Premier League Player Rankings 2026-27

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August 19, 2026
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The search for the best player in the Premier League is complex. Throughout the 2026-27 season, The Athletic aims to answer this with the Premier League Player Rankings. This list evaluates the top 50 footballers using form, data, and expert analysis from Phil Hay and Tim Spiers. Updated monthly, the rankings begin in August, reflecting on past performances and anticipating future prospects.

Recent departures of stars like Mohamed Salah and Rodri opened up spots in the top 10, yet the league’s depth remains evident. For instance, a £55million midfielder who clinched both the Premier League and the World Cup last season didn’t make the cut, nor did a talented £73million striker at Manchester United. Even a World Cup-winning goalkeeper may not see much playtime if he remains with his current team.

“The competition is fierce, but if you disagree, check the list first and tell us who should miss out.”

Here are the rankings, starting with Jordan Pickford at number 50:

50. Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Known for his consistency, Pickford is a significant personality in Everton’s dressing room and excels under pressure.
49. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Second only to Jeremy Doku in dribbles last season, Ndiaye’s agility and creativity make him a top wide attacker.
48. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
After a stint at Barcelona with impressive performances, Rashford’s future involvement with Manchester United remains a topic of discussion.
47. Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Voted Bournemouth’s player of the year, his midfield contributions hint at a significant future move.
46. Youri Tielemans (Manchester United)
Seen as a creative genius for United, Tielemans brings elegance to complex football.
45. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
Transitioned from a prominent role at Wolverhampton to a learning year at United, showcasing potential for growth.
44. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Despite a lackluster team performance, Van de Ven’s abilities promise a better season ahead.
43. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Eze’s dynamic playstyle contributed to Arsenal’s title win, noted for his joyful approach to the game.
42. Rayan (Bournemouth)
Despite being relatively unknown initially, Rayan’s potential is highlighted by a £130m release clause.
41. Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham Hotspur)
At 22, Fernandes demonstrates the capability to manage a midfield single-handedly, adding to Tottenham’s strength.
40. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
Known for his robust style, his goalscoring numbers are impressive, yet his skills against top opposition are still to be proven.
39. Sandro Tonali (Tottenham Hotspur)
Taken from Newcastle, Tonali’s presence boosts Tottenham’s lineup immensely.
38. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
A dependable striker, Watkins’ consistency adds value to Villa and potentially England.
37. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Despite not attending the World Cup, Wharton’s passing skills make him a future high-value player.
36. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
Mbeumo adapted well to United’s standard, offering energy and pace in their attack.
35. Marc Guehi (Manchester City)
With qualities of a prime defender, Guehi remains vital for both club and country.
34. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
After a few quiet seasons, Foden looks to reaffirm his class this year.
33. Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Taking center stage at Brentford, Thiago’s performance suits their tactical setup.
32. Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
Quietly effective in defense, Konsa’s stability is a desired attribute.
31. Reece James (Chelsea)
Despite injury setbacks, James is recognized for his unmatched right-back capabilities.
30. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
Capable in goal, Donnarumma’s first year showcased his adeptness despite former distribution doubts.
29. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
After a challenging season, he aims to return to his influential form.
28. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Noted for his anticipation, Dias is pivotal in solving defensive issues.
27. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
An all-action midfielder key to Forest’s plans, aiming to build on his solid performances.
26. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
Renowned for his leadership and play style, Xhaka was pivotal to Sunderland’s transformation.
25. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Injury-impacted seasons downplay his ability to reshape games before the final pass.
24. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
Despite injury woes, Ekitike’s early impact suggests a promising return.
23. Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)
Despite his expensive transfer, Rogers’ qualities suggest potential growth this season.
22. Alisson (Liverpool)
Though age brings injuries, Alisson remains a reliable cornerstone for Liverpool.
21. Alexander Isak (Liverpool)
Following a tough first year, Isak aims to replicate his former scoring prowess.
20. Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace)
Palace’s standout, Sarr’s performances elevate his game, proving crucial in their European success.
19. Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Known for relentless take-ons, Doku hopes for greater contribution stats this season.
18. Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
In his debut season, Pedro’s link play and goal-scoring promise growth for an inconsistent team.
17. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
With a penchant for stunning goals, Fernandez’s energy remains integral to Chelsea’s strategies.
16. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
A must-watch player, Cherki’s skill transcends stats, captivating true football fans.
15. David Raya (Arsenal)
Spain’s World Cup depth in goalkeeping highlights Raya’s well-rounded skillset.
14. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
A mix of direct creativity and deftness, Semenyo promises exciting seasons ahead.
13. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Following a low-assist season, Palmer is under the spotlight to showcase his top form.
12. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Even facing challenges, Van Dijk’s experience and skills remain highly respected.
11. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
His adaptability and vision suggest Wirtz will thrive in his second league season.
10. Elliot Anderson (Manchester City)
A top acquisition, Anderson faces the challenge of replicating past success at the pinnacle.
9. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Saka’s consistent abilities make him Arsenal’s go-to player in critical moments.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Despite a tough season for Liverpool, Szoboszlai’s skills remain outstanding.
7. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Recognized by peers and experts, Caicedo’s defensive abilities stabilize Chelsea’s midfield.
6. Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal)
His dynamic play aligns with Arsenal’s aspirations, marking him as a prime transfer target.
5. William Saliba (Arsenal)
With powerful defensive capabilities, Saliba earns a place as part of Arsenal’s backbone.
4. Gabriel (Arsenal)
A vital player for Arsenal, Gabriel’s defensive consistency is respected across the league.
3. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice’s influence justified his transfer fee, aiding Arsenal’s title win with dynamic plays.
2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Last season’s top player, Fernandes elevates United’s performance with record-breaking assists.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Undeniably a prolific scorer, Haaland remains unmatched in the Premier League for his goal tally.