10 players favoured to win EPL Best Player award 2026
2026-03-16 - 11:56
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025/26 Premier League season, the race for the division’s individual crown is becoming a two-horse race between a generational goal-machine and the midfield engine of the league leaders. With Arsenal and Manchester City jostling for the Premier League trophy, the winner of the title may well decide who takes home the hardware. Here are the 10 players currently favoured to win the 2026 Premier League Best Player award: 1. Declan Rice (Arsenal) Currently the odds-on favourite, Rice has transitioned from a defensive anchor to the “beating heart” of Mikel Arteta’s side. His impact on set-pieces and his league-leading progressive carries (310) have made him the standout performer for an Arsenal team chasing its first title in over two decades. Key Stat: Leads all midfielders in final third entries (8.65 per 90). 2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) The Norwegian is predictably running away with the Golden Boot race. After a “down” year by his standards previously, Haaland is back to his clinical best, posting numbers that often make the award his to lose regardless of the trophy destination. Key Stat: 22 goals in 30 appearances; 0.82 goals per 90. 3. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) If Arsenal wins the league, it will be on the back of a historic defence. Gabriel has emerged as the most influential defender in the league, combining elite aerial dominance with a knack for scoring crucial goals from corners. Key Stat: Part of a defence with a league-high 15 clean sheets. 4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) While United sits in 4th, Fernandes is statistically the most creative player in England. He is currently chasing the all-time single-season assist record (20) and leads the league in almost every creative metric, including big chances created. Key Stat: 16 assists and 92 chances created (League High). 5. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) The surprise package of the season. After a high-profile $84 million move from Bournemouth in January, Semenyo has exploded at the Etihad. His February Player of the Month win solidified his status as a legitimate late-season contender for the overall crown. Key Stat: 15 goals total this season; rapid integration into Pep Guardiola’s system. 6. Igor Thiago (Brentford) The Brentford frontman has been a revelation, sitting second only to Haaland in the scoring charts. His ability to lead the line for a mid-table side has kept Brentford in European contention and earned him widespread acclaim. Key Stat: 18 goals; 6/7 penalty conversion rate. 7. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Saka remains the Premier League’s premier winger. While his goal tally is slightly lower than previous seasons, his “gravity” on the right wing creates the space that allows Rice and Martin Ødegaard to flourish. Key Stat: 0.56 big chances created per 90 minutes. 8. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) Chelsea’s resurgence is largely credited to Caicedo’s dominance in the middle of the park. He has finally justified his massive price tag, ranking near the top of the league for interceptions and successful tackles. Key Stat: 2.2 interceptions per 90; 9 yellow cards (reflecting his high-intensity role). 9. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) In one of the most heartwarming stories of the season, the 33-year-old Xhaka has been a “revelation” since returning to the PL with Sunderland. Pundits have called him the “signing of the season” for dragging a newly-promoted side into the top half. Key Stat: Highest pass completion rate for a non-top-six midfielder. 10. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) The French playmaker has provided the creative spark City missed during Kevin De Bruyne’s various absences. His partnership with Haaland has been lethal, and he currently sits second in the league for total assists. Key Stat: 8 assists and leads the league in xA per 90 ($0.46$). Vanguard News