20 Best Players in the Premier League Right Now [Ranked]

Creating a definitive ranking is always subjective, but based on the 2024/25 season’s performances, impact, and current form, here is a ranked list of the 20 best players in the Premier League right now.

This list prioritizes their influence this season over legacy or reputation from previous years.

The 20 Best Premier League Players Right Now [2025 Ranked]

1. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Why: Has seamlessly evolved from superstar to true leader. The complete attacking player, combining relentless creativity, sublime technical skill, and a prolific goal threat from midfield. The heartbeat of the champions.

2. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Position: Right Winger
Why: Reached new heights of consistency and end-product. Arsenal’s undisputed main threat, combining elite dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring. Defenders simply cannot handle his directness and intelligence.

3. William Saliba (Arsenal)

Position: Centre-Back

Why: The most dominant defender in the world. His pace, strength, and preternatural reading of the game are the foundation of the league’s best defense. A transformative player who makes everyone around him better.

4. Rodri (Manchester City)

Position: Defensive Midfielder
Why: Manchester City’s results still swing dramatically on his presence. The ultimate metronome and defensive shield; a player who defines his team’s control and tempo. His importance is immeasurable.

5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Position: Striker
Why: The Premier League’s Golden Boot winner again. A pure, relentless goal-scoring force who warps opposing defenses to create space for others. His physical presence and finishing remain unmatched.

6. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Why: The soul of Arsenal’s team. His game has expanded even further, adding more driving runs and offensive contribution to his world-class defensive IQ and leadership. The complete modern midfielder.

7. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Second Striker
Why: Followed his breakout season by establishing himself as a true superstar and Chelsea’s undisputed leader. His creativity, vision, and ice-cool finishing in big moments are phenomenal.

8. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Why: The creative maestro. His ability to dictate play, find impossible passes, and knit together Arsenal’s attacking moves with sublime technique is a joy to watch. The league’s premier playmaker.

9. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Position: Centre-Back

Why: Maintained his world-class level and authoritative presence. A commanding leader who organizes one of the league’s top defenses and remains a massive threat on set-pieces.

10. Jérémy Doku (Manchester City)

Position: Winger
Why: Took a massive leap forward in his second season. Arguably the most unplayable 1v1 dribbler in the world. His decision-making and final ball have caught up to his electrifying pace and skill.

11. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Position: Central Midfielder
Why: The complete midfielder. Has become the absolute linchpin of Liverpool’s new-look team, pulling the strings as a deep-lying playmaker with tenacious tackling and elite passing range.

12. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Position: Right Winger

Why: While perhaps not quite the perpetual force of nature he once was, his output remains elite. A guaranteed source of goals and assists whose movement and finishing are still among the best.

13. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)

Position: Central Midfielder
Why: The heart, soul, and technical class of Newcastle. A dynamic, all-action midfielder who excels at breaking up play and launching attacks with his incredible passing. A joy to watch.

14. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Position: Forward / Winger
Why: Adapting brilliantly to a central role in Ange Postecoglou’s system. His lethal finishing, movement, and leadership have been crucial for Spurs, proving his quality is ageless.

15. Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)

Position: Centre-Back / Left-Back

Why: After settling in, he’s become a monster. Combines brutal defensive strength with a surprising and prolific goal threat from advanced positions. A modern defender redefining the role.

16. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Position: Striker
Why: Continues to be the league’s most complete forward. Not just a goal-scorer but a brilliant link-up player and creator, essential to Aston Villa’s aggressive, high-octane system.

17. Darwin Núñez (Liverpool)

Position: Striker
Why: Finally turned his chaotic energy into consistent, devastating end product. His blistering pace, relentless pressing, and improved finishing make him a nightmare for defenders.

18. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Position: Winger

Why: His explosive pace, direct dribbling, and improved final ball make Arsenal’s left flank a constant source of danger. A key weapon in their attacking arsenal.

19. Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Position: Winger
Why: Stayed fit and is finally receiving universal acclaim. Arguably the most exciting winger outside the “Big Six” with his blistering speed, trickery, and incredible ability to provide assists.

20. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Position: Central Midfielder
Why: Became the undisputed bright spot for United. Plays with a composure and technical grace far beyond his years. A complete midfielder who can defend, progress the ball, and dictate tempo.

Honorable Mentions (The next in line):

Kevin De Bruyne (Man City): Still magical, but managed minutes carefully this season.
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal): Formed the best CB partnership in the league with Saliba.

Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa): A constant threat with his pace and clever movement.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): A dynamic force in Liverpool’s midfield.
Marcus Rashford (Man Utd): On his day, remains one of the league’s most explosive forwards.