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The best players in the Premier League right now [ranked]

The Premier League is arguably world football’s strongest domestic league and the current season is shaping up to be a thrilling watch.

Some of the game’s biggest names currently reside in English football and each could have a huge say on how the season unfolds. But who, right now, is the best player in the Premier League? Rodri may have scooped the Ballon d’Or in October, but the Spaniard’s season-ending injury sees him omitted here.

Combining form, ability, and influence, we’ve ranked the five best players in the Premier League right now.

5. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Cole Palmer’s rise has been phenomenal. In the space of 18 months, Palmer has elevated himself from a fringe prospect at Manchester City to one of the poster boys of the Premier League with Chelsea.

The latter’s faith in Palmer has been vindicated following a stunning spell at Stamford Bridge. Palmer led the league for goal involvements (33) on route to the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season and has started the new campaign with a bang, producing 15 goals and assists in 14 appearances in 2024/25.

Touch, turn, play a pinpoint through ball 🎯

Outrageously good from Cole Palmer 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/X3Xnvon2TV

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 30, 2024

His left foot is a thing of beauty and no Chelsea player, ever, has been directly involved in more Premier League goals in a calendar year than Palmer has in 2024.

4. Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

It’s no coincidence that Martin Odegaard’s return to the side has inspired an upturn from Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka’s elite production and consistency and William Saliba’s effortless defending are all important for Arsenal, but Odegaard is the man who makes Mikel Arteta’s team tick.

He sets the tone with his work rate out of possession and is a delightful watch with the ball at his feet. Always available and always inventive, Arsenal need him to stay fit across the run-in.

3. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Erling Haaland’s relentless returns have slowed in recent weeks but the Norwegian remains in the running for the Premier League’s Golden Boot.

The fastest footballer in the league’s history to 50 goals, he now has 75 goals in 80 appearances in the division and is targeting a third consecutive season as the league’s leading scorer. His ridiculous numbers have become expected – but they shouldn’t be. There’s nothing normal about Haaland’s goal record.

New season, same Erling Haaland 🤖

The @ManCity striker scored his SEVENTH Premier League hat-trick on the weekend… pic.twitter.com/z5vFegvkJo

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 27, 2024

2. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk remains the best defender in the Premier League. He might just be the best the league has seen.

The Dutchman has dominated opposition forwards this season as Liverpool have raced clear at the top of the table. Arne Slot’s side has the best defensive record in the division and that is in large part thanks to their captain. The 33-year-old is a formidable presence and continues to frustrate the game’s best without breaking a sweat.

1. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Is there a player in world football in better form right now? The Egyptian has been electric during the opening weeks of the new campaign, turning the Liverpool board into a laughing stock for the failure to sign him to new terms.

Salah has 13 goals and eight assists in just 14 games this season, an average of a Premier League goal involvement every 58.5 minutes.

Mohamed Salah goes top of the Golden Boot rankings 🔝

His brace against Newcastle extended his scoring run to seven consecutive Premier League matches! pic.twitter.com/edVIF5XYGR

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 4, 2024

The 32-year-old is a phenomenon and arguably in the midst of the best football of his career. Liverpool cannot afford to let him walk at the end of the campaign.