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Premier League Player of the Year 2026: Top 10 Contenders Power Rankings

The 2025-26 Premier League season is in full swing, with stars like Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and others making headlines. This article ranks the top 10 players vying for the Premier League Player of the Year (POTY) award in 2026.

After a quiet previous season, Haaland has returned with force, pushing Manchester City toward another title challenge. Arsenal's engine room is powered by Declan Rice, who remains essential to their ambitions. These rankings reflect the performances, influence, and stats that set these players apart.

Top 10 Premier League POTY Candidates for 2026

  • Rank 10: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United, 26 years old) – 5 goals, 1 assist, average rating 7.3
  • Rank 9: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal, 24) – 2 goals, 1 assist, avg rating 7.2
  • Rank 8: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, 25) – 1 goal, 1 assist, avg rating 7.2
  • Rank 7: Jeremy Doku (Manchester City, 23) – 1 goal, 3 assists, avg rating 7.2
  • Rank 6: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland, 33) – 1 goal, 3 assists, avg rating 7.3
  • Rank 5: Declan Rice (Arsenal, 26) – 2 goals, 2 assists, avg rating 7.4
  • Rank 4: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, 25) – 6 goals, 3 assists, avg rating 7.0
  • Rank 3: Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal, 27) – 1 goal, 2 assists, avg rating 7.3
  • Rank 2: Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea, 24) – 3 goals, 1 assist, avg rating 7.3
  • Rank 1: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 25) – 14 goals, 1 assist, avg rating 7.7

How These Rankings Are Decided

The rankings consider three main factors:

  • Individual Performance Metrics: Goals, assists, tackles, passes — the stats that define player impact.
  • Overall Form: Consistency matters. A player’s average match rating reflects how reliably they perform.
  • Impact on Team Success: Players who drive their teams forward, whether fighting for titles or avoiding relegation, gain recognition here.

These stats come from sources like Sportsdunia, FB Brief, and FotMob, focusing exclusively on Premier League games.

Profiles of the Top 10 Candidates

Mbeumo offers a much-needed threat from the right wing for United, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist so far. His 1.79 chances created per game and nearly 5 touches inside the box make him dangerous in attack. Yet, Manchester United sits seventh in the league.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Expected Goals (xG): 0.30
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 1

Timber has taken over as Arsenal’s preferred right-back, excelling defensively with an aggressive style and solid mental control. He scores occasionally but shines most with 3.47 tackles per game and winning over half of his duels.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Aerial Duels Won: 45.5%
  • Blocks: 0.74 per game
  • Interceptions: 0.61 per game

Szoboszlai, often compared to Kevin De Bruyne for his vision, boasts 86.9% pass accuracy and a 60% dribble success rate. Despite Liverpool’s struggles and sitting eighth, he remains a key creative force.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 1+1
  • Progressive Passes: 6.11 per 90 minutes
  • Progressive Carries: 2.74 per 90 minutes

Doku has transformed into one of the world’s most dangerous wingers, using his dribbling and tricky play to dismantle defenses. His 1 goal and 3 assists have helped City reach second place.

  • Appearances: 11
  • xG: 0.15
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 3

Xhaka shocked many by joining Sunderland but quickly became their midfield leader. His passing and leadership have lifted Sunderland to fourth place, with 1 goal and 3 assists so far.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 1+3
  • Progressive Passes: 7.90 per 90 minutes
  • Progressive Carries: 1.21 per 90 minutes

Rice is Arsenal’s driving force, connecting defense and attack effectively. His 2 goals, 2 assists, and impressive 70% dribble success rate underscore his value.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 2+2
  • Progressive Passes: 6.53 per 90 minutes
  • Progressive Carries: 2.78 per 90 minutes

The Ghanaian winger has impressed with 6 goals and 3 assists, carrying Bournemouth to ninth despite defensive losses. His trickiness makes him a rising star.

  • Appearances: 11
  • xG: 0.42
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 3

Among defenders, Gabriel stands out with commanding aerial presence and composure on the ball. He contributes with a goal, two assists, and high pass accuracy while winning many duels.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Aerial Duels Won: 60.3%
  • Blocks: 0.92 per game
  • Interceptions: 0.91 per game

Caicedo has bounced back strongly for Chelsea, helping them sit third. His 3 goals and 1 assist complement excellent defensive reads and tough tackling.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 3+1
  • Progressive Passes: 6.02 per 90 minutes
  • Progressive Carries: 1.07 per 90 minutes

Leading the rankings is Haaland, whose 14 goals and outstanding 31.8% shot conversion make him unstoppable. Beyond scoring, his link-up play and hold-up skills have evolved, giving City a sharp edge upfront.

  • Appearances: 11
  • xG: 1.05
  • Goals: 14
  • Assists: 1

FAQs About Premier League POTY 2026

  • When is the Premier League POTY usually awarded? The award is typically announced in mid to late May.
  • How many times has Haaland won the POTY? Just once so far.
  • How many times has Mohamed Salah won it? Three times: 2018, 2022, and 2025.
  • Where does Declan Rice rank in the 2026 POTY list? He ranks fifth.
  • Is Antoine Semenyo among the top 10 contenders? Yes, he is ranked fourth.
  • Does Mohamed Salah appear in the 2026 rankings? No, he does not feature this season.

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