Premier League player ratings: The best performers so far this season

October 30, 2025 Oliver Obel

The 2025/26 Premier League season has been a thrilling showcase of talent, tactics, and transformation. New managerial eras — such as Rúben Amorim’s structured, high-pressing Manchester United and Arne Slot’s fluid, intelligent Liverpool — have reshaped the rhythm of English football. From Erling Haaland’s inevitable dominance to Sunderland’s surprising surge of standout performers, the campaign has been rich with storylines. Based on FotMob’s detailed match ratings, here are the 18 best players so far this season, ranked from number 18 to 1.

18. Robin Roefs (Sunderland) – 7.44

Robin Roefs has quietly become one of Sunderland’s standout players this season. The Dutch defender has shown exceptional maturity for his age, reading the game superbly and staying composed even under pressure. His ability to build play from the back and organize the defence has been vital for Sunderland’s stability. With two Man of the Match awards already, Roefs looks every bit a future star in English football.

17. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – 7.44

Marc Guehi’s consistency continues to make him one of the Premier League’s most dependable centre-backs. His calm presence, positioning, and leadership have helped Crystal Palace remain competitive in tight contests. He rarely makes mistakes and reads opposition attacks with precision. Two Man of the Match displays highlight his reliability and growing influence at the heart of Palace’s defence.

16. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – 7.45

Gabriel Magalhaes — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Gabriel Magalhães remains a defensive rock for Arsenal. The Brazilian’s commanding presence and physicality provide the backbone of Mikel Arteta’s back line. His aerial dominance and anticipation have been key in big games, often shutting down opposing strikers with confidence. One Man of the Match performance already underlines just how important he continues to be for the Gunners’ title ambitions.

15. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – 7.46

Iliman Ndiaye has added flair and creativity to Everton’s attacking play. The Senegalese forward has impressed with his technical ability, sharp movement, and eye for a clever pass in the final third. Even without a Man of the Match award so far, Ndiaye’s impact has been undeniable. His versatility and drive have made him a key piece in Sean Dyche’s evolving attacking setup.

14. Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 7.46

Phil Foden continues to be one of Manchester City’s most technically gifted and intelligent players. His ability to drift between lines, create chances, and dictate tempo has been central to City’s attacking rhythm. Though he hasn’t collected a Man of the Match award yet this season, his influence in crucial moments remains immense. Foden’s maturity and consistency keep him among the Premier League’s elite playmakers.

13. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – 7.47

Under Arne Slot’s system, Dominik Szoboszlai has taken his game to another level. The Hungarian midfielder combines energy, creativity, and precision in the final third, often driving Liverpool’s pressing and attacking transitions. With two Man of the Match awards, Szoboszlai has quickly adapted to Slot’s emphasis on control and vertical play. His relentless work rate and technical sharpness have made him one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.

12. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) – 7.47

Moises Caicedo — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Moisés Caicedo continues to show why he’s one of the Premier League’s most complete defensive midfielders. His ability to break up play and launch counterattacks has been vital to Chelsea’s structure. The Ecuadorian’s composure and positional discipline allow his teammates to play with freedom. With one Man of the Match performance to his name, Caicedo remains an essential figure in Chelsea’s rebuild.

11. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – 7.48

Ryan Gravenberch has found new life under Arne Slot at Liverpool. The Dutch midfielder has blended his strength and elegance with tactical maturity, thriving in Slot’s possession-heavy system. His control in midfield and ability to carry the ball forward have been crucial to Liverpool’s fluid play. A Man of the Match display earlier in the campaign showed exactly how influential he’s become in this new-look Reds side.

10. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 7.50

Bukayo Saka continues to lead Arsenal’s attack with remarkable consistency. The England international’s dribbling, decision-making, and end product remain among the very best in Europe. His one Man of the Match performance this season was a reminder of his ability to change games single-handedly. Saka’s maturity and reliability at just 24 make him the heartbeat of Arsenal’s title charge.

9. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) – 7.52

Cody Gakpo’s intelligence and composure have made him a crucial part of Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Operating across the frontline, his tactical flexibility allows him to both score and create with equal effectiveness. Gakpo’s chemistry with Szoboszlai and Salah has been a highlight of Liverpool’s attacking evolution. His Man of the Match performance earlier this season showed just how seamlessly he’s adapted to Slot’s system.

8. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) – 7.53

Jurrien Timber’s return from injury has been a major boost for Arsenal. The Dutch defender’s tactical awareness and technical precision make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s backline. His versatility allows him to excel both as a full-back and centre-half, contributing defensively and in build-up play. With one Man of the Match award already, Timber is quickly re-establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most composed defenders.

7. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) – 7.54

Granit Xhaka’s arrival at Sunderland has transformed their midfield. The Swiss veteran has brought leadership, structure, and composure to a young squad brimming with potential. His passing range and positional sense have helped Sunderland maintain control even against more experienced sides. While he hasn’t yet received a Man of the Match award, Xhaka’s influence has been immense — the true heartbeat of the team.

6. Jack Grealish (Everton) – 7.62

Jack Grealish has rediscovered his best form at Everton. Freed from the pressure of Manchester City, he’s thriving as the creative focal point under Sean Dyche. His close control, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have brought new life to Everton’s attack. With one Man of the Match award, Grealish has become the difference-maker the Toffees have long lacked — playing with the confidence and swagger that once defined him at Aston Villa.

5. Nick Pope (Newcastle United) – 7.66

Nick Pope remains a rock at the back for Newcastle. His incredible reflex saves and leadership in the box have kept Eddie Howe’s side competitive even when stretched defensively. Two Man of the Match awards highlight his importance in high-pressure situations. Pope’s consistency continues to make him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in English football.

4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 7.67

Under Rúben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes has rediscovered his rhythm and purpose. The Portuguese playmaker is once again United’s creative heartbeat, pressing aggressively and dictating attacks with sharp passing and movement. Two Man of the Match awards underline his influence in Amorim’s structured yet expressive system. Fernandes’ leadership and relentless drive have made him the symbol of United’s new era.

3. Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) – 7.68

Nordi Mukiele’s arrival at Sunderland has proven to be one of the signings of the season. The French defender’s athleticism, intelligence, and composure have brought a new level of quality to the club’s back line. His ability to defend aggressively while also contributing in build-up has been vital. Mukiele’s Man of the Match performance showcased exactly why he’s become a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light.

2. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – 7.82

Antoine Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking forces this season. His explosiveness, direct dribbling, and tireless energy have made him unplayable at times. With three Man of the Match awards, the Ghanaian has been at the centre of Bournemouth’s attacking identity. Semenyo’s confidence and drive make him one of the breakout stars of the campaign.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 8.00

Erling Haaland once again stands above the rest. The Norwegian striker continues to redefine goal scoring in the Premier League, combining sheer power with deadly efficiency. With four Man of the Match awards already, he remains Pep Guardiola’s ultimate weapon. Haaland’s hunger and consistency are unmatched — and his reign at the top of FotMob’s ratings shows no sign of ending anytime soon.