played in the Adidas X Crazyfast LL, a laceless model offering a streamlined strike zone and secure lockdown. Ideal for a powerful defender who isn't afraid to step up in both boxes.

Whether dropping deep or driving forward, Matheus Cunha was a key creative force for Wolves. He scored 15 goals, added 6 assists, and completed 61 dribbles — all while maintaining an average form of 7.61. His versatility across attacking midfield roles made him one of the season’s standout performers.

Cunha wore the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite, a boot built for comfort and multidirectional movement. It’s an ideal match for his hybrid midfielder-forward role.

A commanding presence in midfield, Declan Rice delivered yet another solid season. With 7 assists, 25 interceptions, 14 dribbles, and an average form of 7.36, he anchored Arsenal’s midfield with consistency and intelligence.

Declan opted for the Adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite KT, a boot known for comfort and traditional touch. Its quilted leather and torsion frame suit his grounded, all-action playing style.

Last but not least is Luis Díaz, Liverpool’s electric winger who never fails to entertain. He scored 13 goals, registered 5 assists, and completed 53 dribbles, achieving an average form of 7.23. His dynamic style and relentless energy off the bench add an extra spark to this already explosive squad.

Díaz wore the Adidas F50 Elite, a boot that thrives on fast footwork and quick transitions. Perfect for a player who constantly takes defenders on.

COOLEST BOOT

A true piece of football heritage- the Adidas Predator. Rocked by Trent Alexander-Arnold, the new addition to the three stripes is the Adidas Predator Elite David Beckham. Adorned with a repeating originals pattern on a flashy white upper, this design is a truly unique take on a classic silhouette. With just a pop of cobalt blue presented on the tongue, iced studs, and white layers, it's an icy boot to say the least.

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