Discover our updated ranking of the Best Premier League midfielders for the 2025-26 season. We thoroughly analyzed the performance, fitness, and influence of stars like Declan Rice, Rodri, and Moises Caicedo to determine who truly dominates the English midfield. Do you agree with our elite list?
The debate in the Premier League has shifted. A year ago, the discussion centered on whether Cole Palmer had reached the stardom of Bukayo Saka; now, the conversation between rivals like Chelsea and Arsenal has moved towards their midfielders: Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.
This new narrative inspired us to create a definitive list. We won't be talking about attacking midfielders like Palmer or Wirtz, but rather the engine room players, those you can line up in a 4-3-3 without worrying about their defensive positioning. To compile this ranking of the Best Premier League midfieldersWe have considered performance and physical condition over the past two years to differentiate the elite.
10. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)
Although Liverpool failed to sign him in 2024, Martin Zubimendi has proven to be an immediate success at Arsenal. After another year at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad, the Spaniard joined the Gunners and has displayed exceptional class, sweeping up possession and keeping the game moving with astonishing ease. He is not only already a top-class midfielder in the league, but also one of the stars of the 2025-26 season, filling the void of a playmaker who progresses with the ball that Arsenal so desperately needed.
9. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
Chelsea's bold £106.8 million investment in the World Cup winner seemed reckless at first, but almost three years later, the decision is viewed more favorably. Although he initially struggled with the pace of the Premier League, Enzo no longer has that problem. While not the most technically gifted midfielder, his ability to contribute in all facets has made him a key component in Enzo Maresca's system, providing 10 league goals and eight assists since the Italian manager's arrival.
8. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
While reigning champions Liverpool are going through a rough patch, Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the few bright spots. Unlike his teammates Gravenberch and Mac Allister, the Hungarian has done everything possible to stem the team's slide, even playing at right-back when needed. With three goals and five assists in all competitions, he is doing his part while Arne Slot's side searches for solutions.
7. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
Granit Xhaka's journey is one of the most incredible redemption stories in modern football. Once considered a liability at Arsenal, he is now a shrewd veteran leading by example at newly promoted Sunderland. After becoming a hero at Arsenal, a legend at Bayer Leverkusen by winning the Bundesliga, and now the midfield commander under Regis Le Bris, Xhaka has earned his place among the midfield elite.
6. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
Newcastle had to sell Alexander Isak for a record fee, but at least they managed to retain their captain and the heart of the team, Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian is indispensable for the Magpies, a player with virtually no weaknesses in his game: he defends, passes, dribbles, and scores. His record of 25 goals and 29 assists, along with his incredible physical consistency in playing 172 matches since 2022, confirm him as one of the Best Premier League midfielders .
5. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Martin Odegaard's position was difficult to determine. He was a contender for Player of the Year in the 2023-24 season, but has spent much of the last year battling injuries and a lack of match fitness. At his best, he remains one of the world's finest playmakers, although ironically, Arsenal's excellent performances without him have hurt his case in this ranking.
4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Despite Ruben Amorim's system forcing him into a deeper role, Bruno Fernandes' quality is undeniable. He was virtually the only player to step up last season, and his incredible availability and consistent productivity give him an edge over injury-prone players like Odegaard. He remains United's main chance-maker, just waiting for a striker to finish them off.
3. Rodri (Manchester City)
Winner of the Ballon d'Or just over a year ago, Rodri's ranking is complicated by a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him sidelined. His absence has been a key factor in Manchester City's slump, demonstrating his immense value. Although there are doubts about whether he will ever be the same dominant player again, his pedigree is enough to secure him a place on the podium. He remains one of the Best Premier League midfielders because of its recent history.
2. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Silver medal for Moises Caicedo. After an adjustment period, the Ecuadorian has established himself as the most dominant defensive midfielder in the division, justifying comparisons to legends like N'Golo Kanté and Claude Makélélé. His teammate Robert Sanchez bluntly described him as "a true animal" and "the best player on the planet in his position" after a stellar performance. To reach that legendary status, he only lacks a major title like the Premier League or the Champions League.
1. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice is the best midfielder in the Premier League. He is the standard by which all others are measured. He has evolved from a simple defensive midfielder at West Ham into a complete player who can do it all. Moreover, he has become a key figure in the set-piece revolution, with his lethal deliveries yielding 26 assists for Arsenal – double the number he managed at West Ham in far fewer games. He is the heir to Patrick Vieira that Arsenal were waiting for and, without a doubt, number one on the list of Best Premier League midfielders.
