The 2025/26 League Cup is over. Manchester City emerged victorious at Wembley Stadium in the final, defeating Arsenal by a score of 2-0 – but who were the best individual performers over the course of the competition?
We’ve assembled an XI, containing players from teams such as Crystal Palace, Cardiff City and Chelsea – let’s see who made the final cut.
GK: Walter Benitez
Crystal Palace’s League Cup performance flew under the radar somewhat this season. They made it to the quarter-finals, beating Liverpool at Anfield along the way – not only did they make it far into the tournament, they also ran a very tight ship at the back.
Walter Benitez played a key role in this, organising the backline and keeping them disciplined. Overall, he let in just two goals during the 2025/26 League Cup tournament.
RB: Matheus Nunes
Matheus Nunes has been one of Manchester City’s best players all season – in the League Cup, there was no exception to this rule.
He only started in the final three games of the competition, but was outstanding in all three. He was particularly impressive in the final, finding Nico O’Reilly for the Sky Blues’ second goal.
CB: Sepp van den Berg
Brentford’s route to the quarter-finals certainly wasn’t plain sailing. Not only did they have to overcome Bournemouth away from home, they also avoided a potential banana skin when they ripped Grimbsy apart at Blundell Park? If you don’t think that’s worthy of praise, just ask any Manchester United fan.
Sepp van den Berg was a constant presence at the back for the Bees, ensuring that they only conceded three goals throughout the tournament (two of which were against eventual winners Manchester City).
CB: Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi isn’t in this XI for his contributions towards Manchester City’s tournament – he was cup-tied and could not partake in the League Cup following his transfer.
Nevertheless, at Crystal Palace, Guehi was truly invaluable. As previously mentioned, Palace only let two goals in during the whole competition – not only this, he also scored a dramatic equaliser against Arsenal to force a penalty shoot-out. The Eagles would lose on spot-kicks, but this certainly wasn’t Guehi’s fault.