Mendy in goal, Rice in midfield, Salah up top in Premier League team of 2021

We've brought you a number of classic matches across the talkSPORT network with some of the world's best talent on display.

We're delighted that we can bring you so many live commentaries and luckily it means we get to watch these superstars at their best.

We've seen sensational goals, astonishing assists, super saves, and tremendous tackles along the way.

But who have been the best Premier League players we've seen over the calendar year?

Find out the talkSPORT Team of 2021 below…

Goalkeeper - Edouard Mendy

Having been unemployed at the age of 22 after his contract with French side Cherbourg expired, Mendy's rise to the top of football has been phenomenal.

Six years on from that career setback, the Chelsea shot-stopper got his hands on the Champions League and is considered one of the world's best keepers.

There's absolutely no question he's been the standout goalkeeper of 2021 and many wondered how and why he was shunned for the Yashin Trophy - awarded to the best goalie every year - with Gianluigi Donnarumma instead collecting it.

Bar one uncharacteristically poor game at West Ham, he's been superb at the start of this Premier League season, keeping eight clean sheets in Chelsea's 18 matches so far this term.

Right-back - Trent Alexander-Arnold

The full-back keeps on getting better, season after season.

A big part of why Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are able to score so many goals is down to the incredible standard of Alexander-Arnold's playmaking from out wide.

The academy product has been superb for Jurgen Klopp and, aged 23, is already set for his biggest season ever with two goals and 11 assists in 19 games, so far.

Left-back - Joao Cancelo

Cancelo can lay claim to not only being the best full-back in the Premier League right now, but one of the best defenders in the world.

Over the last 12 months, he has been playing at a truly world class level and integral to the way Pep Guardiola plays.

His one goal and four assists far from tell the full story this season and his tireless work rate on the left (and right) side of the defence makes him the perfect City player.

Centre-back - Ruben Dias

The Portugese star is rocksteady at the back for Guardiola.

He was Premier Leaue Player of the Season for 2020/21 and has continued his outstanding form this term.

Man City's defence was often the weak point in their team but not anymore and that's all down to Dias.

Centre-back - Antonio Rudiger

It's incredible to think his Chelsea career looked to be heading nowhere at the start of 2021.

More often than not, the German was relegated to the sidelines under Frank Lampard, with Kurt Zouma often preferred to him during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Under Thomas Tuchel, though, the 28-year-old has become a different animal in the back three of the Blues' defence.

Apart from a minor blip in their recent form, he has contributed to dozens of clean sheets under his compatriot since he took charge.

In 2021, there's not a shred of doubt he's been one of the two best defenders in England.

Defensive midfield - Declan Rice

A regular for England, an appearance in a European Championship final and a big reason West Ham are flying high this season.

It's little wonder the Premier League big boys are circling east London and desperate to add him to their ranks.

His 2022 could get even better…

Central midfield - Mason Mount

Considering the huge role Lampard played in Mount's development, many expected the young Chelsea midfielder to follow in his mentor's footsteps.

Having added goals to his game, that's finally starting to happen. The Blues star hit double figures in the Premier League this year.

But Mount is about so much more than just goals. Chelsea are a totally different side with him in the team - thanks to his pressing, attacking intent and energy.

It's no wonder he's among the first names on Thomas Tuchel's star-studded team sheet.

Central midfield - Bernardo Silva

Outside of Salah, the Portuguese maestro may just be the best player in the Premier League on current form.

There was talk of him leaving Man City in the summer, but there's little chance of that after his seven goals this season.

The 27-year-old's commitment to the team is typified by his tireless running, versatility and unrivalled skill with the ball at his feet.

Right forward - Mohamed Salah

Salah has quite simply been sensational this season for Liverpool with a series of incredible goals, assists and match winning performances.

The 'Egyptian King' has spearheaded the Reds this season with 15 goals and nine assists in 18 games and has been a big reason why they are fighting for another Premier League title.

Right now, though, everyone associated with Liverpool will be worried about Salah's contract situation with his current deal ending in 2023.

The club's hierachy should do all they can to ensure he remains with the club until he retires.

Left forward - Heung-Min Son

Occasionally streaky but the South Korean has been vital at times for Spurs, especially with Harry Kane off-form this season.

His pace on the counter is a threat for any defence but his ability with both feet and his generally superb finishing make him one of the Premier League's outstanding stars.

His defensive output can let him down but under Antonio Conte he's running harder than ever before and has got seven goals and two assists despite their poor start to the campaign.

Centre-forward - Jamie Vardy

As far as out-and-out centre-forwards go, Harry Kane was sensational before August and Michail Antonio has been pretty good thereafter.

But only one No. 9 has scored goals consistently throughout 2021 - and that's Vardy.

Without making any headlines, the Englishman has kept chipping away, making him a dream for Fantasy Football managers everywhere.

talkSPORT.com's Premier League Team of 2021

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