Mo Salah. Photo via https://x.com/lfc_fede/status/1933872302019723698/photo/1
For soccer fanatics, it’s hard to look past the Premier League. Sure, some purists might prefer competitions like the Bundesliga due to its more competitive nature, but the biggest league around is still widely regarded as the best football league on the planet. This is largely due to the plethora of world-class talents who play for some of football’s most prestigious clubs.
With these top performers being capable of delivering in the biggest moments, they’re a joy to watch. Fans have their names on the back of jerseys, they’re reliable picks in Fantasy Premier League squads, and for football fanatics who enjoy betting, these top professionals rarely disappoint. Without the moments of brilliance they execute with ease, the Premier League wouldn’t be as popular as it is today.
Of course, there is an argument to suggest that individual players aren’t able to shine as much these days given football’s more structured approach and the lack of freedom attacking players are given, for example, but many of the Premier League’s finest are still able to put in regular match-winning performances. So, without further ado, below we highlight some of the best players in the competition right now.
Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
The Egyptian King is in with a shout at the Ballon d’Or this season, and it’s easy to see why. He has been the main man in a Liverpool team that marched relentlessly towards the Premier League title. Salah’s worth is well-known to Liverpool fans. He is, as the Americans say, the Reds’ clutch player, always popping up with crucial goals when needed. It’s subjective to talk about the best player in the Premier League, but certainly on the form of this season, Salah deserves to be in the top spot.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
In terms of being a pure goal scorer, there aren’t many better players on the planet than Erling Haaland. There is an argument for the likes of Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, but Haaland’s numbers have been more impressive in more recent times. For example, in 2023, the Norwegian beast scored 36 Premier League goals, beating the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season in the process. While he isn’t the most elegant player to watch, there are certain aspects of his game that are behind some other legendary top-flight goal machines in terms of delivering a consistent number of goals and dominating central defenders when any balls are put into the box, Erling Haaland is the master.
Cole Palmer – Chelsea
A player who struggled to make the breakthrough at Manchester City due to the consistently special performances of other midfielders like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer eventually decided to look elsewhere for more minutes. It turned out to be the right move for Palmer, scoring 27 goals in his debut season for Chelsea and becoming a household name in the process. While he hasn’t been able to replicate the same type of performances he showcased on a weekly basis last season, Cole Palmer is still one of Chelsea’s and the Premier League’s most impressive players. If the Blues are to have a bright future, then keeping hold of their phenomenal talent will be crucial to their chances.
Alexander Isak – Newcastle United
There are lots of transfer rumors swirling around Isak this summer, but it will take a mammoth bid – perhaps in excess of £100 million – for Newcastle to even consider selling its best player. He has been key to transforming Newcastle into a Champions League-caliber club. Can the Magpies hold on to the talisman? Isak is seen as a late-bloomer, given he has played almost ten seasons as a pro, yet he is just 25. The fact he is coming into his peak should act as a warning to other clubs.
Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Despite being part of a Manchester United team that is on course for their worst-ever Premier League season, Bruno Fernandes is still managing to stand out on a regular basis. The Portuguese captain continually digs the Red Devils out of holes, with his ability to run the midfield area of the pitch and also contribute with an abundance of goals making him an integral figure in Ruben Amorim’s side. There is a strong argument to suggest that Manchester United would be in a relegation battle without him, while they definitely wouldn’t have a Europa League final to look forward to either. Without Bruno Fernandes’ magic, who knows where Manchester United would be this season?
Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa
(Image via https://x.com/morgz_10)
While Morgan Rogers has a way to go yet before he can be compared to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, the Aston Villa midfielder is certainly one of the most exciting young players in the division. The Englishman has recently forced his way into the national team, highlighting the progress he’s made under Unai Emery. Even without the Spaniard in charge at Villa, though, Rogers would probably still be there or thereabouts, given his quality. He’s a key cog in Villa’s wheel, producing match-winning moments and dazzling displays given his dribbling ability.
Declan Rice – Arsenal
With Manchester City’s Rodri out for the vast majority of the season, Arsenal’s Declan Rice has stepped up to show everyone how to dominate in the midfield engine room. A coming of age season for the England midfielder, Rice has showcased his dynamism and all-round energy in almost every game for the Gunners, setting the tone for his teammates and leading from the front when Mikel Arteta’s side have gone through some tough moments. Rice might not possess the type of elegance the likes of Bruno Fernandes do, but that simply isn’t his game. But when it comes to putting himself about and keeping things neat and tidy in what is a key area of the pitch, then there aren’t many better players in world football right now than Declan Rice.
Rodri – Manchester City
It is no coincidence that Man City’s downturn in form coincided with the season-ending injury to the Citizens’ midfield lynchpin. You can argue that Rodri is not the best player in the world – it is subjective, after all – yet it is absolutely certain that he is the most dominant midfielder. A true box-to-box player who would be the first name down on any team sheet. Watch as Man City returns to the summit next season when the powerhouse midfielder returns to fitness.
