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Top 20 Premier League Midfielders in 2026

The Premier League has always featured some of the finest midfield talents, from legends like Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard to modern stars shaping the game today. The league continues to attract top-class players, making the competition for best midfielder intense. Here’s our take on the 20 best midfielders currently gracing England’s top flight.

Ranking Considerations

  • Performance during the 2024/25 season
  • Standing among fellow Premier League midfielders
  • Impact of injuries and time missed
  • Significance to their team’s results
  • Success with current clubs, individually and collectively

20. Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City

Signed for £46 million from AC Milan, Reijnders quickly made his mark at Manchester City. Scoring on his debut against Wolves and impressing against Arsenal early on, he’s become one of the division’s standout midfielders. His knack for arriving in scoring positions and comfort on the ball are notable.

  • Games: 26
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 2

19. Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool

Moving from Brighton to Liverpool, Mac Allister adjusted well to a deeper role often unfamiliar to him. Though Liverpool's form has dipped this season, his World Cup-winning experience and previous consistent displays suggest he’ll find top form again soon.

  • Games: 33
  • Goals: 2
  • Assists: 4

18. Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace

Wharton is fast emerging as a potential £100m midfielder. Since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers, his intelligence and confidence have shone through. Though his recent form has slightly stalled, many top clubs are watching his progress closely.

  • Games: 29
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 5

17. Casemiro – Manchester United

The Brazilian veteran, known for his Real Madrid days, may leave Old Trafford after his contract ends. Still, his nine league goals this season, more than the last three years combined, show he remains vital, especially in big moments.

  • Games: 32
  • Goals: 9
  • Assists: 2

16. Phil Foden – Manchester City

Foden claimed the Premier League Player of the Season award for 2023/24 after a stellar year with 27 goals and 12 assists. Injuries hampered him last season, but he’s regaining form and remains one of the league’s top talents at just 25.

  • Games: 28
  • Goals: 7
  • Assists: 3

15. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

Wirtz’s £116m price tag has brought pressure, and while he’s had some quiet moments, his quality is undeniable. Former Bundesliga Player of the Season twice, he’s recently been one of Liverpool’s best performers, needing consistency to climb higher.

  • Games: 30
  • Goals: 5
  • Assists: 4

14. Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea

Fernandez’s £106 million transfer marked patience paying off for Chelsea. A skilled box-to-box midfielder, he’s crucial linking Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer, contributing goals and assists regularly.

  • Games: 32
  • Goals: 8
  • Assists: 3

13. Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United

Despite a betting scandal, Tonali bounced back strongly with his best performances for Newcastle. Playing a pivotal role in the club’s Carabao Cup win and Champions League qualification, he continues to be a key midfield presence.

  • Games: 32
  • Goals: 0
  • Assists: 2

12. Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Odegaard overcame early doubts to become Arsenal captain and a leading Premier League midfielder. Despite injuries this season, his role in orchestrating Arsenal’s attacks remains vital to their rise as a dominant force.

  • Games: 22
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 6

11. Granit Xhaka – Sunderland

After leaving Arsenal, Xhaka has thrived at Sunderland. The veteran leader has captained them to impressive victories and remains central to their ambitions this season, proving to be a key signing.

  • Games: 30
  • Goals: 1
  • Assists: 5

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