Assessment of Premier League Talent
The Athletic embarked on a mission to identify the best player in the Premier League. Throughout the 2026-27 season, rankings will be updated monthly using form, data, and insights from experts Phil Hay and Tim Spiers. The focus is to evaluate the top 50 footballers in the league.
Changes Affecting the Rankings
With departures like Mohamed Salah and Rodri, new names have reshaped the top 10. Despite these exits, the Premier League remains competitive. Players of significant transfer value and skill level find intense competition for top spots in the ranking.
The Top 50 Player Rankings
- Jordan Pickford (Everton): A consistent goalkeeper and a strong presence in Everton’s squad.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): Known for his dribbling skills and versatility in attack.
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United): After performing well at Barcelona, questions remain about his future impact.
- Alex Scott (Bournemouth): A promising midfielder praised for his contributions to Bournemouth’s successful season.
- Youri Tielemans (Manchester United): An experienced and creative midfielder, enhancing United’s attack.
Notable Players and Their Clubs
Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham Hotspur) is an emerging talent capable of managing the midfield. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) is noted for his scoring capacity, though consistency against top teams is awaited. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) shows reliability and consistency in goal-scoring.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea) demonstrated his skills with substantial contributions in his first season. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) continues to impress with his midfield control.
Top 10 Premier League Players
- Elliot Anderson (Manchester City): His high-profile transfer places him under the spotlight.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Renowned for his impact and creativity on the right flank.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): An essential player known for his free kick mastery.
- Moises Caicedo (Chelsea): Recognized as one of the league’s underrated midfield stars.
- Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal): A dynamic midfielder who proves invaluable for his contributions.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): Valued for both his reliability and potential to excel.
- Gabriel (Arsenal): A consistent defender praised for his skill in set pieces.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): Justifies his significant transfer fee with key roles in Arsenal’s success.
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): As a top-performing player, he plays a crucial role in United’s midfield.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Known for his unrivaled scoring ability, Haaland is a poacher unlike any other.
These rankings highlight the elite talent in the Premier League, offering insights into players who have excelled over the past and current seasons.