Lineker names his top Premier League player of the season

March 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

Gary Lineker believes Bruno Fernandes has been the Premier League’s most influential player this season, even as Arsenal’s Declan Rice continues to strengthen his case amid the title run-in.

In comments made this week on The Rest Is Football podcast, the former England striker said the Manchester United captain’s movement and decision-making set him apart from his rivals for the individual honour.

"When Bruno Fernandes gets a grip of that game… You talk about spaces, and where he goes, he’s so clever. When he crosses, he goes sort of inside-left channel. He doesn’t just go in the middle, he sees where everyone is, he always uses his full-back or his winger and then they play back to him where he’s got that time to cross.

"If you actually look at his positioning, he’s always scanning about, where the best places are to be, where he can affect the game."

Fernandes has again been central to United’s attacking output, contributing goals and assists while frequently drifting between central and wide areas to create overloads. Even during a difficult spell under manager Ruben Amorim, he remained the side’s primary creative outlet and on-field organiser.

"You see him on the left wing, you see him on the right wing… what a brain! I think he’s the player of the season for me. I know they’ll probably give it to someone that’s going to win something."

Individual awards often lean toward players from the title-winning team, which has fueled growing support for Rice as Arsenal chase the Premier League crown.

Mikel Arteta’s side restored a five-point lead at the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a result that underlined Rice’s importance. He assisted Jurrien Timber’s decisive goal and repeatedly disrupted Chelsea’s counterattacks. Across 39 matches in all competitions, the England midfielder has produced four goals and 11 assists, numbers that reflect both his defensive discipline and expanding attacking influence.

Lineker acknowledged Rice’s credentials and suggested the destination of the title could ultimately shape the vote. He also pointed to a familiar name in Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

"For me, it’s probably him or maybe Declan Rice if Arsenal go on and manage to clinch the title. I suppose the only other one, if he came back and started banging in all the goals and won City the title, it might be Erling Haaland again.

"But at the moment, for me, to do what he’s (Bruno Fernandes) done this season… and he was still the standout player even when they were going through a rotten spell when they were really struggling under Ruben Amorim. I think he’s got such a great footballing brain and technique. What a player, what a player!"

With the title race entering its decisive weeks, the individual debate remains closely tied to team success. Lineker, however, has made his position clear: for sheer influence and footballing intelligence, Fernandes stands above the rest.

Sources: The Rest Is Football podcast