Introduction
Assessing the best player in the Premier League is complex. The Athletic aims to answer this with its Premier League Player Rankings. This initiative evaluates the top 50 players using form, data, and insights from experts Phil Hay and Tim Spiers. Rankings will update monthly, starting from August, considering past performances and future expectations for the 2026-27 season.
With Mohamed Salah and Rodri departed, unexpected names rise to the top 10. Remarkably, a £55 million midfielder and a £73 million Manchester United striker didn’t even make the list. The competition remains intense.
Players Ranked 50 to 41
50. Jordan Pickford (Everton): A consistent goalkeeper known for handling big occasions.
49. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): His dribbling skills were crucial for Everton, second only to Jeremy Doku in completed dribbles.
48. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): Journeyed through a loan at Aston Villa and a title-winning stint at Barcelona.
47. Alex Scott (Bournemouth): Voted player of the year at Bournemouth, showcasing impressive midfield capabilities.
46. Youri Tielemans (Manchester United): A creative force known for precise passing.
45. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United): Transitioned from Wolverhampton Wanderers to a promising role at Old Trafford.
44. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur): Despite Tottenham’s struggles, he remains a promising player.
43. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): Won the Premier League with Arsenal, showing flair and potential for growth.
42. Rayan (Bournemouth): Shows potential with a promising contract release clause due in January.
41. Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham Hotspur): Impressively managed West Ham’s midfield last season.
Players Ranked 40 to 31
40. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal): A formidable player with high goal-scoring potential yet needing consistency at higher levels.
39. Sandro Tonali (Tottenham Hotspur): Strengthened Spurs’ lineup after transferring from Newcastle United.
38. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Reliable goal-scorer with consistent performance over four seasons.
37. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): Known for intelligent passing and likely a future valuable transfer.
36. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United): Highly energetic and attacking, he met expectations at Old Trafford.
35. Marc Guehi (Manchester City): A solid central defender that clubs like Liverpool showed interest in.
34. Phil Foden (Manchester City): Previous top player ready to prove his class this season.
33. Igor Thiago (Brentford): Extensive goal scoring lifted his stature at Brentford.
32. Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa): Known for his calm defense, targeted by high-profile clubs.
31. Reece James (Chelsea): Made significant progress in reliability despite an injury-prone past.
Players Ranked 30 to 21
30. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City): A physically adept goalkeeper prevailing despite previous team changes.
29. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): Seeking to regain form and influence for Liverpool.
28. Ruben Dias (Manchester City): Capable of averting danger with excellent anticipation abilities.
27. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): An all-action midfielder essential to his team’s strategy.
26. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): Transformed Sunderland and played a key leadership role.
25. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Arsenal’s strategic playmaker, constrained by injuries last season.
24. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool): Delivered strong performances before an injury; anticipated return.
23. Morgan Rogers (Chelsea): Chelsea’s hefty investment with significant athletic and technical promise.
22. Alisson (Liverpool): Continues to demonstrate high goalkeeper reliability despite aging and fitness issues.
21. Alexander Isak (Liverpool): A class striker rebounding after a challenging season.
Players Ranked 20 to 11
20. Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): Scores effectively and showcased exceptional World Cup performances.
19. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): Renowned for persistent take-ons and adaptability to coaching changes.
18. Joao Pedro (Chelsea): Versatile forward with commendable goal and assist records.
17. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea): Anticipated to deliver impressive, distance-striking goals.
16. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City): Exceptional talent celebrated for artistic football rather than numerical data.
15. David Raya (Arsenal): Trusted goalkeeper praised for frequent game-deciding saves.
14. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City): Known for directness and potent goal-scoring capabilities.
13. Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Faces pressure to regain form after underperforming last season.
12. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): Aging center-back aiming to reclaim defensive prestige with new team support.
11. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool): German playmaker aiming to adjust and excel after adapting to English football.
Top 10 Players
10. Elliot Anderson (Manchester City): Highly valued for midfield completeness after a significant transfer.
9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Contributes notably on the right, needing increased statistical output.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): Instrumental in stabilizing Liverpool amid tumultuous coaching challenges.
7. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): Recognized for critical transitional play, aiding attacking teammates.
6. Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal): Arsenal’s key target for midfield dynamism and contributions.
5. William Saliba (Arsenal): Valued defender paired with Gabriel, crucial for Arsenal’s defense.
4. Gabriel (Arsenal): Essential in Arsenal’s defense with consistent high-level performance.
3. Declan Rice (Arsenal): A costly but justified acquisition pivotal to Arsenal’s title success.
2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): Highest assist maker, embodying Manchester United’s attacking strength.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Record-setting striker, unmatched in goal statistics.
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