Honestly, arguing about the best footballers in the Premier League is practically a national pastime in pubs across England. Everyone's got their favourites, right? Mine usually involve whichever player saved my Fantasy team that week. But this season, trying to pick the absolute top performers feels trickier than ever. The usual suspects are still banging in goals, sure, but then you've got these new names popping up like wildfire, making things messy and exciting. Look at Cole Palmer over at Chelsea – who honestly saw *that* level coming from him when he left City? Makes you wonder what defines the best premier league footballers these days. Pure stats? Influence when it matters? Consistency? Let's dig into it.
It's Not Just About Goals: How We Judge the Best Premier League Footballers
Alright, let's get real. If we just looked at who scores the most, Erling Haaland wins forever and we all go home. But football doesn't work like that. A centre-back isn't measured like a striker. A goalkeeper certainly isn't. So, to find the best footballers in premier league competition, we need to break it down:
- Forwards & Wingers: Goals are king, obviously. But also assists, chances created, shot conversion rates, and crucially, impact in big games. Does he disappear against top defences?
- Midfielders: This is the engine room. Key passes, through balls, tackles, interceptions, distance covered, ball retention under pressure, goals from midfield. The complete package is rare.
- Defenders: Clean sheets are the headline, but dig deeper. Tackles won, duel success rate, blocks, interceptions, progressive carries, leadership, aerial dominance. A top defender prevents goals as much as a striker scores them.
- Goalkeepers: Save percentage is vital. Command of the box, distribution quality, handling crosses, preventing expected goals (xG), and those match-winning saves that earn points.
I remember watching Virgil van Dijk a few seasons back, especially against City. He wasn't just clearing balls; he was organising the entire defence, stepping up to intercept passes before they even became dangerous, and launching attacks. That kind of influence? It's immeasurable on a basic stat sheet but screams "world class". That's what separates the best premier league footballers from the rest.
The Goal Machines: Premier League's Top Forwards and Wingers (2023/24)
Right, let's talk about the guys who get the headlines. The best footballers in premier league attacking positions usually combine flair with cold-blooded finishing. This season has seen some absolute stunners.
| Player | Club | Goals | Assists | Key Passes per 90 | Notable Strength | Weakness? (Be Honest!) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 27 | 5 | 1.2 | Ruthless finisher, movement in box | Can be marked out in big games (sometimes) |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 18 | 10 | 2.3 | Left foot magic, consistency, big moments | Less effective when double-teamed |
| Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa | 19 | 13 | 1.8 | Link-up play, work rate, assists | Can have quieter spells |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 16 | 9 | 2.7 | Dribbling, creativity, set pieces | Sometimes lacks end product in tight games |
| Phil Foden | Manchester City | 16 | 8 | 2.4 | Versatility, technique, big-game impact | Can drift out wide and become peripheral occasionally |
Haaland is a freak of nature, no question. The sheer volume of goals he scores defines him as one of the best premier league footballers today. But look at Ollie Watkins. Nineteen goals *and* thirteen assists? That's insane involvement. He's not just a finisher; he's creating chances too, essential for Villa's success. Salah... well, Salah is just perpetual motion. Even when he has a quiet first half, you *know* he can explode. Saka carries so much of Arsenal's creative burden. Foden, for me, has really stepped up this season, especially filling gaps when De Bruyne was out. He's become undroppable. Is he City's most important attacker now? Maybe.
The Midfield Masters: Running the Show Behind the Scenes
Now, the midfield. This is where games are truly won and lost. The best footballers in premier league midfield roles are the puppeteers.
| Player | Club | Assists | Key Passes per 90 | Tackles/Int per 90 | Pass Accuracy % | The "X-Factor" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Declan Rice | Arsenal | 7 | 1.5 | 4.2 | 91% | Defensive shield, driving runs, leadership |
| Rodri | Manchester City | 7 | 1.8 | 3.8 | 93% | Tempo control, positional genius, big goals |
| Martin Ødegaard | Arsenal | 8 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 87% | Vision, left foot, unlocking defences |
| Cole Palmer | Chelsea | 9 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 85% | Ice-cool finishing, creativity under pressure |
| Bruno Guimarães | Newcastle | 6 | 1.7 | 4.0 | 84% | Tenacity, box-to-box energy, passion |
Rodri is City's metronome. Honestly, when he's suspended, City look shaky. It's scary how much he dictates everything. Declan Rice? That Arsenal fee looks like a bargain now. He does *everything*. Snuffs out attacks, starts moves, scores crucial goals. He embodies the modern midfielder. Ødegaard makes football look effortless sometimes – that left foot pings passes others don't see. Palmer's rise is the story of the season. Penalties? Sure. But his overall play, confidence, and flair at Chelsea... wow. Bruno G brings fire and skill. His passion lifts Newcastle. Is he the most complete midfielder? He's up there.
The Wall: Best Defenders and Goalkeepers Keeping the Nets Clean
Defence wins titles. Cliché? Maybe. True? Absolutely. The best premier league footballers at the back are worth their weight in gold.
| Player | Club | Position | Clean Sheets | Tackles/Int per 90 | Aerial Duel Win % | Standout Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Saliba | Arsenal | Centre-Back | 15 | 3.1 | 68% | Speed, composure, reading the game |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Centre-Back | 12 | 2.8 | 79% | Aerial dominance, leadership, distribution |
| Gabriel Magalhães | Arsenal | Centre-Back | 15 | 3.0 | 72% | Aggression, blocks, goal threat |
| Kyle Walker | Manchester City | Right-Back | 14 | 1.8 | 62% | Recovery speed, 1v1 defending |
| Alisson Becker | Liverpool | Goalkeeper | 10 | N/A | N/A | Save %, sweeping, distribution |
Saliba transformed Arsenal. Seriously, remember how leaky they were without him last season? His partnership with Gabriel is arguably the best in the league. Van Dijk might not be quite the colossus of 2019, but he's still immense. His positioning and calmness are masterclasses. Gabriel is underrated – so aggressive, scores goals, and forms that solid unit. Kyle Walker, even at his age, is frighteningly fast. How many wingers has he shut down? Too many. Alisson... well, he's saved Liverpool so many points with those one-on-one stops. Is he the league's best keeper? For me, yes. His decision-making is near perfect.
The Overall Contenders: Who Tops the List for Best Footballer in Premier League?
So, crunch time. Who are the absolute pinnacle, the top 5 best footballers in the premier league based on *this* season? It's tough, subjective, and guaranteed to start arguments. Here's my take:
The Elite 5 (2023/24 Season):
- 1. Rodri (Man City): City collapse without him. Dictates games, scores vital goals, immense defensively. The ultimate controller.
- 2. Declan Rice (Arsenal): Worth every penny. Transformed Arsenal's spine. Does every midfield job brilliantly.
- 3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Still delivering insane numbers season after season. Goals, assists, relentless.
- 4. Phil Foden (Man City): Stepped up massively. Versatility, technical quality, and now end product consistently.
- 5. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Goals AND assists. The complete striker Villa rely on. Underappreciated nationally?
Haaland missing the top 5? Controversial, I know. His goals are unreal. But when you look at overall influence on team play, consistency across *all* phases... Rodri and Rice impact more of the game. Haaland is the best finisher, no doubt. But are the best footballers in premier league history *just* finishers? Rarely. Think Henry, Bergkamp, Gerrard, Lampard. They did more. Salah keeps delivering year after year – that longevity counts for so much. Foden has grown into a superstar. Watkins deserves huge credit for his all-round game.
Gutted not to include Van Dijk or Saliba? Absolutely. Defence is vital. But midfielders and attackers often dictate results more visibly. Does that mean defenders are undervalued? Probably. But that's the nature of the game.
Beyond the Obvious: Rising Stars and Key Contributors
Looking beyond the usual suspects, a few players have forced their way into the conversation about top premier league footballers this season:
- Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa): Villa's metronome. Dictates tempo, chips in with goals, works tirelessly. Key to Emery's system.
- Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): Adapted brilliantly to the deep role. Vision, passing range, set pieces. A bargain.
- Pedro Neto (Wolves): When fit, electric. Dribbling, creativity, assists. Would start for most top sides.
- Destiny Udogie (Tottenham): Young, dynamic full-back. Defensive grit and attacking thrust rolled into one.
These guys might not be THE best premier league footballers just yet, but they're absolutely vital to their teams and have performed at a seriously high level. Mac Allister controlling Liverpool's midfield after Fabinho left? That was a huge question mark he answered emphatically.
Your Burning Questions Answered: Premier League Best Players FAQ
Who is universally considered the best footballer in the Premier League right now?
There's no single unanimous choice, which is what makes it fun! Based on pure influence and consistency, Rodri (Man City) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) get huge respect across the board. Goalscorers like Haaland and Salah are always in the mix. But ask ten fans, you might get ten answers. For me, Rodri is the most indispensable.
Is Haaland overrated because he doesn't do much outside the box?
Overrated? Not at all. His job is to score goals, and he does it better than anyone on the planet. He's a specific type of striker – the ultimate finisher. Asking him to drop deep and create like Kane did misses the point. His movement and finishing *are* world-class skills. But does it mean he's automatically the best footballer in the premier league overall? Not necessarily. His overall game involvement is less than some others.
Who are the best premier league footballers ever?
This opens a massive can of worms! Modern legends include Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Alan Shearer (Newcastle/Blackburn), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Roy Keane (Man Utd), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal), John Terry (Chelsea). It depends hugely on position and era. Henry's blend of speed, skill, and goals is hard to top.
How important are trophies in judging the best footballers?
Important, but not everything. Great players can be in mediocre teams (Harry Kane at Spurs for years). Winning trophies shows you deliver at the highest level under pressure. But judging an individual purely on team honours isn't fair. Look at Salah's consistency without always winning the league – it marks him as one of the best premier league footballers regardless.
Which players are most underrated in the Premier League?
Right now? Douglas Luiz (Villa) – runs the show quietly. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – tireless work and end product improving massively. Ben White (Arsenal) – solid, versatile, crucial defensively. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) – consistent goals and assists from wide. They might not top the best footballers in premier league lists, but their clubs would be much worse off without them.
Can a goalkeeper be the best player?
Absolutely. Peter Schmeichel won PFA Player of the Year (1993). Alisson has been vital for Liverpool's success. A truly world-class keeper saves 10-15 points a season with crucial stops. They might not get the glamour, but their impact is massive.
Wrapping It Up: The Beauty of the Debate
Figuring out the best footballers in the premier league isn't a science. Stats help enormously, but they don't tell the whole story. That moment of magic, that crucial tackle, that leadership when backs are against the wall... these things matter. My list will annoy some people. Good! That's football. Maybe you think Saka should be higher, or that Van Dijk is still the king. Maybe Palmer's impact puts him top five. That's the beauty of the Premier League – the quality is so high, the debate never ends. One thing's certain: watching these incredible athletes week in, week out is a privilege. Enjoy the arguments!
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