Reassessing the MVP for each of the leading Premier League teams
In November 2025, we presented the fifth edition of our Premier League MVP rankings, addressing a significant question: Which players are deemed the most vital at the leading clubs in the league?
We employed a straightforward blend of skill and tactical considerations to evaluate the players’ importance to their teams, ranking the top 15 accordingly. As expected, the most skilled, consistent, and frequently present players rose to the top, while also allowing recognition for those who are tactically essential.
We have now revisited this topic for a sixth edition, curious to observe any changes. Football teams often face numerous challenges over six months, frequently adjusting and adapting due to injuries, absences, and variations in performance.
Thus, we have re-evaluated the players at England’s traditional “Big Six” clubs (even with Spurs currently facing relegation concerns), examining how the situation has evolved since November. Who has emerged as a key player, and who has seen a decline? To start, here are some notes regarding our methodology.
Why 15? With 11 first-team players starting in any match, this allows for those squad positions that are not entirely secure. Any long-term injuries will be noted separately and will not factor into the rankings.
Who is eligible? The minimum minutes requirement is set at 900 minutes, which is not particularly demanding. In previous rankings, we only considered Premier League minutes, but this season we have opted to include Champions League minutes as well. This change acknowledges that even top teams must rotate their lineups across competitions to maintain fitness amid a congested schedule. Note that for Manchester United, the previous rule of 900-plus Premier League minutes still applies, as they are not participating in European competitions.
How did you evaluate the players? While rankings like this are inherently somewhat subjective, we made efforts to consult experts from each club to help shape the rankings in line with our methodology.
Are statistics included? Statistics have been a valuable resource in supporting our assessments, utilizing Opta’s data throughout, along with Gradient Sports’ ratings and physical data. Please note that unless specified otherwise, all statistics referenced, such as minutes played, goal contributions, and tackles, are a combination of Premier League and Champions League performances.
How challenging is it? Some decisions are quite clear, while others are less so. Comparing players across different positions can be complex. However, within the context of a squad, it is possible to gauge who is the most essential.
I completely disagree with your decision to rank X below Y. Will you revise it? Disagreements are expected, and much of this is subjective, but it is intended to be a bit of fun.
Now, let’s proceed with the rankings.
play2:12Was Dowman’s impact vs. Everton a season-defining moment for Arsenal?
James Olley responds to Max Dowman’s performance against Everton after he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and his influence at Arsenal.
ARSENAL
Arsenal’s significant summer investment appears to be yielding results. They have been at the top of the Premier League table since early October and remain in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League, despite losing the Carabao Cup final 2-0 to Manchester City. Considering the injuries they have faced, it is promising to enter April with a treble still within reach. As Mikel Arteta has adjusted his team’s tactics throughout the season, various players have stepped up. This edition of the rankings features a new No. 1, marking a change for the third consecutive edition!
MISSED THE CUT: Due to the depth and talent of Arsenal’s squad, a few strong players inevitably had to be excluded. Apologies to Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who did not make the list. Merino has been sidelined with injury for months, while Martinelli has been productive recently; however, his limitation to a single role in a squad filled with versatile players is reflected in his 20 starts across all competitions this season.
None of Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, or 16-year-old standout Max Dowman have accumulated enough minutes to qualify.
15. Cristhian Mosquera (=)
To achieve over 1,000 minutes of Premier League and Champions League action from Mosquera, who was signed as a developing backup for £13 million ($17.3 million) last summer, is commendable for Arsenal. Few anticipated he would be ready for such a role, yet he has competently filled in at both center back and right back when needed.
14. Riccardo Calafiori (-7)
Calafiori began the season exceptionally well, establishing himself not only as the first-choice left back but also as a player capable of dribbling and roaming freely. However, his form has declined in the latter half of the campaign. Injuries have plagued him, which is a familiar issue, and he has started only four matches since the new year.
13. Noni Madueke (+1)
Madueke has emerged as an excellent change-of-pace option to Bukayo Saka on the right wing. He has not only stepped in to alleviate Arsenal’s homegrown star from burnout but has also made a compelling case for more playing time with his lively and energetic performances.
12. Leandro Trossard (-2)
Back in the summer, when Eberechi Eze was signed for an initial £60 million ($79.9 million), it seemed like Trossard’s days might be numbered. However, the Belgian forward has responded to the challenge as he always does: by working hard, adhering to tactical instructions, and, importantly, scoring goals. His 15 goals and assists across all competitions rank third among Arsenal players. While he may not be the flashiest or highest-paid player in the squad, he continues to fulfill a vital role on the left.
11. Viktor Gyökeres (-2)
Expectations were high for Gyökeres following a £55 million ($73.2 million) transfer in the summer, but it is evident that the striker has yet to meet them. A prolific scorer in Portugal for Sporting CP, his numbers at Arsenal have been much more modest: He has netted 11 in the league, mostly against newly promoted teams or those fighting relegation.
Nonetheless, he has provided a physical and energetic presence up front and has remained fit, allowing him to be a consistent part of a team that could still secure a treble, which certainly factors into his ranking.
10. Martin Ødegaard (New!)
Ødegaard missed the November edition of these rankings due to injury, which accurately reflected his challenging 2025. He is now fit but not playing frequently. It is premature to suggest that Arsenal has moved away from the Norwegian’s talents—he is not only their captain but also one of the most talented players in the squad—but the team has certainly found ways to win in his absence.
This makes his ranking difficult; 10th acknowledges his abilities without overstating his current significance to the team.
9. Piero Hincapié (New!)
Hincapié took time to establish himself in the Arsenal lineup—he made his first Premier League or Champions League start only in November—but has now secured the first-choice left back position, surpassing Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly in the hierarchy. While he is less adventurous than those two, he is certainly more solid and effective defensively. Arsenal can make his loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent for approximately £45 million ($59.95 million)—a move Arteta will likely pursue.
8. Eberechi Eze (+4)
It has taken most of the season, but Eze is now firmly integrated into this Arsenal squad. In Ødegaard’s absence, he has added a touch of flair to the midfield, complementing the hard work and physicality of his teammates. His stunning goal against Leverkusen in the Champions League highlighted his capabilities. All his teammates need to do is get him the ball within 30 yards of goal and let him work his magic.
7. Jurriën Timber (-1)
Timber’s quality is evident as he has effectively displaced White—once a mainstay on Arsenal’s right side of defense—and made the full back position his own. There is an argument that he has been overused at times, leading to some minor injuries and fatigue, but for the most part, he has performed at a league-leading standard this season.
6. Bukayo Saka (-5)
Moving from first to sixth is a significant drop for Saka, but his declining form and reduced importance to the team must be acknowledged. Seven Arsenal players have started more matches this season than the England winger, and while injury has played a role, a larger factor has been Arteta’s willingness to rely on others, given the depth of his squad.
For the first time in five years, one could argue that this Arsenal team is no longer centered around Saka. This is reflected in the statistics: He is on track for his worst league season in terms of goals and assists (nine) since 2021.
5. Martín Zubimendi (=)
Arsenal made several notable signings in preparation for this Premier League title challenge; Zubímendi might be the one that tips the scales and makes that dream a reality.
The midfielder combines grace on the ball with tenacity off it; his 64 combined tackles and interceptions rank second only to Timber (83) among Arsenal players in the league, while he has covered more ground (323.57 km, or 201 miles, per Gradient Sports) than anyone else. He has also contributed crucial goals, including some remarkably springy headers despite his 5-foot-11 stature.
4. William Saliba (=)
Do you ever get the sense that a team simply performs better when a specific player is on the field? That is the impression Saliba has given this season. It doesn’t always translate into results—Arsenal can win without him, with Mosquera as a backup—but when he is present, everything feels a bit more secure and composed.
The France international has been as vital to the Gunners’ solid defensive form throughout the season as anyone. In fact, while other defenders like Gabriel and Timber have experienced dips in form, Saliba has remained consistent.
3. David Raya (+5)
Raya has faced the fewest shots of any Premier League goalkeeper to start 20 or more matches (234). From that perspective, he hasn’t been overly busy.
However, he consistently makes outstanding saves, which is essential for any top team needing a reliable goalkeeper to bail them out when a chance arises. He is a vocal presence, a strong organizer, and has completed the most goalkeeper sweeps (30) of anyone in the league. His ability on the ball is also a significant factor in Arsenal’s style of play.
2. Gabriel Magalhães (=)
Unsurprisingly, “Mr. Set Piece” ranks highly for Arsenal. Whether one appreciates it or not, the club’s proficiency in this area has propelled it to the brink of the title, and Gabriel is Arsenal’s primary threat from dead-ball situations. The combative Brazilian defender has scored two goals and provided three assists from corners alone in the Premier League this season, underscoring his general threat from these scenarios. Many of Arsenal’s set piece routines are designed to free him up, leaving opponents scrambling to contain him.
For most of the season, he has also been a cornerstone in defense alongside Saliba, leading to suggestions that Magalhães could be in contention for the PFA Player of the Year award.
1. Declan Rice (+2)
Speaking of the PFA Player of the Year award… If the season concluded today, Rice might genuinely win it. He would almost certainly secure Arsenal’s version of the award.
The midfielder, who cost £100 million ($133.3 million), embodies not only the Gunners’ tactical approach and identity but also the broader trends in the Premier League. To excel in England’s top tier currently, one must blend technical skill with an extraordinary level of athleticism and physicality. Rice excels in this regard better than almost anyone.
He ranks highly in nearly every statistical category, highlighting his extensive influence. He has provided the most assists (nine) and created the most big chances (21), recovered the most balls (187), and covered the second-highest distance in the league (316.99 km or 196.97 miles) among Arsenal players.
play1:21Hislop: Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea future is in danger
Shaka Hislop and Steve Nicol discuss Liam Rosenior’s future following Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League.
CHELSEA
Chelsea began the season on a high after winning the 2025 Club World Cup, but they likely knew that this would come with challenges: With no proper break between seasons, maintaining fitness and form throughout another full European campaign would be difficult. This has proven to be the case. Even a squad as large as theirs has been strained by injuries and fitness issues. Compounding this, manager Enzo Maresca made his position untenable, leading the club to part ways with him on New Year’s Day and appointing former Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior, which explains why the club is at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League this term.
MISSED THE CUT: Tosin Adarabioyo and Jamie Gittens have dropped out of the top 15. The former was a player Maresca relied on as a reserve, but Rosenior seems to favor someone else; the latter has been sidelined for most of 2026 due to injury.
Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Dário Essugo have all faced injury issues this season and do not have the necessary minutes to qualify. Neither do Josh Acheampong, Filip Jörgensen, or Romeo Lavia. Striker Liam Delap has played enough minutes but does not qualify as he has struggled to adapt to a higher level thus far.
15. Jorrel Hato (New!)
One of the notable beneficiaries of Rosenior’s appointment as manager has been Hato, whose playing time has increased at the expense of Adarabioyo. The 20-year-old is the next option when the defense requires cover, and his left-footedness allows him to fill in on the flank if necessary.
14. Alejandro Garnacho (-3)
It seemed like Garnacho was beginning to secure a place in this Chelsea XI over Christmas, but since Rosenior took charge—and perhaps more importantly, following Estêvão’s emergence and Cole Palmer’s return to fitness—the winger has fallen into a backup role.
13. Andrey Santos (+1)
Santos has been in and out of the team consistently, but the Brazilian midfielder is likely content. Simply making the transition from Strasbourg to Chelsea and playing a squad role worth over 2,000 minutes in all competitions is an achievement in itself.
12. Robert Sánchez (=)
Rosenior has become the latest Chelsea manager to drop Sánchez as his starting goalkeeper. This trend is telling, and although his replacement, Jörgensen, has not done enough to fully claim his position, there is a clear lack of trust in the Spaniard. This is likely due to the fact that, despite performing well in the 2025 Club World Cup final (and at times this season), he continues to make occasional errors—such as allowing the ball to slip through his legs in their recent 3-0 defeat to Everton.
11. Wesley Fofana (-4)
Fofana is a first-choice center back for Chelsea, but they must manage him carefully due to his extensive history of serious injuries. The fact that he has played over 2,000 minutes in all competitions this season is a significant achievement, but because he frequently rotates in and out of the starting XI—sometimes playing only 45 minutes for his own well-being—he has struggled to find any semblance of top form.
10. Malo Gusto (=)
With Reece James playing significant minutes in central midfield, the right back position has opened up for Gusto. He can also operate further up the pitch or on the left side, providing Rosenior with flexibility in his deployment.
9. Trevoh Chalobah (=)
Who has played the second-most minutes for Chelsea this season among outfield players? This answer may surprise some.
Chalobah is understated but reliable, capable of performing well both on and off the ball. The Blues have been without Colwill all season and have missed Fofana for parts of it, meaning Chalobah has been called upon frequently. Unfortunately, he is out for the next six weeks due to an ankle injury sustained against PSG, and coping without him will be challenging.
8. Estêvão (=)
A promising talent, Chelsea has done well to avoid overexposing Estêvão too quickly. At just 18, having arrived from Brazil last July, there is ample time for the Brazilian winger to fulfill his considerable potential. He has already had some spectacular moments—such as the 95
