A run-down of the top 50 best players in the Premier League.
50. Loic Remy (Newcastle)
A loan signing from Queens Park Rangers, French hit-man Loic Remy has shown himself to be one of the most accurate and deadly finishers in the Premier League already in his short time in England, with 9 goals in just 18 appearances for both QPR and Newcastle, continuing the kind of prolific form that saw him attract great attention during his time with Marseille.
49. Ravel Morrison (West Ham)
After a great start to the season, West Ham youngster Ravel Morrison finally looks to be showing the tremendous potential seen in him during his days coming through at Manchester United. With great skill and technique, this attacking midfielder has the ingredients to go very far indeed in the game.
48. Michel Vorm (Swansea City)
One of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League, Michel Vorm has impressed a great deal during his time with Swansea City, with his fine reflex saves attracting attention from European giants such as Barcelona. A vitally important player for Michael Laudrup’s skillful side.
47. Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool)
Although he has only been in England for a short time, there is plenty to suggest from his time with PSG that Mamadou Sakho could become a great player for Liverpool in the Premier League. The 23-year-old Frenchman is a tall and commanding beast of a player in defence, and looks a great signing for £18m.
46. Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
After something of a slow start to his Arsenal career, Per Mertesacker now looks to be developing into a highly solid player and great leader at the back for the Gunners. The tall German international has been in great form for Arsenal so far this season and makes up for his lack of pace with his intelligent reading of the game and great timing in tackles and interceptions.
45. Ramires (Chelsea)
A skillful and combative midfielder, Ramires has continued to grow in stature at Chelsea since arriving at the club as a promising youngster. The Brazilian is a key part of making the team tick in midfield and is well know now for getting forward to score the occasional crucial goal as well.
44. Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
One of the signings of the summer, Simon Mignolet’s impressive form at Sunderland saw him snapped up by Liverpool for just £9m – a bargain for one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League last season. The Belgian marked his debut for the club by saving a penalty and is a big upgrade on Pepe Reina between the posts.
43. Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
Another fine goalkeeper who attracted a great deal of attention this summer is Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic. The talented Bosnian is still attracting a lot of attention from the likes of Atletico Madrid and Napoli as a move to a bigger club seems inevitable for the ever-reliable shot-stopper.
42. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)
An inconsistent player, but certainly one capable of fantastic individual brilliance on his day, Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa deserves a mention in this list. The skillful and pacey dribbler is always a threat from wide areas and when he shapes to shoot on his powerful left foot, and could attract attention from Liverpool this January.
41. Paulinho (Tottenham)
A new arrival to the Premier League this summer, but it hasn’t taken Brazilian midfielder Paulinho long to settle in at Tottenham. The 25-year-old caught the eye at the Confederations Cup this summer, helping his country to victory in the tournament, and is already a highly important part of Andre Villas-Boas’ side.
40. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
One of the country’s brightest prospects, Southampton left-back Luke Shaw started his first season in the Saints’ first team last season upon their promotion to the Premier League. Still only 18, the skillful attacking full-back is already attracting a great deal of attention from champions Manchester United.
39. Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City)
A real fans’ favourite at the Etihad Stadium, Pablo Zabaleta is undoubtedly one of the best full-backs in the Premier League at the moment. The Argentine is a vital player for Manchester City, providing great work rate up and down the right flank as well as developing the knack for popping up with important goals just at the right time.
38. Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
A classy all-round centre-back, Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen enjoyed a great first season in English football last season after joining from Dutch giants Ajax. The 26-year-old is a smart defender, and also gets forward to great effect, in typical fashion of the total football that is schooled into players at Ajax.
37. Erik Lamela (Tottenham)
Still settling into life in the Premier League, Erik Lamela should be a superb player for Tottenham when he gets going. The Argentine is the club’s record signing after arriving from Roma this summer and is a skillful and versatile attacking midfield player, capable of influencing the play centrally or out wide.
36. David de Gea (Manchester United)
There were some doubts over David de Gea when he first moved to Manchester United from Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish shot-stopper is now widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. He could do with a bit more help from his defence at the moment, but is capable of some stunning saves on his day.
35. Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
A great defender and great leader for Manchester City, Vincent Kompany has been a hugely important player for the club over the last few seasons. A player capable of going down as a legend at the club, he also scored a memorable winning goal against rivals Manchester United on their way to the title in 2011/12.
34. Leighton Baines (Everton)
A free-kick specialist and great attacking left-back, Leighton Baines has started the season in great form for Everton again, after his performances last season saw him linked all summer long with a move to Manchester United. The Red Devils are likely to keep pursuing him as he continues his reputation as one of the best full-backs in the country.
33. Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
A late bloomer, but Rickie Lambert is enjoying life at the moment as a key player for Southampton and England. The 31-year-old scored 15 goals last season and impressed with his all-round performances in leading the line for the Saints. He now also has 2 goals in just 3 England caps.
32. Pablo Osvaldo (Southampton)
Lambert’s exciting strike partner for this season is Southampton’s club-record signing Pablo Osvaldo. The Italian international was top scorer for Roma last season and has always been a prolific forward during spells in Serie A and La Liga. If he can continue this form in the Premier League he will surely be up there with the best strikers in this league as well.
31. Glen Johnson (Liverpool)
A highly impressive attacking full-back, Glen Johnson has become a key part of how Liverpool play over the years, with his great ability going forward to link the play and create chances. Also capable of the occasional wonder-goal, the 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
30. Ross Barkley (Everton)
Ross Barkley has enjoyed a superb start to the season with Everton, and his fine midfield performances have seen him compared with a young Michael Ballack and earned him his first call-up to the senior England squad. A great all-round player, he is already said to be a January target for Manchester United and Chelsea.
29. Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Petr Cech has been a superb servant to Chelsea since arriving at the club in 2004. Still a vitally important player for the Blues, Cech looks set to remain their number one for a few more years at least, despite the emergence of promising youngster Thibaut Courtois.
28. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)
Another highly impressive goalkeeper, Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris has been a great addition to the Premier League since signing from Lyon last season. Quick off his line and brave to throw himself about, the Frenchman is a highly reliable shot-stopper and has earned Spurs a great deal of points with his performances.
27. Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)
A key player for Chelsea, there are few better all-action full-backs in the game than Serbian international Branislav Ivanovic. The 29-year-old has been a great servant to the club since arriving in 2008, and is a hero with the fans now after regularly getting forward to score important goals, such as his late winner against Benfica in last season’s Europa League final.
26. Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)
Although Marouane Fellaini hasn’t exactly hit the ground running since making his £27.5m move to Manchester United from Everton, the Belgian’s commanding displays last season made him look unstoppable for the Toffees, and he will surely find his feet at Old Trafford soon enough. At his best, he is almost unplayable either as a defensive midfielder or further forward.
25. David Silva (Manchester City)
Fatigue has meant that David Silva has not been at his influential best of late, but the silky Spanish playmaker is certainly up there with the best in the world on his day, with great technique, passing and vision from the middle of the park. City will hope he is back to his best soon, as they could do with his tremendous influence and ability to create chances for his team-mates.
24. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
Another highly impressive midfield playmaker, Yohan Cabaye is set to remain with Newcastle for the time being despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal and PSG over the summer. The Frenchman is great at delivering the right pass and is always a threat with his excellent long range shots, or from set-pieces.
23. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
A bright young hope for English football, Jack Wilshere’s potential is enormous, and he has been in great form for Arsenal since returning from a year-long injury last season. The 21-year-old is superb on the ball and an ideal Arsenal-style player with his passing, technique and unselfish play. If he can add a few more goals to his game he will be the complete midfielder.
22. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Still one of the best even at the age of 33, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is rediscovering some of his best form under the management of Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. With 9 goals and 9 assists last season, Gerrard is still a vital player for the Reds and will surely continue to be so until he retires.
21. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
The veteran midfielder showed that he’s still at the top of his game with some fine form at the end of last season to earn himself a new contract with Chelsea. Frank Lampard’s range of passing and eye for goal make him a highly influential player for club and country and one of the best ever to wear the Blue shirt.
20. Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
A player who has finally added some end-product to his game, Theo Walcott is now a highly dangerous attacking player for Arsenal. The 24-year-old scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists last season, and is a nightmare for most full-backs with his electric pace and direct play.
19. Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City)
A new addition to the Premier League, but there’s every reason for Manchester City fans to be optimistic about Alvaro Negredo’s pedigree based on the goal-scoring form he showed with former club Sevilla and his fine start to life in the Premier League. The Spaniard has three goals already for his new club, including a superb solo effort in the defeat to Bayern Munich.
18. Michu (Swansea City)
A revelation last season, Michu shows no signs of slowing down this year as he continues to establish himself as one of the best goal-scorers in the Premier League. Capable of playing as a striker or in midfield, this classy Spaniard is always a threat and could be a target for several top sides if he continues to impress.
17. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Another surprise package last season, Aston Villa goal machine Christian Benteke attracted all kinds of attention from top European clubs during the summer, though he eventually signed a new contract at Villa Park. The powerful Belgian has an impressive 28 goals in 45 appearances for Paul Lambert’s side, and is a threat from all kinds of positions.
16. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
A player who has shown tremendous improvement since leaving Chelsea for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge looks well on his way to becoming one of the very best strikers in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has 18 goals in 24 appearances for the Reds, and has been a key figure for them in their fine start to this season, much to the delight of his manager Brendan Rodgers.
15. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)
After a mixed first season with Arsenal, Olivier Giroud now really looks the part after a flying start to this season. The skillful Frenchman is a real handful upfront with his physique and frame, as well as his clever off-the-ball movement and much-improved finishing. Another great find by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
14. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Perhaps the most improved player in Europe at the moment, Aaron Ramsey deserves his place high up on this list for his incredible start to the season. The young Welshman has really raised his game this year, providing superb all-action displays from midfield and scoring 8 goals in his first 9 games. Once considered a flop by the club’s fans, Ramsey is now a firm favourite and a hugely important player for Wenger’s side.
13. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
An incredibly gifted player, Eden Hazard showed plenty of promise in his first season with Chelsea, scoring 13 goals and providing 20 assists. Work still needs to be done on fine-tuning his game and being more consistent, but the skillful Belgian is sure to become one of the best in the world in the next few years.
12. Oscar (Chelsea)
Another of Chelsea’s hugely impressive attacking midfielders, Brazilian starlet Oscar has earned the trust of Jose Mourinho this season as the club’s main playmaker. Still only 22, Oscar is also a regular for Brazil and seems to have a bit of everything in his game, with great technique, vision and the ability to pull off amazing solo goals.
11. Coutinho (Liverpool)
Another Brazilian lighting up the Premier League at the moment is Liverpool’s Coutinho. Still only 21, the former Inter Milan starlet was an inspired signing by Brendan Rodgers last January for just £8.5m, as he has settled quickly into the Premier League and given the Reds some much-needed creativity from the middle of the park. His influence has been even more noticeable in the team’s slight drop in form during his absence through injury.
10. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
A real gem of a player, Santi Cazorla was a great signing for Arsenal last season, and provided the team with many moments of magic to help them reach the top four. He has missed the start of this campaign through injury, but Arsenal will be keen to have him back and adding even more quality to this in-form side.
9. Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Bizarrely loaned out again by Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku looks like having the potential to be one of the best strikers in the world, and is continuing his remarkable rise at Everton this season. The Belgian scored 17 goals on loan at West Brom last season and his pace and strength make him an absolute nightmare for Premier League defences up and down the country. A real coup by Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
8. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
A deadly finisher, Sergio Aguero looks back to his best for Manchester City this season after a slight dip in form last year. The talented Argentine lit up the Premier League in his first season, firing 23 goals to help City to the title, including the title-winning goal itself against Queens Park Rangers. There are few players more composed in front of goal and capable of scoring from a variety of angles.
7. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
A player who looks back at his best this season is Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney. Despite looking like leaving the club in the summer, the England international has stayed around and proven one of few bright sparks in a difficult start to the season for the Premier League champions.
6. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
A superb talent who looks to have settled very quickly into a new team and new league is Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen. The Danish starlet has been on the radar of several top clubs for many years since starring for Ajax as a youngster, and looks an absolute steal at £11.5m, as one of many exciting new faces to move to White Hart Lane this season.
5. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
A force of nature, Yaya Toure is simply unstoppable at the top of his game. The powerful Ivorian combines superb physical presence and skill to drive forward and both score and create goals for Manchester City. The 30-year-old has been on fire so far this season, scoring six goals already in his first eight games, many of them things of beauty from long range.
4. Juan Mata (Chelsea)
Surprisingly dropped by new manager Jose Mourinho at the start of the season, Juan Mata’s immense quality looks to have shone through at last as he breaks back into the Chelsea first-team. The Spaniard is a highly skillful and intelligent player who contributed an amazing 20 goals and 35 assists last season, helping the Blues to glory in the Europa League.
3. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
Top scorer in the Premier League for two seasons in a row, Robin van Persie will be among the favourites to finish top of the pile again this season, with three goals from four appearances already this year. The Dutchman is a joy to watch at his best, and can often boast a goal of the season list all of his own with some memorable strikes.
2. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
A delightfully skillful player, Luis Suarez deserves recognition as one of the most talented players in the Premier League, even if his antics on and off the pitch have rather stolen the headlines in recent times. The Uruguayan scored 30 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last year, looking by far the best player in Brendan Rodgers’ side, and one who would fit in easily to any top club in Europe.
1. Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
A great deal of excitement from Arsenal fans and neutrals alike greeted Mesut Ozil when he moved from Real Madrid for £42.4m this summer. In just five games for the club, the German international already has one goal and four assists, and has shown himself to be a class above what we’re used to seeing on these shores. It’s early days yet, but Ozil has already shown in his time in Spain and few games in England that he is a unique talent and certainly one of the best in the world in his position.