The Premier League has been home to some of the best midfielders in the world over the years. Patrick Vieira, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes are just a handful of names that come to mind when discussing those who have patrolled the middle of the park since the league's inception in 1992. That quintet, of course, have long since retired, and there is now a new batch of star names in England's top tier.
The Premier League is the top league in the world, and thus, some of the very best talents on the planet tend to flock to the division. There is a vast array of impressive midfield players plying their trade in England's top flight, and picking the best of the bunch is not an easy task by any means. But who are the current top midfielders in the division?
Below is an attempt to answer that question. Be warned - this list is only our opinion and is not definitive. A whole host of factors have been taken into consideration when formulating the standings below. It also has to be considered that some midfielders are more defensive-minded, while others are tasked with making more telling contributions going the other way. The following factors have been taken into account when making this list.
Ranking Factors
- How well they performed throughout the 2025/26 season.
- Their status compared to other midfielders in the English top flight - where do they stand in the pecking order?
- Injuries - any sustained periods on the sidelines were taken into consideration.
- Overall importance to their respective teams - how well do their sides perform with/without them?
- Success - how successful they have been at their current sides, both collectively and individually.
20Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo could be set for a huge season under a manager prepared to place his full trust in the youngster. After failing to get a single minute at the 2026 World Cup and being shunned by Ruben Amorim previously, the 21-year-old certainly has a point to prove.
The only real question marks around the all-action midfielder are his physicality in the engine room. Mainoo has bundles of talent with the ball at his feet, as he's been showing since breaking through as a teenager.
Kobbie Mainoo Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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19Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton is well on his way to becoming the next £100m+ midfielder in the Premier League. The very biggest clubs in England will all be keeping a close eye on his progress at Selhurst Park.
Ever since arriving at Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, the 22-year-old has exuded intelligence and confidence at the heart of his team. Wharton's price tag could become eye-watering if he continues to improve at his current rate, even if recent form has somewhat stalled.
Adam Wharton Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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18Mateus Fernandes
Tottenham
Several huge clubs were in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes after West Ham's relegation in 2026. The Portuguese midfielder was one of the only bright sparks of the Hammers' season, proving he belongs in the top-flight.
Tottenham snapped him up from their London rivals, and the likes of Man Utd could regret missing out. Fernandes has plenty of energy and is technically sound. He keeps the ball well and isn't afraid to stride forward with it.
Mateus Fernandes Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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17Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool
Since arriving at Liverpool from Brighton, Alexis Mac Allister has adapted to the Reds' style of play seamlessly — despite often being utilised in unfamiliar territory: the number six role. Screening the defence was not part of the Argentine's duties on the south coast, with him more likened to their creative hub, but that has changed since his well-earned move following Argentina's World Cup triumph.
Having claimed a Premier League title in Arne Slot's first season at the club, Mac Allister's performances have dipped in the past 12 months, although Liverpool as a team have looked out of sorts. Nevertheless, the 2022 World Cup champion has proven what he can do over multiple years in England, so it shouldn't be too long until we see him rediscover his best form.
Alexis Mac Allister Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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16Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal
A smooth operator from the base of midfield, Martin Zubimendi was subject to a transfer tug-of-war between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the turn of 2025, only for him to reject them both and sign for Arsenal in the summer — a move that Jamie Carragher attributed to Mikel Arteta's influence.
He may not get in on the goals or assists too often, but the Basque Country product is a metronomic midfielder who played a big role in the Gunners' title win in 2025-26. After a slight dip in form, Zubimendi now finds himself in a real battle for a starting spot.
Martin Zubimendi Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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15Sandro Tonali
Tottenham
After the whole betting scandal and subsequent ban that followed it, Sandro Tonali could have been forgiven for not being in the right frame of mind to play football and for taking a while to get up to speed. Instead, the Italian produced his most influential performances in a Newcastle shirt in the 2024/2025 season, and was instrumental in the Magpies' success in the Carabao Cup.
He wasn't quite as impressive last season as Newcastle struggled to hit the same heights, but the Italian is still among the most talented players in his position. A big-money move to Tottenham could see a return to form and a rejuvenated Tonali in the middle of the park.
Sandro Tonali Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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14Granit Xhaka
Sunderland
While Arsenal might have made the correct decision to part ways with Granit Xhaka, what the Switzerland international has accomplished since then has been nothing short of remarkable. An invincible with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen side, the veteran returned to English soil following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.
Since joining the Black Cats, Xhaka has continued to show just how impactful he can be, captaining the side to some mammoth victories and European football. The 33-year-old is the heartbeat of the team and will be pivotal to their ambitions going forward.
Granit Xhaka Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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13Youri Tielemans
Manchester United
Youri Tielemans has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the division ever since his move to Aston Villa in 2023. The Belgian was the heartbeat of Unai Emery's impressive Villans, controlling the tempo of every game
His hard work has been rewarded with a move to one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United. The transfer caught some by surprise, but Tielemans won't look out of place surrounded by big-name stars.
Youri Tielemans Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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12Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool
After enduring a tricky latter half of the 2023/24 season under old chief Jurgen Klopp, Ryan Gravenberch was sensational as Liverpool won the title under Arne Slot. The Dutchman wasn't expected to be a regular starter but slotted into the number six role alongside Mac Allister perfectly.
The running power of the Netherlands international is incredible, which he's shown many times with driving runs through the heart of opposing teams. Gravenberch stepped up to the plate after the Reds missed out on top transfer target Zubimendi for the role at the base of the Reds' midfield. The confidence and calmness of his displays in the engine room have been a breath of fresh air for supporters in the past two years.
Ryan Gravenberch Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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11Florian Wirtz
Liverpool
There have been plenty of teething issues with Florian Wirtz, who has gone missing in several high-profile matches for Liverpool. His £116m transfer fee meant that he was always going to be under a microscope — and fans really haven't seen the best of him yet.
But there can be no doubt about the quality he possesses. During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, the 23-year-old won back-to-back Bundesliga Player of the Season awards, scoring 21 goals and registering 23 assists in 63 appearances during that timeframe. If he can hit the heights expected under Andoni Iraola, Wirtz will shoot up these rankings.
Florian Wirtz Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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10Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea
Having cost a then-British transfer fee record of £106 million when Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023, the Argentine midfielder is evidence that patience can pay off. Since then, he's proven himself as one of the finest examples of a box-crasher, regularly producing when he makes late runs into the final third.
A man of the big occasion, Fernandez is the glue between Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer, and he's a big reason as to why the Blues take so much pride in their engine room. The fact he is this low down isn't a criticism of him, but rather proof of how many great middlemen there are in English football right now.
Enzo Fernandez Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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9Martin Odegaard
Arsenal
For years, it seemed as if Martin Odegaard would fail to deliver on the early promise that saw him become Real Madrid's youngest-ever player and a goalscorer in the Norwegian top flight at the age of just 15. However, strong loan spells at Heerenveen and Real Sociedad gave him a platform to showcase his ability, and Arsenal moved to sign him permanently after a short stint on loan for the second part of the 2020/21 season.
Odegaard has been the orchestrator of many of their attacks during the last four seasons, as the north London outfit have become one of the most dominant sides in the league. While he struggled with multiple injuries in 2025/26, that's no reason to question his talent.
Martin Odegaard Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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8Morgan Rogers
Chelsea
Morgan Rogers was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last term, and he's been brilliant to watch. The originator of the 'Ice Cold' celebration Cole Palmer regularly displays, he has now joined his English colleague at Stamford Bridge.
Now a player worth over £100 million, Rogers will be expected to produce the goods for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea, just as he did under Unai Emery. His versatility and eye for a goal make him one of the most dangerous players on this list.
Morgan Rogers Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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7Elliot Anderson
Manchester City
Elliot Anderson is now one of the first names on the teamsheet for England, which just shows the impressive rise he's endured in recent years. His passing range has improved immeasurably, while Anderson also isn't afraid of driving forward with the ball at his feet.
Nothing fazes the 23-year-old, who is one of the most expensive players in football history after sealing a blockbuster move to Manchester City in the summer. Anderson could be the man tasked with replacing Rodri if the Spaniard leaves this summer, but his confidence suggests it could be a smooth transition.
Elliot Anderson Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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6Bruno Guimaraes
Arsenal
The fact that Bruno Guimaraes joined Arsenal and has walked into a title-winning midfield shows just how highly rated the Brazilian is. The defensive midfielder wears his heart on his sleeve, with adoring fans instantly falling in love with his fiery South American passion.
Bruno was a key part of Newcastle United's revolution under Eddie Howe, taking the Magpies from relegation candidates to the Champions League. He can drive with the ball or pick out a killer pass, and there's no chance he'll shy away from a 50/50 challenge.
Bruno Guimaraes Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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5Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai was tasked with adding goals and assists to his game, and that's exactly what the Reds' number eight has done in the past 18 months. Now he's got bundles of energy, technical ability and an attacking threat to go with it.
The former RB Leipzig man is one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the world, never mind England. Deployed in midfield and even at right-back so far this season, he's also proven to be extremely versatile.
Dominik Szoboszlai Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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4Moises Caicedo
Chelsea
Moises Caicedo was on the receiving end of plenty of criticism during his debut season in Chelsea colours. As the most expensive signing in the league's history at that point, there were huge expectations placed on his young shoulders to tighten up a leaky Blues midfield instantly.
Despite a tricky start to life at Stamford Bridge, the Ecuadorian destroyer has picked up his performances immensely since then. Caicedo has been a regular fixture in the Blues' engine room and has gone from strength to strength in west London, with him capable of disrupting play, driving forward and scoring crucial goals - which are often absolute wonderstrikes.
Moises Caicedo Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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3Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United
Few midfielders have joined the Premier League and made the impact that Bruno Fernandes has at Manchester United. The Portuguese star, who moved to Old Trafford in January 2020, has been a major success for the Red Devils, providing a bucket load of both goals and assists, while remaining their creator-in-chief at all times. His first full season in the Premier League saw the midfielder score 18 goals and bag 11 assists from the middle of the park.
His offensive flair has been crucial for a side that’s lacked a little firepower at times, and it’s hard to imagine where the club would have wound up if it wasn’t for his impact in midfield. Having reached double figures in goals in all six of his seasons at the Theatre of Dreams so far, the 31-year-old's influence on the team cannot be understated.
Bruno Fernandes Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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2Declan Rice
Arsenal
It is sometimes easy to forget that Declan Rice is just 27 years of age, given the leadership and authority he displays on the field. Without him, West Ham United would probably not have been a European outfit. He has always been blessed with strength and a strong understanding of the game, but his clear improvement in possession is the result of hard work and dedication.
Having ended his Hammers career with a Europa Conference League win in Prague, Rice decided to join a title-challenging team in the form of Arsenal. The Gunners faced stiff competition to sign the Englishman from other top clubs, but Arteta's side securing his signature has proven to be one of the best bits of business in recent years.
Although he was typically seen as a number six prior to his arrival at the Emirates, Rice has shown he is effective in all facets of the game. He's now a Premier League winner, and deserving of all the praise that comes his way.
Declan Rice Premier League Stats - 25/26 | |
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1Rodri
Manchester City
The best midfielder in the world, Rodri has barely been out of the side since his switch to the Etihad Stadium from Atletico Madrid in 2019. The Citizens had long been looking for Fernandinho's long-term replacement, and they found their man in the Spain international.
Playing in a Diego Simeone team was perhaps the perfect preparation for the physicality of the Premier League, and Rodri has seldom, if ever, looked out of place. Despite being a defensive midfielder, he's still popped up with goals and assists, including the all-crucial strike to win Man City the Champions League in 2023.
He missed most of the 2024/25 season through injury, but has since won the World Cup as the tournament's best player. That just shows he's been able to reach his previous level once again.
