Throughout the years, the Premier League has produced some of the world’s top midfielders. Patrick Vieira, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes are just a few of the names that come to mind when considering individuals who have patrolled the middle of the pitch since the league’s debut in 1992. Of course, that quintet has long since retired, and England’s top division now has a fresh crop of elite players.
The Premier League is the world’s top league, hence some of the world’s best players migrate to it. There are plenty talented midfielders competing in England’s top division, and selecting the best of the group is far from easy. But, who are the division’s current top midfielders?
The following is an attempt to answer that question. Be aware that this list is merely our opinion and is not exhaustive. A variety of factors were used while determining the standings shown below. It is also worth noting that certain midfielders are more defensive-minded, whereas others are entrusted with providing more impactful contributions in the opposite direction. The following considerations were considered when creating this list.
Ranking Factors
How well they performed over the 2024/25 season.
Where do they stand in the pecking order among other midfielders in the English top flight?
Injuries – any extended time on the sidelines were taken into account.
Overall importance to their respective teams: how well do they function with and without them?
Success – how successful they have been with their current teams, both collectively and individually.
20Youri Tielemans
Aston Villa
Youri Tielemans was crucial for Aston Villa during their famous Champions League run in 2024/25, and he was equally key in another successful league season. The Belgian is as tenacious as he is skilled in the middle of the park, with his hardworking personality complimenting his excellent passing range.
He has missed a significant amount of action due to injuries this season, but he has demonstrated how essential he can be to the Villans’ system. Unai Emery appears to have turned the club’s fortunes around following a rough start to the season, and Tielemans should give more energy in midfield if he regains full fitness.
19Morgan Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest
It’s no coincidence that the top teams in England kept a close eye on Morgan Gibbs-White throughout the summer transfer window. The creative midfielder has gone from strength to strength since joining Nottingham Forest from Wolves for a large fee in 2023.
Despite Nottingham Forest’s difficult start to the new season, with both Nuno Espirito Santo and replacement Ange Postecoglou dismissed, Gibbs-White has continued to spur his club ahead as they look to turn their fortunes around under new manager Sean Dyche. Gibbs-White is already a regular member of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad, and his exquisite ball control might propel him to the 2026 World Cup.
18Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers was one of Aston Villa’s best performances last season, and it’s been a pleasure to watch. Cole Palmer, the inventor of the ‘Ice Cold’ celebration, is a former Manchester City academy prospect who is both powerful and technically astute.
Emery has a lot of talent at his disposal at Villa Park, but it’s no surprise that the English teenager is among the first names on the teamsheet every week. The sky is the limit for the 23-year-old, who appears to be a Champions League player for the foreseeable future.
17Granit Xhaka
Sunderland
While Arsenal may have made the perfect decision to break company with Granit Xhaka, the Swiss international’s achievements since then have been nothing short of extraordinary. The veteran, who was unstoppable with Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, returned to England after Sunderland was promoted to the Premier League.
Since joining the Black Cats, Xhaka has demonstrated how influential he can be. He’s led the team to some huge victories this season, propelling Wearside into the top half of the Premier League. The 33-year-old is the team’s lifeblood and will be crucial to their success this season.
16Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton is well on his way to being the Premier League’s next £100 million+ midfielder. The top clubs in England will all be keeping a close eye on his progress at Selhurst Park over the coming year.
Since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, the 21-year-old has radiated intellect and confidence at the heart of the club. Another teenager who could be traveling to the World Cup in America next year, Wharton’s price tag could become prohibitively expensive if he continues to improve at his current rate.
15Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United will come to regret letting Elliot Anderson, a junior academy product, to depart St James’ Park. The Magpies will be left wondering why they allowed the young Englishman to depart under any circumstances.
Anderson made his England debut at the start of the 2025-26 season, and he appeared like he’d been a part of the international team for a long time, given his comfort in the middle of the pitch. His passing range has greatly improved, and Anderson isn’t hesitant to drive forward with the ball at his feet. Nothing phased the 22-year-old.
14Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi, a smooth operator from the base of midfield, was subject to a transfer tug of war between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the turn of the year 2025, only to reject both and join for Arsenal in the summer – a move that Jamie Carragher credited to Mikel Arteta’s influence.
He may not provide goals or assists, but the Basque Country product is a metronomic midfielder who will play a key role in Arsenal’s transition over the 2025/26 season. While he is new to the Premier League, his physicality has allowed him to adjust quickly, and he has provided the control that has helped Arsenal become early championship favourites this season.
13Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United
After the betting scandal and ensuing ban, Sandro Tonali could be forgiven for not being in the right frame of mind to play football and for taking his time getting up to speed. Instead, in the 2024/2025 season, the Italian delivered his most influential performances in a Newcastle shirt, helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League with a top-five finish.
Tonali has every reason to believe that he will only improve, and Eddie Howe’s use of him in the pivot role appears to have transformed Newcastle’s fortunes. This season, he has continued to play his role in midfield, keeping things moving while providing assists in both domestic and European football.
12Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders was always expected to succeed at Manchester City after joining for £46 million from AC Milan in the summer. However, the Netherlands international had an immediate impact, outperforming even Pep Guardiola’s expectations.
Reijnders is already one of the best midfielders in the division, having scored his debut goal against Wolves and then going on to impress against Arsenal in the early part of the season. His ability to arrive in the penalty area at the correct time is incredible, as is his charming ball control.
11Florian Wirtz
Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has had a number of teething problems this season, missing many high-profile games for Liverpool. His £116 million transfer fee ensured that he would always be scrutinised — and fans have yet to see the best of him.
However, there is no dispute about his quality. During his time with Bayer Leverkusen, the 22-year-old won back-to-back Bundesliga Player of the Season accolades, scoring 21 goals and providing 23 assists in 63 games. If he can quickly adjust to the toughness of football’s top level, he might emerge as the Merseyside club’s important player.
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