In November 2025, we unveiled the fifth installment of our Premier League MVP ratings, designed to address a significant query: Which athletes are deemed the most indispensable at the league’s premier clubs?
We employed a straightforward blend of skill and strategic considerations to gauge the players’ essentiality to their respective teams and subsequently ranked the top 15. Unsurprisingly, the most accomplished, consistent, and active players naturally ascended to the top, simultaneously allowing room for strategically pivotal individuals to garner recognition.
We have now revisited this topic for a sixth iteration, keen to observe how circumstances have evolved. Football squads must navigate numerous challenges over a six-month period, often adapting, refining, and adjusting due to injuries, unavailability, and shifts in performance.
Consequently, we have re-evaluated the players within England’s traditional “Big Six” teams (even with Spurs currently embroiled in a struggle against demotion), reviewing the developments that have unfolded since November. Which individuals have come to prominence and enhanced their standing, and conversely, who has seen their position decline? To commence, some explanations regarding our approach are provided.
Why 15? Well, considering 11 first-team players begin any given match, this allowance accounts for roster spots that are not entirely fixed. Extended periods of unavailability due to injury will be documented independently and excluded from consideration in this ranking.
Who is eligible? The threshold for playing time is 900 minutes, which is not an especially demanding requirement. Previously, we had considered only Premier League minutes for this assessment, but this season we opted to include the Champions League as well. This acknowledges that, given the progressively packed fixture list, even the top teams must rotate their starting lineups throughout various tournaments to maintain player well-being. Note that in Manchester United’s case, the previous regulation requiring over 900 Premier League minutes remains valid, since they are not participating in continental contests.
How did you rate the players? A ranking such as this is inherently subjective, yet endeavors were undertaken to consult specialists for each club, assisting in the formulation of these rankings according to our established procedure.
Are stats involved? Statistics proved a potent instrument for substantiating our claims, with Opta’s information utilized extensively, and Gradient Sports’ assessments and physiological metrics also facilitating the procedure. Please note that unless explicitly indicated otherwise, all cited metrics, including playing time, offensive contributions, and challenges, are derived from both Premier League and Champions League participation.
How hard is it? Some of the decisions are patently apparent, but many are less so. Evaluating athletes from diverse positional categories presents a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, within the framework of a team, one can discern who holds the most pivotal role.
I strongly object to your choice to position X beneath Y. Will you amend it? Naturally, dissent is expected, and much of this is interpretive, but it’s merely for entertainment.
Sufficient preamble. Let us proceed with the standings.
2:12
Was Dowman’s influence against Everton a pivotal moment for Arsenal’s season?
James Olley responds to Max Dowman’s display against Everton after he became the youngest ever goalscorer in Premier League history and discusses his effect on Arsenal.
ARSENAL
Arsenal’s substantial summer expenditures appear poised to yield rewards. They have occupied the summit of the Premier League standings since the beginning of October and remain contenders in the FA Cup and Champions League — although they were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. Still, given the numerous injuries they’ve had to contend with, it’s commendable to enter April with a potential treble still within reach. As Mikel Arteta has refined his squad’s strategy across the campaign, various players have stepped into prominence. This particular installment of the standings designates a fresh top player, signifying a change for the third consecutive edition!
MISSED THE CUT: Given the composition of Arsenal’s extensive and gifted roster, several highly capable individuals were inevitably going to be omitted. Our apologies to Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, but they did not qualify. Merino has been sidelined for an extended period, while Martinelli has recently shown strong output; his challenge lies in the fact that, within a team brimming with versatile players, he is limited to a single role, evidenced by his mere 20 starts across all tournaments this season.
Neither Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, nor the 16-year-old prodigy Max Dowman have accumulated sufficient playing time to meet the qualification criteria.
15. Cristhian Mosquera (=)
For Arsenal to obtain more than 1,000 minutes of Premier League and Champions League action from Mosquera, acquired as a prospective reserve for £13 million last summer, represents remarkable management. Scarcely anyone believed him prepared for such a position, yet he has capably performed at both central defense and right-back whenever needed.
14. Riccardo Calafiori (-7)
Calafiori commenced the season splendidly, establishing himself not only as the primary left-back but also as such an effective overall performer that he was granted freedom to carry the ball and move across the pitch at will. However, his pace has diminished in the latter half of the season. He has suffered an injury – an unfortunately common occurrence for him – and has only commenced four matches since the beginning of the new year.
13. Noni Madueke (+1)
Madueke has demonstrated himself to be an excellent alternative for variety alongside Bukayo Saka on the right flank. He has not only served to shield Arsenal’s academy product from fatigue but has frequently presented a compelling argument for increased minutes due to his swift, vibrant displays.
12. Leandro Trossard (-2)
Last summer, upon Eberechi Eze’s initial £60 million transfer, it seemed Trossard’s tenure might be nearing its end. Yet, the Belgian attacker has met the challenge in his characteristic manner: through diligent effort, adherence to strategic directives, and, most importantly, by netting goals. His 15 total offensive contributions (goals and assists) across all tournaments rank third among Arsenal’s roster. While he may not be the most celebrated, highest-paid, or inherently gifted individual within this squad, he consistently fulfills a vital function on the left side.
11. Viktor Gyökeres (-2)
Anticipations were exceedingly high for Gyökeres subsequent to a £55
million acquisition in the summer, and it’s evident the forward has yet to fulfill those expectations. A prolific scorer in Portugal for Sporting CP, his statistics with Arsenal have been considerably less impressive: He has netted 11 goals in the domestic competition, the vast majority of which have come against recently elevated clubs or outfits fighting to avoid demotion.
Nonetheless, he has provided a robust and dynamic presence in attack and maintained his physical condition. That has enabled him to remain a regular component in a squad still capable of securing a treble, which certainly holds significance when evaluating his standing.
10. Martin Ødegaard (New!)
Ødegaard was absent from November’s iteration of these standings as he was too sidelined to be considered, which felt like a somber yet precise overview of his year 2025. He’s now recovered, but seeing limited game time. It’s premature to declare that Arsenal have disregarded the Norwegian’s abilities — he’s not merely their skipper, but among the most gifted individuals in this roster based on inherent skill — but the squad has undeniably discovered a winning formula without him.
That makes him exceptionally challenging to position him in these rankings; a 10th-place spot acknowledges his attributes without exaggerating his present significance to the squad.
9. Piero Hincapié (New!)
Hincapié was gradual in establishing himself within this Arsenal squad — his inaugural Premier League or Champions League appearance wasn’t until November — but has now firmly secured the primary left-back role, surpassing Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly in the hierarchy. He’s less daring than the other pair, but unquestionably more dependable and proficient in his defensive responsibilities. Arsenal can convert his temporary agreement from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent transfer for approximately £45 million — a move Arteta will undoubtedly be eager to finalize.
8. Eberechi Eze (+4)
It has required the majority of the campaign, but Eze is now a deeply integrated member of this Arsenal squad. With Ødegaard sidelined, he’s the one injecting a touch of brilliance into the midfield, harmonizing with the tireless efforts and robust nature of his teammates. His spectacular goal versus Leverkusen in the Champions League epitomized his essence. His fellow players merely need to supply him with possession within 30 yards of the net, and he handles the remainder.
7. Jurriën Timber (-1)
It’s a testament to Timber’s caliber that he has effectively dislodged White entirely — previously a regular fixture on Arsenal’s right defensive flank — and solidified the full-back role as his domain. There is an argument that he has been occasionally burdened with excessive game time, resulting in minor physical ailments and some fatigued displays, but predominantly, he has performed at a division-best level this season.
6. Bukayo Saka (-5)
First to sixth is a considerable descent for Saka, but his diminishing performance and lessened significance to the squad warrant acknowledgement. Seven Arsenal players have featured from the outset in more matches this campaign than the English wide player, and while ailments have contributed, a more significant element has been Arteta’s readiness to utilize alternative options, as he has a more extensive roster to call upon.
After five years, one might contend that this Arsenal side no longer revolves around Saka. This is reflected in his metrics: He is set to register his least productive league campaign for goals and assists (nine) since 2021.
5. MartÃn Zubimendi (=)
Arsenal secured numerous significant acquisitions in anticipation of this Premier League championship pursuit; ZubÃmendi might be the individual who alters the balance and actualizes that aspiration.
The central player is an intriguing blend of elegance in possession and resilience without it; his tally of 64 combined tackles and interceptions places him second only to Timber (83) among Arsenal’s league players, while he has traversed greater distances (323.57 km, or 201 miles, according to Gradient Sports) than any other player. And he has also contributed with several pivotal goals, including a few notably agile headers, especially given his 5-foot-11 stature.
4. William Saliba (=)
Do you ever feel as though a squad performs superiorly when a particular individual is on the field? Such has been the feeling Saliba has evoked this campaign. It isn’t always evident in the outcomes — Arsenal can indeed secure victories in his absence, with Mosquera as a stand-in — but his presence instills a sense of increased security and tranquility.
The France international has been instrumental to the Gunners’ impenetrable defensive displays throughout the entire season. In fact, while other defenders such as Gabriel and Timber have experienced fluctuations in performance, Saliba has maintained his consistency.
3. David Raya (+5)
Raya has confronted the fewest attempts on goal among Premier League custodians with 20 or more starts (234). Consequently, from that viewpoint, his workload is light.
But what truly stands out is his knack for producing an exceptional save approximately once per match. This is essential for every elite side: A crucial intervention from a premier shot-stopper when a rare chance arises. He’s an audible leader, an adept orchestrator, and has executed the highest number of goalkeeper clearances (30) across the league. His proficiency with the ball is likewise a significant element in Arsenal’s tactical approach.
2. Gabriel Magalhães (=)
Unsurprisingly, “The Set-Piece Specialist” holds a high position for Arsenal. Regardless of opinion, the team’s expertise in this area has propelled them to the brink of the championship, and Gabriel is Arsenal’s foremost danger from stationary plays. The assertive Brazilian defender has contributed two goals and three assists solely from corner kicks in the Premier League this term, underscoring his overall menace in such scenarios. Numerous of Arsenal’s dead-ball strategies are crafted to liberate him, leaving adversaries struggling to thwart them.
For the preponderance of the campaign, he has likewise served as a defensive mainstay beside Saliba, which has prompted suggestions that Magalhães might be a contender for the PFA Player of the Year accolade.
1. Declan Rice (+2)
Regarding the PFA Player of the Year distinction … Were the season to conclude at present, Rice could conceivably claim the honor. He would very likely secure Arsenal’s equivalent award.
The central player, acquired for £100 million, is representative not merely of the Gunners’ strategic methodology and character, but also the broader prevailing trend within the Premier League. To excel in England’s premier division currently, one must combine technical prowess with an undeniably exceptional degree of athletic power and physical presence. And Rice accomplishes this more effectively than nearly everyone.
He features prominently in almost every statistical metric, which emphasizes the extensive scope of his impact. He has provided the most assists (nine) and created the highest number of significant scoring opportunities (21), regained the most possessions (187), and traversed the second-greatest distance in the league (316.99 km or 196.97 miles) amongst Arsenal’s roster.
1:21
Hislop: Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea future is in danger
Shaka Hislop and Steve Nicol discuss Liam Rosenior’s prospects following Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat against Everton in the Premier League.
CHELSEA
Chelsea
The club commenced the season buoyed by their triumph in the 2025 Club World Cup, yet probably understanding this achievement would come with a significant cost: With no adequate inter-season rest, they faced an uphill battle to sustain peak fitness and form throughout another demanding European campaign. And indeed, this has proven to be the case. Even a roster of their magnitude has found itself strained by numerous ailments and physical challenges. Furthermore, coach Enzo Maresca rendered his own role so unsustainable that the club was compelled to separate from him on New Year’s Day. They promptly appointed ex-Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior in his stead. Given these circumstances, it is hardly surprising that the outfit now risks failing to even secure a spot in the Champions League this season.
EXCLUDED FROM THE LIST: Tosin Adarabioyo and Jamie Gittens are no longer among the top 15. Maresca had previously relied on the former as a backup, but Rosenior appears to favor an alternative; the latter has been sidelined with injuries for much of 2026.
Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Dário Essugo have encountered persistent injury issues all campaign and lack the requisite playing time to be included. The same applies to Josh Acheampong, Filip Jörgensen, and Romeo Lavia. Forward Liam Delap has accumulated sufficient minutes, but he does not meet the criteria due to his significant difficulties in adapting to a more demanding level thus far.
15. Jorrel Hato (New Entry!)
Hato has been one of the primary beneficiaries of Rosenior’s appointment as manager, with his on-field presence notably increasing at Adarabioyo’s expense. The 20-year-old serves as the next option when defensive reinforcement is needed, and his left-footedness enables him to cover the wing if required.
14. Alejandro Garnacho (-3)
It seemed as though Garnacho was beginning to cement his place in this Chelsea starting lineup around the Christmas period. However, since Rosenior assumed control – and perhaps more crucially, following Estêvão’s ascent and Cole Palmer’s return to full health – the winger has transitioned into a reserve role.
13. Andrey Santos (+1)
Santos regularly moves in and out of the squad, but the Brazilian midfielder likely doesn’t mind. Merely making the transition from Strasbourg to Chelsea, and contributing in a squad capacity for just over 2,000 minutes across all competitions, represents a considerable achievement in itself.
12. Robert Sánchez (=)
Rosenior has become the latest Chelsea manager to relegate Sánchez from the No. 1 goalkeeper position. This establishes a telling pattern; despite his replacement, Jörgensen, never quite doing enough to fully usurp his spot, there’s a clear absence of confidence in the Spaniard. This is probably because, regardless of how well he performed in the 2025 Club World Cup final (and during certain periods this season), he continues to commit occasional blunders – for instance, allowing the ball to slip through his legs in their recent 3-0 loss to Everton.
11. Wesley Fofana (-4)
Fofana is a preferred central defender for Chelsea, but they must manage him with extreme caution due to his extensive history of serious injuries. The fact that he has managed to play over 2,000 minutes across all competitions this season is a significant triumph. However, because he frequently rotates in and out of the starting XI – and sometimes plays only 45 minutes for his own welfare – he has genuinely struggled to achieve anything close to his peak form.
10. Malo Gusto (=)
With Reece James consistently featuring in central midfield, the right-back position has become a clear opportunity for Gusto. He also possesses the versatility to operate slightly further up the pitch or on the left side, providing Rosenior with tactical options for his deployment.
9. Trevoh Chalobah (=)
Among outfield players, who has accumulated the second-highest number of minutes for Chelsea this season? This revelation might surprise some.
Chalobah is understated, yet he is a dependable player capable of performing both with and without the ball. The Blues have been without Colwill all season and Fofana for various stretches, meaning Chalobah has been called upon frequently. Regrettably, he will be sidelined for the next six weeks with an ankle injury sustained against PSG, and coping without him will prove challenging.
8. Estêvão (=)
A prodigious talent, Chelsea has commendably avoided overexposing Estêvão too rapidly. At merely 18, having just arrived from Brazil last July, there is ample time for the Brazilian winger to fulfill his immense potential. He has already created several memorable moments – such as the 95th-minute decisive goal against Liverpool in October and a superb strike against Barcelona in November – and has recorded approximately 1,500 minutes in all competitions this season, thereby asserting himself into the senior squad picture through his skill, scoring prowess, and adaptability across positions.
7. Pedro Neto (-1)
Rosenior is generally a highly supportive manager, but he went above and beyond in February when he defended Neto, proclaiming the winger “world class.” Neto’s blistering pace is a significant asset, and the fact that he has received 734 passes in the final third this season, by far the most of any Chelsea player, indicates a strong willingness to leverage his speed to advance the play.
However, disappointingly, his crossing and decision-making can be lacking at times, and he has recently encountered trouble with both Premier League and Champions League officials – the latter for pushing a ballboy against PSG.
6. Marc Cucurella (-2)
Cucurella remains the sole authentic, recognized left-back in Chelsea’s roster. Should he be unavailable, Rosenior must deploy Gusto or Hato in that position, highlighting the Spanish international’s inherent importance to this team. He is a tenacious defender, an outstanding athlete, and proficient in possession, while his tendency to appear in goal-scoring situations is a considerable advantage. Nevertheless, he slips slightly in these rankings to accommodate a returning star player and a striker whose prominence is growing.
5. Cole Palmer (New Entry!)
This has not been an exceptional season for Palmer. After commanding attention in last summer’s Club World Cup final, expectations were high for him to reach new heights. However, by his own admission, he was not fully fit until early March. Despite this, he has still managed to contribute 13 goals or assists across all competitions, alongside delivering some superb individual performances against teams like Napoli and Aston Villa.
Palmer re-enters the rankings at fifth place after being absent from November’s edition due due to injury. For some, this might seem too low – he is, after all, arguably the Blues’ most outstanding player when performing at his best – but he has not consistently reached those levels for a considerable period, and his contributions to this campaign have been significantly less than in four previous ones.
4. João Pedro (+1)
João Pedro is experiencing the finest season of his career, largely thanks to one straightforward yet monumental improvement: he is now scoring an abundance of goals. The Brazilian forward has always possessed immense talent – his highly technical approach to the No. 9 role evokes comparisons to Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in his prime – but historically, his end product has been wanting.
He typically averaged around 10 goals per season during his tenure in England with Watford and Brighton; that is no longer the case, as he has now scored and assisted 24 times across all competitions, by far the most of any Chelsea player.
3. Enzo Fernández (=)
No Chelsea player has accumulated more minutes than Fernández (3,661) in all competitions. His resilience, adaptability, and overall quality ensure his constant presence in the squad. Indeed, he has participated in over 100 matches for both club and country in the past two years – a remarkable, albeit somewhat concerning, statistic.
Both Maresca and Rosenior have felt comfortable utilizing him in a diverse range of roles.
of midfield roles — from safeguarding the backline to penetrating the penalty area as a No. 10 (and encompassing all points between). This breadth of experience has instinctively prompted him to roam wherever the game unfolds, generating the perception that he is omnipresent. His 18 goals and assists have, furthermore, substantiated all these points with vital attacking output.
2. Moisés Caicedo (-1)
This season, Caicedo’s performance has shown some variability, as he has contended with a good deal of upheaval, shifting circumstances, and other players’ injuries. Nevertheless, he remains an indispensable asset for Chelsea, assuredly being among the initial selections for the squad list.
Despite undertaking an immense workload in central midfield, he is seldom absent from matches and infrequently sidelined by injury. He stands among the league’s elite at neutralizing threats – with his total of 94 tackles and interceptions surpassed exclusively by Everton’s James Garner’s 103 – concurrently, his distribution from deeper positions often escapes notice. Given that this Premier League campaign has been profoundly defined by its strenuousness and vigor, it is precisely where Caicedo truly thrives.
1. Reece James (+1)
This month, James inked a fresh six-year deal with Chelsea. In their announcement, the club declared: “He serves as this team’s pacesetter, both on and off the field of play.” This assertion is unquestionably accurate. The Blues’ display reaches its maximum output whenever James is present on the pitch, not merely because he contributes prodigious comprehensive talent to each stage of the game, but also because he can seamlessly transition between strategic positions, thus enabling the squad to demonstrate exceptional adaptability in their approach.
Regrettably, he has now suffered yet another hamstring injury – his tenth in a career spanning thus far – and Chelsea could presently be gripped by apprehension regarding how they will manage an interval deprived of their captain, vital pulse, and decisive element.
2:14
Laurens certain Mohamed Salah will not remain at Liverpool for the upcoming campaign
Julien Laurens believes Mohamed Salah is set to depart Liverpool one year prior to his deal’s conclusion, following a subpar season.
LIVERPOOL
This campaign has diverged greatly from Liverpool’s expectations. A substantial summer outlay approaching £450 million has not yielded commensurate displays or outcomes; indeed, the reigning titleholders have lagged behind the leading contenders and established a new Premier League benchmark for goals conceded during added time (on five occasions, with the tally rising). Confidence at Anfield in manager Arne Slot is diminishing, and iconic club figures are losing prominence. The consolation, however, lies in their retained prospect of achieving cup success, either through the FA Cup or the Champions League competition. Approaching this decisive juncture, what is the standing of their roster?
MISSED THE CUT: Excluded from the leading fifteen are the British transfer record striker Alexander Isak and reserve shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, as they simply fail to reach the requisite playing time benchmark (900 minutes). Furthermore, neither Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, nor the 16-year-old wide player Rio Ngumoha have accumulated sufficient playtime to be included.
15. Andy Robertson (-3)
Robertson’s tenure at Liverpool appears to be nearing its conclusion. The Scotland defender’s display standards have declined, and he has taken on a secondary function behind left-back Milos Kerkez. Moreover, the circumstance that he was quite near to transferring to Tottenham Hotspur in January unquestionably suggests that all involved acknowledge the imminent conclusion.
14. Jeremie Frimpong (New!)
Acquired to succeed Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back – though in a markedly distinct manner, considering their vastly divergent playing approaches – Frimpong has found it challenging to establish himself in his inaugural season at Liverpool, primarily due to various ailments. Glimpses of the attributes that resulted in 44 assists and 30 goals for him across 190 games at Leverkusen have been evident, such as his blistering pace, wing-hugging forays, and incisive crosses. However, these have not been sufficient to secure him a permanent spot in Liverpool’s starting lineup, nor within the top 10 of this compilation.
13. Conor Bradley (-2)
Injury represents Bradley’s primary adversary. In recent years, he has repeatedly displayed immense promise, yet a succession of physical setbacks has consistently impeded his progress.
His most recent setback – a severe knee ailment suffered in January – occurred precisely as he was solidifying his claim to the right-back position, having delivered an outstanding individual performance against Real Madrid’s VinÃcius Jr. in the Champions League. Bradley will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign; however, he has accumulated sufficient playing time (approximately 1,200 minutes) to be eligible for this ranking. Furthermore, one can justifiably state that when healthy, he is the club’s preferred option at right-back.
12. Curtis Jones (New!)
Jones has commenced only 19 matches across all competitions thus far this campaign, a remarkably modest count. Arne Slot seldom heavily rotates his squad, and as a result, the midfielder – who can also deputize at right-back – has frequently found himself relegated to the periphery, causing considerable supporter displeasure.
11. Cody Gakpo (-2)
Gakpo ranks among Slot’s preferred players. He regularly earns selection on the left wing, occupying a role that aligns with his physical capabilities and tendency to drift infield for attempts on goal. However, troublingly, the Netherlands international’s performance has sharply declined in recent months. He has registered just one involvement in goals across his past 14 games in all competitions, and a genuine apprehension exists among supporters that his unwavering inclusion in the starting lineup, irrespective of this, is obstructing opportunities for emerging prospects such as Ngumoha.
10. Mohamed Salah (-4)
Mohamed Salah, the esteemed player, positioned in tenth place in these rankings… it is quite remarkable to absorb, isn’t it? Yet, there exists no unassailable argument for him to be ranked any higher. Salah has contended with a dip in performance throughout the campaign, to the point such that Slot conceded his removal from the starting lineup was necessary on several occasions. While the initial instance sparked a disagreement between the player and the club, the Egypt forward now calmly endures it.
From his Premier League debut, Salah has always netted a minimum of 18 goals in a single season, a figure he has surpassed 25 times on multiple occasions. This campaign, however, his tally stands at five, with only one of those registered in the year 2026.
It was therefore not truly unexpected to see the Egypt international declare this week that the 2025-26 season would be his final one with the club. Conceivably, the juncture of this announcement could foster positive sentiment and impetus, which might then ignite a powerful conclusion to his period at Anfield.
9. Milos Kerkez (+5)
Kerkez’s performances are exhibiting a hopeful, ascending path. His unfavorable beginning to his tenure at Liverpool was attributable equally to Slot and himself, as he was deployed inappropriately in a strategic position unsuited to his abilities. Now, he is leveraging his core competencies and fostering self-assurance, having taken over the primary left-back position from Robertson. The Hungary defender was exceptionally strong in the home fixture against Galatasaray and also found the net against Brighton last weekend.
8. Alexis Mac Allister (=)
Truly, what
What has transpired with Mac Allister? This query has been on practically every person’s mind throughout the entire season. The Argentine midfielder currently appears as a mere semblance of his 2024-25 form; his rapid, seamless ball exchanges have disappeared, as has his off-ball drive. His decline has significantly contributed to the Reds’ midfield difficulties this campaign, yet Slot has not truly explored alternative strategies, despite the World Cup champion having logged the fifth-highest minute count among all players at the club.
7. Ryan Gravenberch (-4)
Gravenberch descends from the top five in this assessment, reflecting a general dip in his performance. However, some empathy for his situation is warranted, as for the second consecutive season, he is poised to exceed the 4,000-minute mark while fulfilling a demanding role in a midfield unit that has largely underperformed.
Over the preceding 18 months, Gravenberch’s most notable contributions have typically occurred when he surges forward with the ball, initiates a swift exchange, and potentially takes a shot. For the upcoming season, Liverpool must devise a method to facilitate more of these instances.
6. Florian Wirtz (+4)
Wirtz experienced a hesitant beginning to his Premier League tenure – he managed only two goal involvements across all competitions before the Christmas period – but circumstances are now beginning to align. While he remains far from justifying his exorbitant initial price tag of £100 million, there is a clear fluidity to his game, his partnership with Hugo Ekitiké is flourishing, and he executes a great deal of valuable work in and around the opponent’s penalty area.
It is difficult for anyone to truly label this season a triumph for the German midfielder, but the foundational elements might be established for an outstanding 2026-27 campaign.
5. Ibrahima Konaté (+2)
Konaté endured an exceptionally challenging initial half of the season (professionally, making several costly errors) and the Christmas period (personally, following his father’s passing), but he has now discovered his rhythm at a crucial juncture for Liverpool. His goal upon his return in January’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle United was an immensely poignant occasion, as his teammates surrounded him in celebration, demonstrating genuine solidarity. He has appeared formidable ever since.
4. Alisson (+1)
Liverpool’s defensive line has been uncharacteristically permeable this season; they have conceded 42 goals in 31 matches this term, having allowed only 41 in each of the previous two campaigns in total. This has kept goalkeeper Alisson exceptionally busy between the posts, and while he has experienced fluctuations in form (alongside his customary injuries to contend with), he has made it clearer than ever that even elite squads require a high-calibre goalkeeper to rescue them.
The Brazil international particularly excels in one-on-one scenarios; he has thwarted strikers bearing down on goal six times across all competitions this season. Consequently, the club activated his contract extension.
3. Hugo Ekitiké (+1)
Ekitiké stands as the club’s sole summer recruit who can legitimately claim to have performed commendably throughout the entire season thus far. He is on pace to surpass the 20-goal milestone in all competitions (currently at 15) and has enjoyed periods where he appears unstoppable in front of goal.
There have also been instances of subpar shooting performances, but the France international is the kind of attacker who offers value beyond just goals – his link-up play is strong, and his dribbling prowess draws defenders toward him, subsequently creating openings for others.
The overarching query regarding the role he will assume once Isak regains fitness persists, but, in a tumultuous season, Ekitiké has certainly fulfilled his obligations.
2. Virgil van Dijk (-1)
This season has provided a couple of indications that Van Dijk might finally be experiencing a decline. This is to be expected given he will turn 35 in July, and it is crucial to note that his slight dip in performance is very low on the list of Liverpool’s concerns.
By and large, he has maintained his customary reliable presence at the heart of the defense, issuing commands and consistently winning aerial duels, while also proving highly effective attacking set pieces, hence his eight goal involvements so far. He has started 44 matches this season, once again affirming his remarkable resilience, and Slot will undoubtedly be grateful to still count on the veteran.
1. Dominik Szoboszlai (+1)
Selecting between Szoboszlai and Van Dijk for the top spot in October’s edition was an extremely tight decision. This time? Not so much.
The versatile Hungarian midfielder has unquestionably been the Reds’ most outstanding performer this season. He, at the very least, can maintain his pride at a time when certain sections of Anfield have been jeering the team off the pitch, and he boasts 19 goal contributions this season, despite being compelled to operate in a variety of different roles, including right-back.
Szoboszlai has been magnificent in all of them, has repeatedly rescued the team with some astonishing free-kick goals and set-piece brilliance, and has clearly developed into a standard-setting, pivotal figure in this squad.
Where would they be without him? For Liverpool supporters, it’s a daunting prospect.
0:47
Michallik: This was the old version of Man City vs. Arsenal
ESPN FC’s Janusz Michallik reacts to Manchester City beating Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final.
MANCHESTER CITY
Ordinarily, a team that has been contending at the pinnacle of the league table all season, secured the Carabao Cup, and has not changed managers should appear quite stable – especially if that side is managed by Pep Guardiola. However, this season has been turbulent for Manchester City, who have adjusted their tactical approach multiple times, brought in new players in January to introduce variety, and witnessed fluctuations in their form. This made these evaluations exceptionally challenging; from one week to the next, it seems Guardiola introduces another significant (and different) concept.
MISSED THE CUT: An astonishing five players are absent from the previous iteration. Three of these were straightforward decisions – Oscar Bobb has departed the club, defender John Stones seems destined to leave after struggling with injuries, and winger Savinho rarely features – but two were truly agonizing exclusions: Nico González and Tijjani Reijnders.
With Nico, it is an all-or-nothing situation; either he is indispensable, participating in every match, or he is entirely overlooked. And since Rodri’s return to fitness and form, his playing time has been minimal. Reijnders, meanwhile, commenced the season impressively, but has gradually slipped out of the starting XI as Guardiola has modified his formation (and incorporated an important January acquisition.) Also not making the list is the striker signed for £59 million, Omar Marmoush, who does not meet the minimum minutes threshold.
15. Rayan Aït-Nouri (New!)
It has been a fragmented season for Aït-Nouri, who required some time to adapt to City’s playing style and journeyed to represent Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations for a period over the winter. But since the beginning of February, it truly feels as though the left-back has found his stride. Nico O’Reilly’s transition into midfield has afforded him an opportunity, and he has
certainly embraced the moment.
14. Abdukodir Khusanov (Fresh Face!)
Khusanov is by no means a guaranteed selection for the starting eleven, yet he is undeniably creating significant competition for both Matheus Nunes (at the right defensive flank) and Rúben Dias (in the central defensive position) for a place in the squad. The Uzbekistan international is progressively accumulating experience at the elite echelon and appears to be emerging as City’s latest Kyle Walker: the incredibly swift recovery defender capable of rescuing the squad when faced with counter-attacks. Consequently, he is frequently favored in “crucial” matches and was given the nod in the Carabao Cup final, where his performance was outstanding.
13. Josko Gvardiol (-12)
Gvardiol has been sidelined since January due to a fractured leg, but there’s a possibility he might participate in games again before the season concludes. This makes ranking him challenging, as up until that unfortunate event, he was in exceptional form and had unequivocally established himself as one of Guardiola’s pivotal players. His descent on this compilation is not a penalty for what transpired, but rather a greater reflection of the circumstances in 2026: the Croatian defender’s prolonged absence compelled City to enter the transfer market to acquire Marc Guéhi and granted Khusanov additional playing time — as a consequence, the club now possesses more depth in his role.
12. Matheus Nunes (=)
Nunes has endured a challenging period at City, but this campaign he has finally begun to feel like a proper right-back — a role he was thrust into from central midfield out of sheer necessity a couple of years prior. Every facet of his wide play has seen betterment, ranging from one-on-one defending, to tactical awareness, to crosses into the penalty area. Thus, he maintains his standing in this assessment.
11. Phil Foden (-8)
Back in November, Foden was on an upward trajectory; he had rebounded from a lackluster 2024-25 season and once again appeared as a vibrant, inventive force from central midfield. Regrettably, as we observe another snapshot this March, the England international’s value is once more declining. Guardiola has frequently opted for more physically robust choices in the lineup, and when he does select a playmaker, summer acquisition Rayan Cherki seems to have an advantage over Foden. This leaves him on the periphery more than anyone anticipated.
10. Rayan Cherki (Fresh Face!)
It’s difficult to shake the impression that Cherki has been underutilized in his inaugural season at City. Certainly, injuries account for some of his non-appearances, but there have been instances when Guardiola simply prioritized other players. This can occasionally be hard to comprehend, as Cherki is an inventive presence when he is on the pitch. Only Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has engineered more significant opportunities than Cherki (15) has, while Fernandes is also the sole player who can surpass his Expected Assists (xA) total (6.62).
9. Jérémy Doku (-2)
Doku is experiencing his most successful season ever with City. The elusive winger is not an automatic inclusion in the starting XI, but he has enjoyed some excellent spells of form and can genuinely alter the course of a match coming off the bench. With 12 goals and assists to his credit across all competitions, it’s evident that some much-needed final product is beginning to manifest in his play. Most impressive of all is the significant improvement he has shown in his passing — especially when executing through balls.
8. Marc Guéhi (Fresh Face!)
Acquired from Crystal Palace during a moment of defensive emergency in January — as City had simultaneously lost Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injuries in the same fixture — Guéhi has performed an exceptional task in stabilizing the team. He has convincingly addressed some crucial questions that lingered concerning him — could he ascend to the very highest echelon? Would he appear as proficient in a back four as he did in Palace’s back three? — with remarkable skill. By his own admission, he has “had to completely adjust; entirely transform my game.” And he has succeeded.
7. Antoine Semenyo (Fresh Face!)
Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth in January for £62.5 million and promptly assumed a vital role in this team on the wing. He netted 10 goals for Bournemouth during the initial half of the season and has added seven more since his relocation north. Do not undervalue how challenging that is to achieve; making a seamless transition from a very modest environment to one of the grandest is an extraordinary accomplishment. Guardiola has embraced the more physical characteristics of the Premier League this season, and the signing of Semenyo perfectly epitomizes that progression.
6. Nico O’Reilly (+3)
O’Reilly’s phenomenal ascent persists. He seldom misses a match, operates in a variety of different positions, holds Guardiola’s confidence, and the team generally performs better when he is in the starting lineup. Since the commencement of the previous season, the left-back/midfield hybrid has started 49 games across all competitions and recorded an astonishing 71% win rate. His pair of goals in the Carabao Cup final last weekend, guiding City to a 2-0 triumph over Arsenal at Wembley, infused a heartwarming, locally-developed element to a significant occasion.
5. Rúben Dias (-1)
The competition for places at center-back remains fierce at City, but Dias invariably secures his spot in the starting XI — particularly for major encounters — owing to a couple of crucial attributes. He is an unmistakable, assertive leader at the back and a formidable defender within the penalty area, frequently delivering critical blocks and headers at decisive moments. He will need to rely on those characteristics more intensely than ever over the forthcoming year or so, however, as Gvardiol will return from injury, Guéhi has impressed, and Khusanov is advancing.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (+6)
Last summer, Donnarumma’s £25 million transfer from PSG generated considerable discussion. The query was posed: Why would Guardiola recruit a goalkeeper who wasn’t overtly comfortable with the ball at his feet? The explanation became apparent over time. This City squad has been reconfigured into a physically imposing, powerful collective — yielding to the prevailing trend of the current Premier League — and is no longer constructed upon ball control.
This signifies that Donnarumma’s frailties are merely a minor concern, and his principal strength — astonishing shot-stopping — can radiate and aid the team, as he has demonstrated on numerous occasions.
3. Bernardo Silva (+3)
Each instance you might perceive Silva’s significance to this City team as slightly diminishing, he responds with a fresh answer.
He has undertaken so many distinct roles throughout the years it’s impossible to track, and presently he is firmly established as a central midfielder alongside Rodri. At the age of 31, he still moves around the pitch with an unyielding fervor, furthermore, his technical abilities, tactical comprehension, and leadership qualities remain vital. City will feel his absence if he decides to depart at the conclusion of his contract this summer.
2. Rodri (+12)
Rodri is back — and City supporters could not be more appreciative. Although Nico (and a combination of others) performed admirably at times, there truly is nothing comparable to the genuine article. It has taken the Spain international a full 18 months to regain his form following an ACL tear at the commencement of the 2024-25 season. But now that he is fully up to speed, he once again commands Guardiola’s complete confidence, sweeping across midfield and executing every task to the highest standard.
His game awareness, passing selection, and knack for a tackle consistently garner commendation, but here is something a little more astonishing: He boasts one of the most favorable aerial duel success rates (77.8%) of any outfield player in the league, narrowly surpassing Liverpool’s defensive titan Virgil van Dijk (75.8%) and falling just short of Man United’s Harry Maguire (78.3%).
1 Erling Haaland (=)
Rodri’s re-emergence hints at an intriguing discourse in the future regarding who Manchester City’s most crucial player is, but for the present, let’s
With the midfielder only just back to peak performance and physical condition, Haaland maintains the top position in this assessment.
Indeed, the Norway forward has 37 goal involvements across all tournaments — an frankly astounding total that exceeds every other Premier League footballer by no less than a dozen. However, it’s worth mentioning that he’s currently undergoing a period of reduced scoring — he has found the net in just one of his last seven appearances — but when evaluating the season as a whole, Haaland merits keeping his leading position.
1:51
Hislop: Carrick deserves credit for his impact at Man United
Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop praise Michael Carrick’s impact since returning to Manchester United.
MANCHESTER UNITED
It has been a challenging initial portion of the season for Manchester United, as the club slipped considerably from contention for a top-five position and were eliminated from both cup competitions at the earliest stage, before they sacked Rúben Amorim from his managerial role and appointed previous player Michael Carrick as his successor. But that move seems to have reinvigorated them, as the temporary manager has achieved continuous victories, eliciting peak performance from a formidable offensive line and re-establishing the squad’s self-assurance with remarkable impact. These developments are mirrored in the most recent standings.
MISSED THE CUT: Absent from October’s list are midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount. The former currently plays a negligible role, while the latter has once again been plagued by fitness issues. Young defender Ayden Heaven has shown potential this season but is by no means a key figure at this stage, while full-back Noussair Mazraoui has only commenced seven Premier League matches this season owing to fitness problems, and striker Joshua Zirkzee is infrequently utilized.
15. Patrick Dorgu (-1)
One might wonder what Dorgu’s season could have held. He had begun to perform exceptionally well during the festive season, making a strong impression as a left wing-back under Amorim and then as a winger under Carrick, before an injury intervened. Since early January, he has been absent, and consequently, he has not genuinely established a consistent position within the new manager’s system.
14. Leny Yoro (-6)
To date this season, Yoro has commenced merely 18 matches across all tournaments; five of these starts occurred in the previous month, as he deputized for numerous injured or suspended teammates. This essentially defines his current standing within this pecking order. He continues to be a promising prospect still developing: Agile on the field, possessing lengthy limbs capable of intercepting passes, yet he tends to be overly passive in direct confrontations and exhibits a degree of immaturity.
13. Matthijs de Ligt (-9)
De Ligt could potentially be United’s premier central defender… assuming he’s in good physical condition. He was formidable throughout the initial phase of the season, but due to injury, he has not featured in any match since Carrick took charge. In principle, he holds significance for the present iteration of this squad, but certainty eludes us. Concurrently, several of his teammates have achieved excellent performance levels.
12. Kobbie Mainoo (New!)
Mainoo has accumulated 1,113 minutes in the Premier League this campaign; 901 of those have been recorded since the start of 2026, following Carrick’s appointment as Amorim’s successor. This central midfielder ranks as United’s sixth most frequently deployed player during that period, transitioning from a loan candidate to an indispensable component of the team. Demonstrating an impressive ability to swiftly regain his sharpness, he is currently re-affirming his astute ball-handling capabilities to everyone.
11. Lisandro MartÃnez (New!)
MartÃnez features in the lineup whenever he is healthy. The challenge, however, is that the last year or so has seemed like an unending string of injury woes. He was sidelined for the majority of 2025 due to an ACL injury, rejoined the squad towards the year’s conclusion, yet by February 2026, he incurred a calf strain, compelling him to sit out five matches and counting. The Argentine international is an aggressive defender and a superb distributor from the defense, but he appears unable to escape persistent fitness setbacks.
10. Casemiro (+1)
Casemiro’s tenure at United has exemplified a period of mixed fortunes. His inaugural season in 2022-23 was outstanding, but by 2024, Jamie Carragher notably remarked “depart the sport before the sport departs you” to the visibly waning Brazilian midfielder.
At 34 years old in 2026, his performance has recovered — undoubtedly aided by Carrick employing a more conventional midfield formation — and his declaration of departure at season’s end was met with a degree of melancholy. While Casemiro might be significantly beyond his prime, he nonetheless maintains a formidable presence in both penalty areas — his aerial clearances defensively are vital, and he has netted the highest number of set-piece goals (six) in the league this campaign.
9. Harry Maguire (+3)
Maguire has commenced every match United has played under Carrick’s management thus far. Considering he has been on the brink of departing Old Trafford multiple times in recent years, this represents a considerable reversal of fortune. However, at 33, reports suggest he is now nearer to securing a further contract renewal than an exit. Nevertheless, that sequence of starts will conclude in April, as his dismissal against Bournemouth will compel him to miss the subsequent match against Leeds United. Yet, his influential presence in both penalty areas will be felt as an absence.
8. Benjamin Sesko (+1)
Athletes typically dislike the moniker “super sub,” but Sesko’s significant goal-scoring contributions when introduced from the bench during February and March have emphasized his capacity to alter the dynamic of a match. The towering 6-foot-6 Slovenian international has netted five times since Carrick assumed command, with no other player achieving more than three. His subsequent challenge is to demonstrate his capability as a regular starter. It has been a fluctuating inaugural season, yet there remains ample scope for his development.
7. Diogo Dalot (+3)
Only Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Bruno Fernandes have commenced more fixtures for Manchester United this season than Dalot, highlighting his enduring readiness for selection. He is a diligent full-back who adheres to his defensive responsibilities, concurrently executing astute forays into offensive zones. Nonetheless, he encounters difficulties with his final delivery: He has only four goal involvements this campaign and frequently squanders promising opportunities.
6. Amad Diallo (=)
Diallo represented one of the scarce positive aspects for United during Amorim’s tenure. His usage as a wing-back frequently appeared incongruous, yet it provided him abundant room to advance and considerable liberty to initiate attacks as he desired. The Ivory Coast international experienced a slight dip in impetus since the festive period, as the managerial alteration brought a tactical shift, impacting Diallo’s position. However, upon observing him, it becomes strikingly evident that he is typically among the most inventive and threatening players on the field.
5. Senne Lammens (+2)
This season, there has been an absence of any goalkeeping turmoil at Old Trafford, which serves as an indicator that Lammens has performed exceptionally
a robust inaugural season for United. He has excelled in two specific areas. Firstly, he has demonstrated excellent shot-stopping – a seemingly fundamental skill, yet one that past United goalkeepers frequently found challenging – and, as per Opta’s sophisticated metrics, the Belgian national has averted 5.21 goals this term, judging by the caliber of attempts he has confronted, ranking third overall in the division.
Secondly, he has skillfully gathered crosses and corner kicks. This action eases strain on the backline and averts chaotic goals stemming from rebounds and deflections – a sight the Old Trafford faithful had grown accustomed to witnessing.
4. Luke Shaw (+1)
Consider this fact, which may utterly astonish you: Shaw – indeed, the player who saw little action between 2023-2025 due to persistent ailments – has accumulated more playing time (2,626 minutes) for United this campaign than any other individual. And what a remarkable transformation that signifies for the 30-year-old. Amorim employed him as a creative left central defender during MartÃnez’s injury absence; Carrick has reinstated him to his customary left-back position, and he has demonstrated the physical conditioning and resilience essential for the part.
3. Bryan Mbeumo (-1)
Mbeumo is presently commencing numerous matches in the forward line, as Carrick appreciates his capacity to provide pace in behind, while also fluidly interchanging and rotating with United’s other attackers. Perhaps next season, should Sesko completely settle into the primary striker position, the Cameroonian attacker might revert to what is likely his most favored role: operating on the right flank and drifting inward onto his left foot. But for now, this is Carrick’s chosen method for integrating Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Amad into the squad concurrently – and its efficacy is evident.
He descends one position in these standings, indicating he has encountered a period of inconsistent performance, but he’s nevertheless an undisputed starter when in peak condition.
2. Matheus Cunha (+1)
It’s progressively evident that Cunha stands as United’s second-most proficient player. His output statistics may be considerably lower than those of the previous season – in 2024-25 he achieved 21 league goal involvements for Wolves, whereas in 2025-26 he’s presently at nine – but this largely stems from the reality that he is not obligated to be the star performer week in, week out for this squad.
Displays akin to his showing against Aston Villa highlight his vast, varied attributes in the attacking third. He is a prominent forward who operates with assurance and distinct character.
1. Bruno Fernandes (=)
The narrative remains consistent. This is the sixth iteration of these Most Valuable Player evaluations, and Fernandes has comfortably topped United’s list – by a significant margin – in each instance.
The Portugal midfielder is an inventive genius, leading all Premier League footballers in assists (16), opportunities crafted (101), Expected Assists (9.08), and chances generated from dead-ball situations (35). And he achieved this notwithstanding spending a significant portion of the season deployed in a more withdrawn position by Amorim. That choice was unmistakably a substantial misjudgment, as Carrick promptly liberated him into the advanced midfield role, and he utilized the entirety of the Manchester derby in mid-January to reassert his extraordinary capabilities to the global audience.
We have now reached a point where murmurs regarding a potential Player of the Season accolade are intensifying. Should he surpass the Premier League’s single-season assist record (20, jointly held by Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry), he could emerge as the unequivocal choice.
0:54
Robson: Tottenham should sack Tudor after loss to Nottingham Forest
Gab Marcotti and Stewart Robson discuss Tottenham’s 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
TOTTENHAM
The club is currently in disarray. They have failed to secure a league victory throughout 2026, dismissed Thomas Frank, appointing Igor Tudor as his successor (who might also face termination), and subsequent to their 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Spurs confront the clear prospect of relegation from the Premier League. Their supporters are enduring a torment, hence anticipate the tenor of this evaluation to mirror this sentiment.
MISSED THE CUT: Four individuals are omitted from these standings. Brennan Johnson departed in January, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been absent since early January due to an ailment, winger Wilson Odobert sustained an ACL tear in February, and midfielder Lucas Bergvall has only recently returned from a severe injury of his own. Meanwhile, defender Radu Dragusin and midfielder Yves Bissouma have not accumulated sufficient playing time to be included in the top 15, while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain long-term non-participants due to injuries.
An allowance might be considered for midfielder Conor Gallagher, who arrived solely during the winter transfer period, yet he has scarcely made any impact on this team regardless. Finally, loaned forward Randal Kolo Muani might contend that his exclusion is severe, but one significant player had to be sidelined, and he has simply failed to achieve much this season.
15. Kevin Danso (New!)
Let’s commence with the positive tidings, shall we? Danso’s performance has been adequate. The defender exemplifies the perfect reserve player: He participates when requested, refrains from complaint when benched, and acknowledges his subordinate position to more skilled players within the hierarchy.
14. João Palhinha (-10)
Palhinha proved vital for Spurs under Frank, who developed an appreciation for his defensive prowess in the midfield – he boasts 80 combined tackles and interceptions this campaign, placing him eighth highest in the league. However, under Tudor, he has fallen out of midfield consideration and was even required to temporarily fill in as a central defender. This implies he is no longer indispensable to the team’s objectives.
13. Mathys Tel (New!)
Tel has emerged as a significant beneficiary of Tottenham’s managerial alteration, as Tudor has demonstrated a readiness to confide in the French attacker, a stark contrast to Frank’s evident reluctance. He has participated for 398 minutes since Tudor’s arrival merely a month ago, constituting 32% of his overall season’s playtime. He has displayed audacity with the ball and an eagerness to endeavor to create opportunities, qualities his new manager distinctly values, even when outcomes haven’t consistently materialized.
12. Destiny Udogie (-6)
His inherent skill is undeniable; it has never been disputed, but the 2025-26 season has proven to be another injury-plagued period for the left-back. It is challenging to regard Udogie as a crucial player for Spurs at this juncture, given his frequent struggles to attain peak performance.
11. Dominic Solanke (New!)
Solanke narrowly surpassed the requisite minute count following his start against Nottingham Forest. The forward’s extended unavailability this season due to injury has adversely affected this squad, as he is the most instinctive central striker and goal-scorer at the club, yet has only managed three goals.
10. Xavi Simons (-3)
This placement might seem modest for Simons, but a significant disparity exists between his potential contribution to Spurs and his actual performance to date. The offensive midfielder commenced the season weakly, encountering difficulties in influencing matches and matching the required vigor, then, precisely as it appeared he was finding his rhythm in February, Spurs underwent a managerial change, and Tudor has given him a starting berth in only one of the last five fixtures. There remains an opportunity for him to demonstrate his worth as a successful acquisition (assuming Spurs avoid relegation),
but five scoring involvements in the league does not justify the £52 million expenditure.
9. Micky van de Ven (-7)
It’s been a challenging recent period for Van de Ven, who has committed some disastrous blunders and was shown a red card against Palace in early March for an ill-fated tackle, while concerns have surfaced over his overall contentment at the club. He commenced the match against Forest at left-back, subsequently being substituted at half-time due to a tactical adjustment.
What exactly is occurring? He is widely regarded as one of Tottenham’s finest and most pivotal players.
8. Guglielmo Vicario (=)
At his peak, Vicario can be formidable. The goalkeeper’s primary challenge lies in his steadfastness, and the manner in which he oscillates between superb and subpar has prompted some to question whether he ought to be benched. Ultimately, the answer to that inquiry proved negative. Tudor attempted it, and that unfolded in the most unfavorable manner imaginable — as poor AntonÃn Kinsky’s woeful evening against Atletico Madrid will remain indelible — so the Italian can confidently be regarded as the No. 1 again.
7. Djed Spence (+3)
Spence is Tottenham’s fourth most frequently deployed player this season, which is quite telling. It’s highly improbable the club anticipated utilizing him to such an extent, considering Pedro Porro and Udogie are the ostensibly preferred full-back duo, but Spence’s readiness became a formidable asset within a team plagued by numerous injuries, while his diligent disposition has gained the affection of both supporters and coaches.
6. Mohammed Kudus (-4)
Kudus has been absent since January owing to an ailment, and his void is profoundly felt by this squad. The Ghana forward boasts the highest victory percentage (37.5%) of any Spurs player to commence 20-plus games this season. Frank relied extensively on his dribbling and delivery maneuver, but Tudor hasn’t been afforded the opportunity to do likewise. It’s challenging to determine the extent of his significance to the latter at this juncture, but he does not decline significantly in this ranking because, candidly, few other players merit a higher position.
5. Pape Matar Sarr (+4)
Commencing with Sarr, we initiate a recurring motif: The subsequent individuals do not conceal themselves or evade their duties, and have striven to confront the predicament Spurs are in unequivocally.
The Senegal midfielder invests immense effort and passion into his performances, perpetually endeavoring to inject velocity into the game, and often makes runs off the ball to carve out room.
4. Pedro Porro (+2)
Porro has been far from his peak form, but is exerting maximum effort to extricate Tottenham from their predicament this season. The right-back is expectant of his fellow players, courageous amidst impending failure, and can contribute crucial attributes such as forward-thinking distribution and dead-ball service.
3. Richarlison (+9)
No player embodies the essence of these dynamic standings more perfectly than Richarlison. Prior to this point, he had not previously placed above 12th and has regularly been omitted from the top 15 altogether … but now he’s indispensable. What, then, transpired differently?
To put it plainly, if you’re contending with demotion, the Brazil striker is precisely the type of individual one desires. He has transformed from a secondary consideration in fans’ minds to one of the initial selections on the roster, as he’ll compete fiercely and relentlessly for possession. If that doesn’t sound like an especially stringent criterion to attain a high position in this context, that’s because, indeed, it is not.
2. Archie Gray (New!)
Hardly any — if any at all — Spurs players have garnered greater admiration in recent weeks than Gray, who has carried a colossal responsibility during challenging periods. Merely in the preceding month he has featured as a left-sided defender, right-sided defender, central operator, and flank midfielder; at times within a defensive quartet, at others within a defensive trio. For a player who recently reached two decades of age to possess the versatility to accomplish all these tasks, in such a demanding environment, is an extraordinary accomplishment.
In moments of adversity, one needs players who come to the fore and invest their full effort and dedication. Gray is the quintessential illustration of that, rendered even more commendable given his tender years.
1. Cristian Romero (=)
Romero epitomizes Tottenham’s turbulent season: The center-back possesses too much quality to be entangled in a struggle against demotion, to be accumulating numerous dismissals, or to be participating in various social media outbursts at the club — yet, nonetheless, here we find ourselves.
The Argentina international is frequently disparaged by impartial observers, but Spurs fans justifiably assert that he has profound talent when properly directed. He is this team’s most indispensable member of the squad, as he’s their finest deep-lying distributor, their leader and skipper of the backline and, astonishingly, only three players have more scoring involvements in every tournament than his eight. He also has the second highest victory percentage (36.7%) surpassed only by Kudus.