Find out about the top 20 Best Premier League (EPL) midfielders 2025/2026 right now.
At Interesting Football, we took our time to list the best midfielders in the English Premier League this season using some of the most accurate and updated data from reliable sources like Sofascore.
The EPL has got some of the best legs in the world, I must say, which is evident in the performance of teams in every competition.
On our list of the best Premier League (EPL) midfielders right now, Declan has been in the form of his life, while Martin Ødegaard, Ryan Gravenberch, Caicedo, and Dominik Szoboszlai continue to make the list.
Here are the current best Premier League midfielders this season:
20. Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
Following an impressive career at Leicester City, Youri Tielemans switched to Aston Villa and has now become one of the favourites of head coach Unai Emery.
Following a tough time in the starting lineup and playing few games in his first season, the Belgian is now behind Villa's fine form this season.
Youri is one to watch as Aston Villa continues their push in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season.
Rating
Youri Tielemans is already having a great season with just a few games. He is one of the engine rooms of Villa Midfield. He has enjoyed an upward rise in rating according to the data from Sofascore. The Belgian began the season at a high level.
How does he play?
According to the statistics provided by Sofascore, I can see that the Belgian has played multiple roles. He plays as a defensive, central, and offensive midfielder for Villa this season. He is now filling the void in the midfield, playing in the left-side No. 8 role for Villa after having multiple roles last season.
You may also be interested in
19. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Morgan Gibbs-White has walked into the top position as one of the best elite players in the league. The England star has been a creative midfielder and has enjoyed a good rating year in, year out at the City Ground.
Morgan Gibbs-White joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee worth £25 million. For the Forest owner, it was a good deal in the market following his aggressive approach to reviving the team.
Gibbs-White looks set to dominate in his position while maintaining his position in the English national football team.
18. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Being on the list of the league's elite isn't a coincidence but a reward for outstanding records. Morgan Rogers has been a revelation at Aston Villa. He made his mark during the 2024/25 season when the Villans were active on the home front and in Europe.
Rogers began at the Manchester City youth academy before switching to Birmingham. With his emergence as a powerful midfielder, the Midlanders now house an array of vibrant talents which now powers the team's ambitions.
Morgan Rogers is one of the main midfield options for Aston Villa, and his level of consistency signals a long-term presence in the team.
17. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Adam Wharton's emergence as one of the midfield forces in the Premier League continues to emit flashes in the eyes of fans and the big players in the league. The English star could as well become the next big-money talent out there, perhaps in the next season or thereabouts.
Wharton only joined Palace in February 2024 and had an eventful career at the London club. The Blackburn Rovers academy graduate played a significant role in the club's FA Cup win and Community Shield triumph. The England star has been singled out for his impressive passing range as well as his ability to drive forward at times.
16. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
Elliot Anderson has been another star on the Nottingham Forest roster. Perhaps the recruitment drive by the club owner is gradually paying off even as the Reds have already landed European football.
Elliot Anderson currently stands out as one of the best performers in the midfield at Nottingham Forest alongside Morgan Gibbs-White. The English star was signed from Newcastle United in a fee of£35 million in the summer of 2024.
The former Newcastle academy product would be key for Nottingham Forest in the club's quest to maintain a presence in Europe. But the big players are watching his top form for the Tricky Trees.
15. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal FC)
Martin Zubimendi arrived at the Premier League with the intent of competing for the major honours, and not just to count the numbers. The Spaniard has flourished since his arrival at Arsenal FC amid his £61m transfer from Real Sociedad.
He is a midfielder who operates from the base while providing coverage and stability. He isn't soft but solid, with his physicality ranking high on the ratings board.
In Arsenal's quest to lift the trophy after many years and perhaps dominate the Premier League, Martin Zubimendi's influence and presence would be crucial for the team.
14. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)
It is Sandro Tonali's time to shine at the top of English football. The Italian had been absent from the first team following the scandal that led to his suspension by the FA.
Now onto the pitch, Sandro Tonali was outstanding and influential for Newcastle United during the 2024/25 season. He's remained a solid figure in the first team, especially in high-profile games where his quality shines in the middle of the competition.
Sandro Tonali would be a key figure for Newcastle in the midfield in the long run.
13. Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspur's bet on Xavi Simons is gradually paying off even though the Dutchman isn't new to playing at the top level of football. The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player took the Premier League by surprise with his outputs in the midfield.
Xavi Simons successful unlocked the midfield with his creative passes as well as through balls in the final third. He is a goal threat with his eye for goal set to help Spurs maintain a healthy goal record to some extent.
Tottenham Hotspur secured the Dutch star for £51.8m from RB Leipzig amid his blistering form that saw him register 18 assists in two seasons.
12. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City)
Tijjani Reijnders is one of the newcomers in the Premier League and part of Manchester City's recruitment drive to return to its top form in the league. The former AC Milan star who joined the citizens for £46 million has already made a mark.
Tijjani Reijnders announced his arrival in the Premier League by scoring in his debut game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a week one league clash at the Molineux Stadium.
He had also gone on to record impressive performances against some of the most competent teams in the league this season, even as he looks set to solidify his position in the Pep Guardiola system.
11. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal FC)
Martin Ødegaard is one of the best when it comes to midfield duties in the EPL. The former Real Madrid man has established himself at Arsenal.
The Norwegian who's the current Arsenal captain also makes the list with his impressive form year in and year out.
Rating
Ødegaard also has a quality rating over the last couple of months.
How does he play?
He plays in central midfield for the Gunners and is one of the attacking players. He is a player, good with the high press, and a quality passer of the ball.
10. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool FC)
Florian Wirtz is not having the best debut appearance in his career right now, with the move to Liverpool yet to yield the ratings fans had hoped for. However, the German star is arguably at the top of the world's ranking.
Wirtz consistently powered Leverkusen's midfield and registered some important ratings from ball possession to physicality. He successfully bagged consecutive Bundesliga Player of the Season awards during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, with the first coming through the time of the club's Bundesliga and German Cup triumph.
9. Eberechi Eze (Arsenal FC)
Eberechi Eze's inclusion on the list is no fantasy, as the English footballer has been outstanding over the last couple of seasons, especially in the 2024/25 season, when he helped Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup title and secured a place in Europe.
The Arsenal new signing has been a consistent player in the English Premier League, with his ratings at Palace showing his work rate.
Eberechi Eze is a player who's known for his ability to play in advanced roles which includes his primary attacking midfield and in the left. His addition to the Gunner's midfield is expected to add quality and depth to the team.
8. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Okay, I have reached the most popular section of the list, where fans will be watching closely who I would picked to be the best right now in the EPL.
Of course I would select Bruno Fernandes to be on my list; he's been known to be a top player.
The Manchester United captain has seen his team struggle but continues to gather the numbers. Fernandes adds a lot of quality to the United midfield.
Rating
Apart from the times he's been out injured, he has maintained a strong rating across all competitions. The Portuguese star has an impressive rating year in year out.
How does he play?
Fernandes is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League right now. His performance week in and week out says it all. The numbers don't lie. He has been hailed for his playmaking abilities and long shots, even though his perfect penalty kicks aren't there anymore.
7. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool FC)
Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League this season. The Hungarian, who was outstanding at his former clubs RB Leipzig and Salzburg, wasted no time before establishing himself as a key player at Liverpool.
He was one of the most preferred options in the midfield under former boss Jürgen Klopp and has also secured his position with the new boss.
Rating
According to the data from Sofascore, he has maintained a high rating since the start of the season. Liverpool are off to a good start and remain neck and neck with title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal FC.
How does he play?
Dominik is a versatile player who has shown to be one of the best box-to-box midfielders right now at the biggest stage. He's already brought stability to the Liverpool midfield. The Hungarian captain is one such complete player you can rely on.
It would not be a mistake for ranking the Hungarian as a proper playmaker who's exceptional in distributing quality passes while keeping his level of consistency high.
6. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
The engine room of Newcastle United's midfield is Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian who joined the Magpies from the French Ligue has been outstanding.
Newcastle United had an outstanding campaign in the last three seasons except for last season, where he also played a key role. It would be difficult to sideline the Brazilian on the list, as he's maintained a high profile over the years.
Rating
Impressively, Bruno Guimaraes has maintained an average performance, which makes him an ideal player.
How does he play?
Bruno Guimaraes is one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League currently. He is known for his high-press style of play. The Brazilian is also a proven playmaker and good at positioning.
5. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool FC)
Without a doubt, Alexis Mac Allister is one of the best in this position, especially with his deeper position in the Liverpool midfield.
The Argentine has been a brilliant player for the Reds this season and has played a key role in the offensive positions. He has been applauded for his physicality and technical approach to the game.
Alexis Mac Allister is also one who has been known to be playing the possession style of play and as well as scoring goals. He is also a player who has shown to be capable of adapting to a system seamlessly.
4. Declan Rice
Oh Declan! Arsenal fans would love this. The English midfielder is now one of the best in the middle of the park. His performance since joining the London-based club shows it all. He was worth the investment.
Arsenal have enjoyed a solid midfield, with a lot of credit to Declan Rice. Statistics show that his level of consistency over the last couple of months is exceptional.
Rating
Declan Rice is one of the most consistent players in the EPL over the last few seasons. The data from Sofascore reveals that the Arsenal man has been average.
How does he play?
Declan Rice is a modern midfielder who brings a little bit of the attacking flair while sticking to his defence duties. While in his defensive position, he links up with the central midfielders and the attackers.
3. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea FC)
Chelsea are currently not at their best, but a lot of individual performances continue to top the charts. One of these key performances comes from Moises Caicedo, who has been regarded as one of the best midfielders currently.
He moved from Brighton to Chelsea but could not make an immediate impact. However, he appears to have found his footing, especially since the arrival of Enzo Maresca.
Rating
Since the start of the year, Moises Caicedo has recorded an average performance. The Ecuadorian has been a useful addition in Chelsea's midfield.
How does he play?
Moises Caicedo combines the roles of the central and defensive midfielder even though he is primarily in the defensive position.
He is a player who is good at tackling while providing long balls to the wingers. He is also good when it comes to proper positioning.
2. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch is one of the best-performing midfielders in the EPL right now. He has been shown to be consistent and a reliable option for the new boss. So far, he has been involved in every league game.
Rating
Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a good rating in the first two months of the new season. His contributions were key to Liverpool's success in the 2024/25 season.
How does he play?
Ryan Gravenberch has been deployed as a central midfielder and defensive midfielder.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri was voted the Premier League best midfielder in the 2023/24 season following an outstanding performance for the citizens. He is also ranked as one of the best playmakers.
Rating
The Spaniard has an average rating since the start of the year.
How does he play?
Rodri combines central midfielder and defensive positions while going on the offensive.
Worthy mentions
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer is a midfielder, especially in the attacking position. However, his role in the advanced position, including centre forward and the wing, was behind his exclusion on the list.
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is a household name that needs no introduction to the ranking. He's powered the Manchester City midfield that went on to win consecutive Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Phil Foden
Foden is also playing an advanced role from his attacking midfielder position to the wings, where he also records successful outings. His deployment in these advanced positions as well as his current form led to his exclusion from the list.
In case you don't know, here are some of the greatest midfielders.
Frank Lampard (West Ham, Chelsea, Manchester City)
Frank Lampard makes the list. He won three Premier League titles and is one of the highest-scoring midfielders in history with 177 goals.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard dominated the league with his impressive performance. Although he did not win the league, he was a complete midfielder known for his long-range goals and leadership.
Paul Scholes (Manchester United)
Paul Scholes is the next name on the list. He won over eleven Premier League titles throughout his career with Manchester United and was known for his passing and positioning.
Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea, Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne was at the heart of Manchester City's midfield and was part of the team's Premier League dominance, winning five titles. He is one of the most creative players in league history.
Patrick Vieira (Arsenal, Manchester City)
Patrick Vieira won three Premier League titles with Arsenal and was the engine of the club's midfield during their “Invincibles” season.