PFA Scotland were delighted to announce their Premiership Team of the Year this past week. The announcement, with Stagecoach, seen 11 players from four clubs represented.
The Team of the Year is voted by fellow professionals across the Premiership, with players given the opportunity to choose an XI in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel (Celtic)
At 38, the Danish keeper has proven to be a top signing for Celtic, with commanding presence and sharp reflexes. Schmeichel kept an impressive number of clean sheets (19) with eyes on breaking a Scottish Premiership record.
Defenders
Alistair Johnston (Celtic)
The Canadian right-back, 26, has solidified his status as one of Scotland’s finest defenders. Known for his relentless energy, Johnston combines robust defending with dynamic overlapping runs, contributing both defensively and in attack. No player in the Scottish Premiership has recorded more assists than Johnston’s eight.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)
In the Team of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, the 27-year-old American centre-back has been a commanding presence once again for Celtic. Carter-Vickers has proven crucial in big games across the season and has been voted by fellow players as one of the best defenders in Scotland.
John Souttar (Rangers)
The 28-year-old Scottish centre-back has been in fine form this season. Souttar’s composure, power, and ability to read the game have made him a standout at the back for Rangers. Featuring heavily in Rangers Europa League run, Souttar has impressed his Premiership opponents with his performances.
James Penrice (Heart of Midlothian)
At 26, the Hearts left-back has emerged as a revelation. Penrice, who joined from Livingston in 2024, brings attacking flair and relentless energy to the Jambos left flank. An excellent first season in Edinburgh saw Penrice in the top bracket for many metrics such as chances created and crosses.
Midfielders
Nicolas Raskin (Rangers)
The 24-year-old Belgian midfielder has been a driving force in Rangers’ engine room. His all-action displays have won plaudits across the league, with Raskin rewarded with a maiden Belgium call-up in March.
Callum McGregor (Celtic)
Celtic’s captain and midfield maestro, 31-year-old McGregor continues to set the standard. A product of Celtic’s academy, his vision, passing range, and relentless work rate dictate the tempo of games. McGregor is in Team of the Year for a fifth time.
Reo Hatate (Celtic)
The 27-year-old Japanese midfielder has featured in every Scottish Premiership game this season, with some excellent performances across the campaign. Hatate, who arrived from in 2022, is in Team of the Year for a fourth year, with dynamic performances making him a key cog in Celtic’s midfield.
Forwards
Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)
The 25-year-old German winger has brought a new level to his game at Celtic Park this season. Kuhn’s pace, trickery, and clinical finishing have terrorised defences, with his goal and assist tally placing him among the league’s top contributors.
Daizen Maeda (Celtic)
The current top goal scorer in the Scottish Premiership, Maeda has been in sensational form for Celtic. The Japanese forward, 27, combines work rate with clinical finishing, making him a nightmare for defenders and a vital part of Celtic’s attack.
Sam Dalby (Dundee United)
The 25-year-old English striker has been massively influential for newly promoted Dundee United. Signed on loan from Wrexham in 2024, Dalby’s physicality, aerial prowess, and goal-scoring instincts have made him a focal point of United’s attack. His breakthrough season has earned him recognition as one of the league’s top forwards.
