Premier League 2024-25 Awards: Best manager, best player, worst transfer and much more

That's it then: the 2024-25 Premier League season is officially in the books and it was one to remember for and .

Few people fancied the Reds to win the title in the Dutchman's first year at the helm. But Slot handled the unenviable task of slipping into 's sizeable shoes with ease to make history at the expense of Arsenal, who have to make do with silver for a third successive year.

Then it got interesting. After a frenetic final day , Chelsea and booked themselves their spots in the Champions League. Aston Villa will feel aggrieved after cost them at Manchester United - and they now have to make do with the Europa League.

Things at the bottom have been decided for months. The three who came up are going straight back down. In truth , Southampton and Ipswich have struggled to put up much of a fight.

We've had some shining lights, as we always do, in England's top flight. Some have come out of nowhere, others have been as brilliant as usual. Equally we've had individuals who have massively underwhelmed.

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We asked Mirror Football's writers to cast their eye over the season to pick out their best and worsts across several categories as well as their moments to remember.

John Cross

Best manager: Arne Slot

Come on, who gave him a shot? To go into a mega club, following a legend - and then winning the title by an absolute country mile. What a story. He has done it brilliantly, too. Managing the squad, fitness and overseeing incredible consistency.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim

I am sick and tired of managers saying they are going to stick to their principles. What? At the expense of results? If you do not have the players to play a certain formation, then change. It is a weakness and inflexibilibity. Not a strength. He has underperformed to whole new levels.

Best player: Mo Salah

Goals, assists and highlights. I love the way he has taken his game to new levels. Just brilliant. He has lit up the Premier League.

Best breakthrough season: Dean Huijsen

I love this player. And it also allows me to give a big hat tip to Bournemouth for a terrific season. Bought for a modest price, sold to Real Madrid for £50m. What a season.

Biggest disappointment: Seeing the bottom three go down again. That’s two years running. That impacts on the Premier League. The top five has been supremely competitive. The bottom three boring, predictable and hopeless. That is what you get when the gap is too big. It’s a huge worry for all. I excuse Ipswich as they gave it a go - but even they fell so short.

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic

What a signing. £12m from Fiorentina. One of the best stories of the season. I’d have him in my Team of the Year. Uncompromising, strong and defiant. Terrific. Incredible player for Forest. I’ve done about six double takes to check it was just last summer and the price. Brilliant business.

Worst transfer: Riccardo Calafiori

I want to be absolutely clear here. I like Calafiori and I think he’s such a good player (even though Arsenal spent £42m on a player with a bad injury record). But Arsenal bought a left back when they already had left backs coming out of their ears. And they needed a striker. Any striker. Just a striker. And they signed a left back. That is why Arsenal fell short. Awful transfer business.

Biggest moment: Mo Salah celebrating the title at Anfield in front of the Kop. Just beautiful. Five years ago, there were no fans. This time it was for the fans. What a great season and story.

Team of the year: Crystal Palace

I’ll be clear. My team of the year was Liverpool. But I’ve given them manager, player and moment. I want to celebrate Palace and their FA Cup win. Amazing. To win against one of the teams in English football history in Manchester City, is just sensational. But it was the fans. Oliver Glasner. They turned Wembley blue and red. What an upset. They wrote their name into FA Cup folklore and won the first trophy in their history. I loved it.

Chris Mckenna

Best manager: Arne Slot

Came in to replace , big shoes to fill but he didn't walk in the German's path. He created his own and took Liverpool to the title.

Worst manager: Ivan Juric

Few candidates but how went down without a fight after he replaced Russell Martin was, quite frankly, pathetic. Doubt we will see him in England again.

Best player: Mo Salah

Only one winner. Outstanding goal return, loads of assists and one of the main reasons Liverpool are champions of England.

Best breakthrough season: Ryan Gravenberch

Didn't look like that smart of a signing last season when he joined from and had little impact. But in his new No 6 role under Arne Slot, he became one of the best players this season in the Premier League.

Biggest disappointment:

After his breakthrough last season, we expected so much from the player who scored in the final and started for England in the Euros final but injuries, manager change and a struggle to fit into a new system has seen him struggle for most of the campaign. Will be hoping to bounce back next term.

Best transfer: Dean Huijsen

Signed for £12m from and sold for £50m already to . From a financial perspective it couldn't have been a better move from but the Spain defender was also brilliant this season for the Cherries.

Worst transfer: Jadon Sancho

"Freedom" he said about Marcus Rashford's move to but he didn't use his own "freedom" to prove wrong and now are going to pay £5m to send him back instead of taking up the £25m obligation to buy him. That tells its own story.

Biggest moment: winning FA Cup

Their first ever major trophy and beating big boys at Wembley. The scenes were epic and it should be a reminder to every mid-table team manager who plays a weakened team in the Cup what those days can bring for fans.

Alex Richards

Best manager: Arne Slot

Sometimes a new manager doesn’t need to take a sledgehammer to what’s gone before, and instead just needs a subtle touch. That’s what Slot brought to Anfield, tweaking things here and there with the same players that Jurgen Klopp had in his final season as they finished off the title pace. He rejuvenated some players, got a little bit extra out of others and led them to the title, comfortably, with an understated confidence throughout.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim

Arrived at Manchester United with a growing reputation, supposedly the ace who was meant to right the ship and turn them into challengers once again. Instead, seven months down the line, he looks like little more than a busted flush. It’s going to take some turnaround next season to prove he isn’t just someone able to do it in a second tier league but found badly wanting in our top flight; the Ricky van Wolfswinkel of Premier League managers, if you will.

Best player: Mo Salah

For the majority of the season, has been on another level to the rest of the Premier League. Hat tips to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who doesn’t get anywhere near the credit he deserves.

Best breakthrough season: Pau Cubarsi

OK it’s not the Premier League, but for the defender to do what he’s done in his first full season at senior level, to play as many games, with seemingly a different partner every other week - not to mention in Hansi Flick’s ridiculously aggressive defensive line - all at the age of 18 is nothing short of incredible.

Biggest disappointment: West Ham

It couldn’t be Manchester United, because seeing that level of failure while Sir Jim Ratcliffe sacks staff left, right and centre while pleading poverty at a club with revenues the size of theirs isn’t a disappointment.

save themselves thanks to their triumph and Joao Felix doesn’t get picked either because I’m still uncertain if he’s a beautiful mirage or not.

So I’ll go with West Ham. Julen Lopetegui spent a lot and some of his press pals gave it the big build up - then continued to make clear how right he was and how it was everybody else who was wrong as things went from bad to worse. It's not got much better under Graham Potter either.

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic

In these days of everyone wanting defenders who can play, it’s good to see a big solid unit just being absolutely dominant in his own box and defending like his life depends on it. Has been brilliant for Forest for only £12million.

Worst transfer: Riccardo Calafiori

He cost £47million when they already had two left-backs - and then had Myles Lewis-Skelly coming through anyway! He’s not a bad player the Italian, but it wasn’t necessary from Arsenal when they had obvious other needs.

Biggest moment: Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup

Quite simply what football is all about.

Team of the year: ; Daniel Munoz, Nikola Milenkovic, Virgil van Dijk, Marc Cucurella; Alexis Mac Allister, Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice; Mo Salah, Bryan Mbeumo; Alexander Isak

Tom Victor

Best manager: Arne Slot

Worst manager: Julen Lopetegui

Best player:

Best breakthrough season: Morgan Rogers

Biggest disappointment: Premier League teams against

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic

Worst transfer: Nico Gonzalez

Biggest moment: Rodri’s injury

Team of the year: Raya; Timber, Milenkovic, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Rice; Salah, Wissa, Isak

For all the impressive work done by some of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season, it’s hard to look past dominant champions Liverpool. In other years, Nuno Espirito Santo’s efforts might earn him manager of the year, but Arne Slot’s seamless work after following Jurgen Klopp earns him the nod.

Forest do get a nod in my team of the year, with Nikola Milenkovic gelling brilliantly with Murillo in one of the most impressive defences in the league. Matz Sels and Chris Wood are also close to inclusion but just miss out, with Liverpool and the only teams with multiple representatives - though it’s worth noting that none of Arsenal’s three are attackers.

Former Manchester City youngster Morgan Rogers edges out his one-time Under-21s colleague Liam Delap in the breakthrough category by virtue of his exploits, but both have shown they’re more than ready to thrive at this level.

The biggest disappointments - aside from PSG going three for three against English sides in the Champions League knockouts - are two Spaniards. Julen Lopetegui wasted a big-spending summer in his half-season at , while £49m Nico Gonzalez hasn’t even been Manchester City’s best Nico, let alone their best player.

City’s title defence - or lack thereof - has been the story of the season. Rodri’s September injury accelerated their decline, and his return could yet be one of the factors when the time comes for end-of-season assessments 12 months from now.

Jacob Leeks

Best manager: Arne Slot

It is hard to look past a man who wins the title in their first season in the Premier League despite having made no major signings. Slot has led Liverpool roaring to top spot, easily handling the job of replacing Jurgen Klopp.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim

At the other end of the scale, Ruben Amorim has been disastrous for Manchester United. He has won just six Premier League games, with a points per game average of 0.92. If he'd have been in charge for the full season, United may well have been in a relegation battle.

Best player: Mo Salah

Once again, I'm going route one with this award. has been by far the best player in the Premier League this term. In a season in which his contract was expiring, Salah has delivered a historic performance, scoring 33 goals and notching 23 assists in all competitions.

Best breakthrough season: Myles Lewis-Skelly

The 18-year-old made his debut back in September as a last second sub in Arsenal's draw with Manchester City. He has since become the Gunners' first-choice left-back and looks set to enjoy a successful career at the top level.

Biggest disappointment:

The reigning Premier League Player of the Year has endured a woeful season. He has scored just seven goals and notched only two assists in the top-flight. The midfielder looks far from the player many pundits wanted England to build their team around.

Best transfer: Liam Delap

OK so Ipswich went down, but Liam Delap has enjoyed an impressive season leading the line for the Tractor Boys. The striker has scored 12 goals and notched two assists. He looks likely to leave Portman Road in a £40m deal this summer.

Worst transfer: Manuel Ugarte

Bought for £50million, Manuel Ugarte has endured a difficult debut season in the Premier League. He has failed to solve United's midfield problems and has struggled to convince boss Ruben Amorim.

Biggest moment: James Tarkowski's goal vs Liverpool

With just seconds remaining of the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, were trailing 2-1. But then James Tarkowski smashed in a volley to equalise, sending the Toffees into delirium. It had the added benefit of ensuring that the Merseyside Derby record at Goodison Park ended up with 41 wins for each side and 38 draws.

Team of the year: Matz Sels; Tino Livramento; Virgil van Dijk, Nikola Milenkovic, Milos Kerkz; Youri Tielemans, , Bruno Guimaraes; Mo Salah, Chris Wood, Josh Murphy

Nathan Ridley

Best manager: Nuno Espirito Santo

It's sometimes forgotten in this era that a manager's job is to make the best of the players that he has and win games. For me, no one has done that better than Nuno Espirito Santo, doubling Nottingham Forest's points tally from last season, a Premier League first.

Worst manager: Ivan Juric

I liked him in Italy but sorry, you can't escape his abysmal results.

Best player: Mo Salah

Talismanic.

Best breakthrough season: Ryan Gravenberch

A lesson in not judging players too early. Good job for him that Liverpool never signed Martin Zubimendi.

Biggest disappointment: Manchester United

All change at the top yet the same mess on the pitch. But the Europe-less nadir that they've reached could actually force a hard reset.

Best transfer: Dean Huijsen

Talk about turning a profit, he cost Bournemouth £12.6million and was sold to Real Madrid for £50m just 34 appearances later.

Worst transfer: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Premier League-only, of course. Chelsea paid £30m for 258 minutes of football.

Biggest moment: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City

The power truly shifted that day.

Team of the year: Sels; Munoz, Milenkovic, Van Dijk, Hall; Mac Allister, Tonali, Rice; Salah, Isak, Mbeumo

Felix Keith

Best manager: Arne Slot.

Boring answer, but anyone who tells you they thought he’d win the league in his first season, with Federico Chiesa as the only summer signing is lying.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim.

I bought into the hype, but it’s been a car crash so far – United’s squad is poor but he should’ve done far better and there have been some indefensible decisions along the way.

Best player: Mohamed Salah.

He’s tailed off a little of late – who can blame him? – but he’s been absolutely electric.

Best breakthrough season: Jacob Murphy.

At the age of 30, it has all clicked for the winger, who is a lot better than I thought he was. A great story.

Biggest disappointment: Southampton.

Russell Martin’s style of play was always going to lead to some hairy moments, but they’ve been an embarrassment, plumbing the depths of Premier League history.

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic.

Everything you want from a signing: he was a bargain at £12m, has played every week for and been extremely consistent.

Worst transfer: Joao Felix.

He cost £45m and has one Premier League goal. A player Chelsea didn’t need but went for anyway. A colossal waste who epitomises Chelsea’s buy now and question later policy.

Biggest moment: James Tarkowski's last-minute equaliser vs Liverpool.

A wonderful bit of unfiltered raw emotion in the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

Team of the year: Sels; Livramento, Milenkovic, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Rice, Rogers; Salah, Mbeumo, Isak.

Ryan Taylor

Best manager: Arne Slot

Winning PL in first season is not to be sniffed at although if Nuno secures top-five, he’s my manager of season.

Worst manager: Julen Lopetegui

Shocking, should never have landed the job, wasn’t an upgrade on .

Best player: Mo Salah

Slowed down but in the thick of it, Salah provided big moments and put huge numbers on board again.

Best breakthrough season: Liam Delap

Always been highly rated but cracked the Prem to prove he belongs at this level.

Biggest disappointment: Man Utd

Ridiculous season having spent big again last summer.

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic

Bargain, colossal at the back for Forest, incredible business.

Worst transfer: Sterling to Arsenal

Spent a lot of time contacting people about this deal on deadline day and it was effectively much ado about nothing, really poor for all parties.

Biggest moment: Palace winning FA Cup

Not Prem related but a monumental achievement and underdog story that restores your faith in football.

Team of the year: Sels; Munoz, Van Dijk, Milenkovic, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Rice, Gibbs-White; Salah, Mbeumo, Isak.

Neil McLeman

Best manager:

I know Arne Slot won the title in his first season but Oliver Glasner won Crystal Palace’s first trophy after 164 years.

Worst manager: Ivan Juric/Russell Martin

Take your pick at Southampton but they had no chance of survival after one win in 16 under Russell Martin.

Best player: Mo Salah

Honorable mention to Alexander Isak but Mo Salah has been different class.

Best breakthrough season: Nikola Milenkovic

The Serbian centre-back has been an outstanding signing for Nottingham Forest.

Biggest disappointment: Chelsea.

A team of inexperienced players with an inexperienced manager.

Best transfer: Dean Huijsen.

Bought for £13m from Juventus and sold for £50m to Real Madrid after an excellent season at Bournemouth.

Worst transfer: .

Arsenal desperately needed a goalscorer. They took the Chelsea winger on loan and he scored one Carabao Cup goal in 27 appearances.

Biggest moment: Liverpool 2 Man City 0 February 23.

The official changing of the guard at the top of the Premier League.

Simon Mullock

Best manager: Arne Slot

Liverpool fans won’t like it but the fact that the Dutchman has won the title in his first season in England indicates that Jurgen Klopp might not have been the genius they claimed.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim

An easy conclusion given that Amorim himself reckons he’s the worst manager in United’s history.

Best player: Virgil van Dijk

The Kop captain has been the rock on which the title success has been built.

Best breakthrough season: Myles Lewis-Skelly

It’s always great to see a talented young player emerge at the club he supports. But Lewis-Skelly also has a bit of devil about him that makes him extra special. His impression was a stand-out moment.

Biggest disappointment: Refereeing standards and VAR

And Howard Webb trying to suggest our officials are doing a good job is offensive.

Best transfer: Dean Huijsen

An absolute steal at £13m - and any club that meets his £60m buy-out will also be getting a bargain.

Worst transfer: Joao Felix

Spending £46million on the Portuguese striker may have been driven by FFP and PSR considerations but has there ever been a bigger waste of money?

Biggest moment: Crystal Palace winning the first trophy in their history and what it meant to their fans.

Team of the year: Newcastle edged out Nottingham Forest on the final day. For Eddie Howe to win the club’s first major trophy for 70 years AND qualify for the Champions League means he’s surely going to get a statue commissioned.

David McDonnell

Best manager: Arne Slot

There are other worthy contenders, such as Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espirito Santo and Newcastle's Eddie Howe, but to win the title in his first season at Liverpool, with effectively the same squad he inherited from Jurgen Kloop, was a remarkable achievement from Slot.

Worst manager: Ruben Amorim

Manchester United fans may sing his name and he may yet turn the club around in time, but seven wins from 28 Premier League games is shocking and would have seen them in danger of relegation in any other season.

Best player: Mo Salah

An obvious choice, but with 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League this season, a modern-day record for goal involvements, it is hard to look beyond the Liverpool forward as player of the season.

Best breakthrough season: Myles Lewis-Skelly

He only made his first Premier League start in December, but the left-back, 18, has made the position his own and earned an England call-up with his fearless attitude and confidence on the ball.

Biggest disappointment: Manchester United

Even with the upheaval of changing managers mid-season, to finish 15th and lose 18 games is wholly unacceptable for such a big club, with the calibre of players they have and the financial resources at their disposal.

Best transfer: Nikola Milenkovic

The Serbia defender had an incredible debut season for Forest after signing from Fiorentina for £12million, forming a formidable central defensive partnership with Murillo and taking them to the brink of the Champions League, until the final day.

Worst transfer: Joao Felix

Once regarded as one of Europe's hottest young talents, Chelsea spent £45m on the 25-year-old, who made three Premier League starts before being shipped out on loan to AC Milan. A calamitous and costly signing.

Biggest moment: Manchester City's collapse

Maybe not a single moment, more of a seismic spell, but City's return of five points from 27 from November 2 to December 26 was the shock of the season, given their relentless consistency of recent years, and ultimately handed the title to Liverpool.

Team of the year: Liverpool

Again, there are other worthy contenders, such as Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but winning the Premier League at a canter, with a new manager at the helm, following a managerial icon in Jurgen Klopp, makes Arne Slot's side the team of the year.

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