June 19, 2026
Press High or Sit Deep: How the USA and Cape Verde Both Got It Right at the World Cup
Enhanced Event Data
Gradient 50: Ranking the 50 best players from the 2025/26 Premier League Season
May 27, 2026
%201.webp)
At Gradient Sports, we grade every player involved in every event, both on and off the ball, with over 2,000 grades awarded per game across 25+ grading categories. After a full season of tracking every action in the Premier League, our team has ranked the 50 best players of the 2025/26 campaign.
How was the list decided?
Each member of our grading team submitted their own individual ballot for their top 50 players. From those submissions, we constructed a consensus top 70 before coming together as a group to debate, challenge and finalise the list. The process is one of the highlights of our season: a chance to reflect on a long year of grading and argue the case for players who might otherwise fly under the radar.
It is worth noting that the list is not simply the 50 highest-graded players in the league. We wanted to ensure representation across Premier League clubs and a genuine spread of positions, rather than defaulting to the starting XIs of the top five sides.
How are rankings decided?
Rankings are decided using a combination of Gradient Player Grades, supporting metrics and the eye test that comes from watching every action of every player across the season. Injuries and playing time are also factored into final ranking decisions, which is why some players who graded exceptionally when fit appear lower than their raw numbers might suggest.
If you would like to learn more about how we grade players, you can read our full explainer here.
Why are the rankings different to the Gradient FC App?
Unlike the Gradient FC App, where rankings are based on Overall Grade, Impact Score and Competition Weight alone, this list factors in all grading categories alongside enhanced event data and physical metrics such as off-ball runs. The app rankings is pure data science; this list also accounts for team and position representation.
How will this be released?
This article will be updated across five instalments, releasing ten players at a time from 50th to 1st.
If not for injury it’s a given Rodri would rank higher on this list. A hamstring injury earlier in the season meant the Spaniard only played 45% of available minutes this season. There is no denying his impact when healthy though. Rodri’s 88.6 Passing Grade ranks 1st/101 eligible CM’s, with his 11.36 line-breaking passes completed per 90 ranking 1st in the league by a considerable margin. Rodri also grades above his positional average in Ball Carrying, Tackling and Duels, resulting in a 77.1 Overall Grade (5th/101).
Tielemans was hampered by injuries throughout the season, managing just 55% of available minutes. Yet even in a disrupted campaign, it was the all-round quality of his game that stood out rather than any single attribute. He is one of just eight CMs to record a 70+ grade in six of seven key categories, and his 75.9 Overall Grade ranks 7th among CMs and 4th among Aston Villa players.
Tielemans consistently looked to break lines and progress the ball, with 14.8% of his total pass attempts resulting in a line-break, ranking him 5th among 101 eligible CMs.
Leeds United adopted a much more physical and direct style of football this season under Daniel Farke, with a league-leading 93.0% of available minutes being played by players aged 23-29 (peak age).
At 27, Gudmundsson is the archetypal new look Farke signing: experienced, physically imposing, and hitting his prime at exactly the right moment. The Swede impressed throughout his debut Premier League season, excelling in his Defending Dribbles Grade (86.9, 8th among FBs) and contributing consistently in attack, with 2.1 take-ons per 90 ranking him 5th among FBs. Physically, he ranks in the 90th+ percentile for High Speed Running Distance, Accelerations and Sprints, underlining why Farke made him central to Leeds' system.
A strong debut season that would surely have placed Ekitiké higher on this list had injuries not derailed its final stretch. He hit the ground running with the opening goal of the Premier League season and was the only Liverpool player to reach double figures in the league, the first time the club has had just one player achieve that feat since 2015/16.
His 72.8 Shooting Grade ranks 19th among 62 eligible CFs, above the positional average, and six of his 11 goals were deemed unsaveable by the goalkeeper. His 73.6 Overall Grade ranks 4th among 62 eligible CF’s. It will be interesting to see how Liverpool balance playing time next season with Alexander Isak also returning to the side.
An exciting young player who thrived under Andoni Iraola’s intense physical style of football, highlighted by his 8.83km of Sprinting Distance covered (2nd/101 CM’s). Scott’s 84.5 Dribbling Grade ranks 2nd among his position group, with his 80.6 50/50 Duel Grade (8th/101) showcasing his comfort in both attack and defense.
It’s safe to say Scott is destined for a move to a truly elite side soon.
Matheus Cunha had already graded well in his final two seasons with Wolverhampton, ending both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons with a mid-70s Overall Grade (76.4 and 75.3 respectively). This placed him firmly among the 50 best-graded Premier League players in each of those seasons.
This year was more of the same from the Pessoense, albeit in a slightly larger setting at Old Trafford. Another Overall Grade in the mid-70s (74.2), anchored by the best Dominant Foot Shooting Grade (83.7) and Pressured Shooting Grade (85.1) of any winger in the league, with both ranking 1st among 109 eligible players, showed he was ready for the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing for Manchester United. Champions League football awaits next season.
It’s back-to-back entries in the top 50 for Matz Sels, a testament to the consistency he has shown since joining Nottingham Forest from RC Strasbourg for just £5 million in 2024.
From 400+ shots faced this season, our analysts deemed Sels to have made a mistake on just three occasions. That error rate of 2.3% ranks 6th among all eligible goalkeepers, and speaks to a goalkeeper who is as reliable under pressure as any in the league. His 79.8 Shot-Stopping Grade, which accounts for positioning, saving and parrying, also ranks 6th among 39 eligible goalkeepers.
What separates Sels from a number of his peers, however, is the contribution he makes beyond shot-stopping. His 70.8 Passing Grade ranks 5th among 38 eligible GKs, and his 79.0 Ball Control Grade ranks 4th among 39. Combined, those grades produce an Overall Grade of 81.6, placing him 3rd among all Premier League goalkeepers this season.
Matheus Nunes is arguably the most improved player in the Premier League this season. Originally a central midfielder, he was deployed at right back by Pep Guardiola and struggled to adapt during his first season in the role, but has taken to it with conviction this time around.
The defensive improvement is stark. His Dribbles Faced win rate climbed from 25.0% in 2024/25 to 65.2% this season, ranking 2nd among full-backs and wing-backs, while the execution of his defensive actions was equally impressive, with his 93.1 Defending Dribbles Grade ranking 3rd among 90 eligible FBs.
Nunes has been just as effective going forward. His 3.62 line-breaking passes completed per 90 ranks 6th among FBs, and his 83.0 Tackle Resistance Grade ranks 2nd among FBs, highlighting how difficult he is to dispossess when driving into space. Combined, those contributions produce a 77.0 Overall Grade, ranking 3rd among all full-backs in the Premier League this season.
Adam Wharton is a player who passes both the eye test and the grading system. His 90.9 Pressured Passing Grade ranks 1st among all players in the Premier League this season, with his 83.5 One Touch Passing Grade ranking 1st among CMs, reflecting a player who consistently looks to progress the ball rather than recycle it.
Wharton's 20.8% line-breaking pass rate is not only the highest in the Premier League, but the highest of any player across Europe's top five leagues, making the most of his 31 completed passes per 90.
Unique.
.png)
Eze’s season started with a key choice this summer; Arsenal or Spurs? With both vying for his signature, he picked Arsenal & is now a Premier League champion with a Champions League final & World Cup with England to come.
It’s not just a case of better surroundings, Eze excelled individually. His Overall Grade of 78.3 ranked 3rd among all Attacking Midfielders, behind only PL POTS winner Bruno Fernandes & Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (both of whom will make an appearance much later on this list). In particular, he was excellent with the ball at his feet, his On-Ball Attacking Grade (a composite covering Dribbling, Ball-Carrying & Tackle Resistance) ranked 1st among AMs (82.2) & Top 5 among all midfielders.
He was no slouch in distribution either, with both his passing & shooting grades in the top 25% of all players; 72.0 & 77.0 respectively. In reality Eze could’ve appeared higher on this list with more game time, playing only 56% of available minutes. It will be interesting to watch next season whether he is entrusted with more by Mikel Arteta, especially if Arsenal look to evolve their game to be less set-piece reliant & more threatening in open play.
Rank
#40
CM · Manchester United
★
New entry
93.7
Headed Shooting Grade - 1st in Premier League
"The football has left him" claimed Jamie Carragher a couple of years ago, but Casemiro has proved that statement to be a touch premature. At 34, he produced arguably his best season in a Manchester United shirt.
Despite being known as more of a disruptive presence in midfield, he chipped in with nine league goals this season, eight of which came via headers. That aerial prowess is reflected in his 93.7 Headed Shooting Grade, which ranks 1st among all Premier League players.
He also posted a 79.5 Passing Grade, ranking 14th among CMs. The underlying numbers are equally impressive: an 81.8% completion rate and 231 line-breaking passes completed, ranking 5th overall and 2nd among CMs.
.jpg)
Van Dijk may not have reached the stellar heights he has previously set, struggling with his positioning and blocking at times in an out-of-sorts Liverpool side, but he remains one of the most dominant duelling centre-backs in the world.
His 95.4 Duels Grade and 97.2 Aerial Duels Grade both ranked 1st among all Premier League players, showcasing the authority he still brings defensively. Those grades are reflected in the underlying numbers: he won 77.5% of aerial duels from opposition passes and 73.5% from opposition crosses. His 83.1 Tackling Grade ranked 6th among CBs.
That aerial dominance was just as evident at the other end of the pitch. His 85.4 Headed Shooting Grade ranked 2nd overall and helped him net six league goals, his highest ever return.
Marc Cucurella had a solid season as Chelsea floundered to a disappointing 10th-placed finish. Despite the upheaval of working under three different managers, he was the first choice at left-back for all of them, only missing a handful of games through injury.
Of the nine grading facets he qualified for, he performed above the positional average in seven and ranked in the 75th percentile or above for Passing, Tackling, Clearances and Defending Dribbles. His 74.2 Passing Grade ranked 9th among FBs and his 83.1 Defending Dribbles Grade ranked 13th among FBs.
Through no fault of his own, Mateus Fernandes has found himself suffering a second consecutive relegation. After starring for a struggling Southampton side in 2024/25, he moved to East London, only to suffer the same fate with West Ham. Arguably the best player at both clubs across those two seasons, his grades tell the story of a player operating well above his surroundings.
The Sporting CP academy graduate adapted quickly to life in East London, finishing the season as the top-ranked CM in One Touch Passing Grade (83.7) and placing in the top ten across several other grading categories. His 83.4 Passing Grade ranked 6th among 102 eligible CMs, his 81.0 Dribbling Grade ranked 4th, and his 80.8 Tackling Grade ranked 8th, showcasing the all-round quality that already placed him among the league's most exciting central midfielders in 2024/25.
Despite West Ham's struggles, Fernandes has likely attracted interest elsewhere and appears set for another move this summer, hopefully avoiding Roger Johnson's unwanted record of three consecutive relegations.
Another smart addition from Matthew Benham's data-driven setup at Brentford, Michael Kayode has rapidly developed into one of the most dynamic right-backs in the Premier League.
After joining on loan in January 2025 and signing permanently in the summer, the former Fiorentina prospect has adapted exceptionally well. The young Italian is not just a long throw specialist — his passing quality is among the best in the league at his position. He finished the season as the top full-back for Unpressured Passing Grade (82.2) and led all players in One Touch Passing Grade (87.7).
His defensive contributions are equally impressive. Kayode ranked 1st in the Premier League for Dribbles Defended Grade, posting a remarkable 98.3. Still only 21, his future looks exceptionally bright.
When Marc Guehi departed in January, there were legitimate questions about whether Crystal Palace could maintain their defensive shape and level. Oliver Glasner answered those questions by placing his trust in Maxence Lacroix, a player he had worked with at VfL Wolfsburg, to lead the defence and mentor 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot alongside him.
Lacroix’s 88.7 Positioning Grade ranked 3rd among all Premier League centre-backs, and his composure in possession was reflected in a 76.9 Passing Grade. His 51 line-breaking passes intercepted ranked 1st among 93 eligible CBs, underlining how effectively he read the game in front of him.
Combined, those contributions produced a 74.1 Overall Grade, ranking 6th among 93 eligible CBs and making a strong case that Palace's defensive standards did not drop as sharply as many anticipated.
Timber was unfortunate to miss the final 12 matches of Arsenal's title run-in through injury, and his absence underlined just how important he had become to Mikel Arteta's side. Both Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera struggled to fill the void, making a compelling case that Timber is now one of the first names on the Arsenal teamsheet.
The numbers back that up. His 73.7 Overall Grade comfortably exceeds White's 62.8, but it is the detail beneath that figure that tells the full story. Timber completed 2.39 line-breaking passes per 90, making him central to Arsenal's build-up play in possession, and his 87.2 1v1 Defending Grade ranked 3rd among 90 eligible FBs, reflecting how trusted he is to defend in space.
He is also one of only four full-backs this season not to register a single ‘Unsafe Pass’, alongside Álex Jiménez, Daniel Muñoz and Nico O'Reilly. With an average of 0.92 chances created per 90, ranking 7th among full-backs when removing those with regular set-piece duties, Timber combines security in possession with genuine attacking threat.
Ezri Konsa's versatile and accurate passing range has earned him the highest Passing Grade among all Premier League central defenders this season (85.8).
Even more striking is his Pressured Passing Grade of 88.2, the third-best of any central defender across Europe's top five leagues, behind only Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck (91.2) and Lille's Aïssa Mandi (91.0).
Defensively, Konsa grades above the positional average in both Duels (76.9) and 1v1 Defending Grade (75.2), rounding out the profile of one of the most complete centre-backs in the Premier League this season.
Nico O'Reilly enjoyed a spectacular breakout campaign, cementing himself as an indispensable and versatile asset for Manchester City, culminating in a World Cup call-up despite only three senior caps to his name.
Interestingly, O'Reilly does not grade exceptionally across the board, reaching the 75th percentile or above in only two of 13 qualifying facets. This is indicative of the unique role required of him, but the data that matters for his role tells a clear story. He records 3.77 Line-Breaking Receptions per 90, the second-highest among FBs, and his 74.6 Through Ball Passing Grade ranks 6th among 90 eligible FBs, demonstrating why Guardiola trusts him to invert centrally, receive under pressure and play through tight spaces — something that has proven difficult for many, with Matheus Nunes the most recent example.
What separates O'Reilly from a typical inverted full-back is his physical profile. His 88 possessions in the penalty area are the highest of any FB, and his 74.5 Headed Shooting Grade ranks 3rd among 90 eligible FBs, an aerial threat reflected in five of his nine league goals coming from headers.
Inverted left-back? Box-to-box midfielder? Target man? Everything asked of O'Reilly this season has been met with aplomb, and he looks increasingly like a player Manchester City can build around for years to come.
A goal and assist in the Europa League final was the perfect way to encapsulate Rogers' attacking contribution for Aston Villa throughout the season.
His 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League were underpinned by some of the strongest attacking grades at his position. His 78.8 Crossing Grade ranked 3rd among AMs, his 82.3 Shooting Grade ranked 3rd among AMs, and his 147 passes into a dangerous position ranked 3rd in the Premier League, painting the picture of a player who contributes at every stage of attack.
In addition to a Europa League title and a top-four Premier League finish, Rogers' efforts this season have earned him a place in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup next month.
Rank
#30
W · Fulham
★
New entry
83.5
Shooting Grade - 3rd among Wingers
After multiple prolific seasons in the Championship and inconsistent minutes in previous Premier League campaigns, Wilson's 2025/26 season was a statement that he firmly belongs at this level. He graded at least four points above the positional average in On-Ball Attacking, Crossing, Tackle Resistance, Passing and Shooting Grade categories.
Favouring cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, he combines playmaking quality with a consistent goal threat. He recorded the highest defensive line-breaking pass completion rate (63.6%) among wingers to attempt 20 or more such passes, and ranked 3rd for crosses into a dangerous area (38.2%) among those with 100 or more crosses.
His standout attribute, however, is his shooting. His 83.5 Shooting Grade ranks 3rd among wingers and 6th among all players. Interestingly, Wilson only hit the target with two of the seven attempts deemed to be from a half chance or clear chance position, supporting the narrative of a player who is most dangerous from distance.
With his contract expiring in June and Fulham having missed out on European football, keeping hold of Wilson this summer may prove difficult.
William Saliba is a truly unique player. His quality is evident to the eye, but his traditional metrics as a centre-back tell a misleading story.
Among CBs to meet the 20% threshold of total challenges, this is where he ranks:
50/50 Duel Win % - 59th/61
Aerial Duel Win % - 45th/61
Tackle Win % - 53rd/58
Saliba also ranks last among CBs in block attempts per 30 minutes out of possession (0.64) and 49th among 51 CBs in clearances per 90 (2.44).
Much of this is by design. Saliba's win rates are modest because his positioning means he rarely finds himself in a situation where he needs to contest for the ball in the first place. It is precisely here that the depth of our data set allows us to identify what makes him so effective, and why defensive volume does not necessarily correlate with defensive success.
His Positioning Grade of 92.1 ranks 1st among all Premier League players, and his 0.47 positional mistakes per 30 minutes out of possession ranks 1st among centre-backs by a considerable margin. Pair that with a 74.3 Passing Grade and an 85.3 Ball Control Grade, and the full picture of Saliba begins to emerge: composed on the ball and the most effective positional defender in Europe's top five leagues.
Few Premier League fans would have predicted the impact Eli Kroupi would have on Bournemouth's 2025/26 season, yet he has been breaking records since his debut at 16, becoming the youngest ever player to appear for Lorient. He went on to break André Ayew's record as their youngest ever goalscorer, before becoming the youngest player to score a brace in a Ligue 1 match since 1974. His first full season in senior football saw Lorient relegated to Ligue 2, but he responded by leading them to the Ligue 2 title as top scorer with 22 goals in 30 matches, earning his move to Bournemouth in the process.
A record-breaking 13 Premier League goals for a teenager in a debut season, despite just 21 starts, is only the latest accomplishment in his fledgling career. His 91.3 Shooting Grade and 91.8 Pressured Shooting Grade both rank 1st among all Premier League players, unsurprising when 12 of his 13 goals were deemed unsaveable by our analysts.
Kroupi's technique when striking the ball is reminiscent of the world's best, and at 19 years old, he is only going to get better.
Reece James finally managed to stay fit for the majority of the season, playing over 20 league games for the first time since 2021/22 and accumulating more minutes than in the previous two seasons combined. It was a timely reminder that when available, he has the potential to be one of the best right-backs in the world.
His 79.1 Passing Grade led all full-backs, and his 80.1 Crossing Grade ranked 2nd among FBs. Defensively, James was equally impressive, ranking in the 80th percentile or above for Carry Defending, Defending Dribbles Grade, 50/50s and Tackling Grade.
It was a breakthrough season for Marcos Senesi, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after centre-backs outside of the traditional Big Six.
Senesi was trusted with Bournemouth's build-up play, completing 67 balls over the top this season, ranking 1st among CBs. He also completed 253 line-breaking passes, ranking 2nd among CBs and 3rd in the Premier League.
Defensively, the Argentine grades well above the positional average in Duels (79.5), Positioning (82.4) and Blocking Grade (91.9).
.png)
From unranked to 25th, John McGinn's revitalisation was a key factor in Aston Villa's success this season.
Operating in the half-spaces, McGinn's 76.4 On-Ball Attacking Grade, a composite covering Dribbling, Ball Carrying and Tackle Resistance, ranked 14th among all forwards, while his 77.3 Passing Grade placed him in the 99th percentile among forwards.
After being forced off with an injury in the 18th minute against Everton and subsequently sidelined for two months in January, Villa endured their worst run of form of the season, recording a 2-2-4 record. He was an essential part of Villa's European and domestic success this season.
Williams' versatility to play either full-back position has long been utilised due to his two-footedness, as demonstrated by his 72.4 Non-Dominant Foot Crossing Grade, ranking 4th among 55 eligible FBs, and he is a trusted operator defensively, with his 82.0 1v1 Defending Grade ranking 9th among 90 eligible FBs.
It is the evolution of his attacking output, however, that has taken his game to the next level this season. Williams ranks 2nd among all FBs in Shooting Grade (80.8), Pressured Shooting Grade (80.8) and Open Play Crossing Grade (79.3), all of which contribute to a 77.4 Overall Grade ranking 2nd among FBs and 19th among all Premier League players this season.
Nine months ago, Unai Emery dodged questions about Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez's potential move to Manchester United by repeatedly praising backup, Marco Bizot.
Martínez ultimately stayed at Aston Villa, leading the club to a top-four finish and a European title. He finished the season ranked among the league's best goalkeepers, posting elite marks in both his Saving Grade (85.1) and Passing Grade (76.7), while his Overall GK Grade of 86.9 ranked 2nd among 40 eligible GKs.
Martínez remains the prototype of the modern goalkeeper. Next, he will try to help Argentina defend its World Cup crown.
Gibbs-White can feel aggrieved at missing out on World Cup selection after another outstanding season, even if Nottingham Forest did not match the heights of the previous campaign.
He enjoyed his most productive season to date, recording 19 goal involvements (15 goals and four assists). Remarkably, 11 of those came in his final 10 appearances as Forest battled relegation, including nine goals and two assists. His 76.1 Shooting Grade ranked 7th among AMs, with eight of his shots deemed unsaveable by the goalkeeper.
He also recorded an 84.2 Tackle Resistance Grade, ranking 1st among AMs, winning 68.8% of the tackles he faced and illustrating just how difficult he is to dispossess.
.png)
Newcastle United showed in autumn that they could cope without Alexander Isak, but replacing Bruno Guimarães proved far harder.
When fit, the midfielder posted the best Ball Distribution Grade among Premier League central midfielders (89.4), and also ranked 1st in Shooting Grade (82.6) and 3rd in Passing Grade (87.0).
With Newcastle expected to navigate another difficult transfer window to satisfy PSR requirements, keeping their captain should be a priority. The club will hope Guimarães can stay healthy and exceed the 2,776 minutes he managed this season.
Rank
#20
CM · Chelsea
▼ 12
from #8 in 2024/25
86.1
50/50 Duel Grade - 1st among CMs
In what was a bleak season for Chelsea, finishing trophyless and 10th in the Premier League, supporters will be sure to hold on tight to their shining light in midfield.
Operating in the deep-lying playmaker role, Caicedo's numbers were immense this season, reflected in an 80.3 Overall Grade. Of the nine qualifying facets he was ranked upon, the Ecuadorian graded in the 90th percentile or above in four: an 83.2 Tackle Resistance Grade (6th among 102 CMs), an 86.4 Passing Grade (4th), an 85.6 Dribble Defending Grade (3rd) and an 86.1 Fifty-Fifty Duel Grade (1st).
While Chelsea may have question marks elsewhere in the squad going into next season, they can find comfort in knowing they can build around their 24-year-old, an elite number six for years to come.
Iliman Ndiaye may have registered only nine goal contributions in the Premier League this season, but he was a player who consistently stood out within our grading system. His 87.0 On-Ball Attacking Grade ranks 2nd among all Premier League wingers, alongside a position-leading Shooting Grade (86.4) and Weaker Foot Shooting Grade (89.8).
Ndiaye also graded above the positional average in all six passing categories we collect, as well as all five defending categories. Remarkably consistent with no major weaknesses, his 83.9 Overall Grade ranks 1st among all Premier League wingers.
Last season, Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke ranked as the Premier League's best passer regardless of position. While not quite as dominant this year, he still finished in the league's top ten for Passing Grade (85.1, 2nd among CBs) and led the division in completed line-breaking passes with 310, a total 42 more than anyone else.
Combined with an 85.4 Duels Grade, ranking 12th among CBs, van Hecke has continued to show his quality at both ends of the pitch. With performances like these, a major move seems increasingly likely. Could he eventually be the long-term successor to his Oranje teammate Virgil van Dijk at Anfield?
Although omitted from England's World Cup squad, Lewis Hall earns a well-deserved place on this year's Gradient Top 50, improving 25 places on his 2024/25 ranking. The 21-year-old was one of just a few Newcastle players to continue progressing throughout an overall disappointing campaign for Eddie Howe's side, and his back-to-back appearances on the list are a testament to that consistent development.
Among Premier League full-backs, Hall finished the season ranked 1st in Pressured Passing Grade (78.9), Through-Ball Passing Grade (80.5) and Tackle Resistance Grade (85.5). He also placed in the top five for Dribbling Grade (77.4) and Ball Distribution Grade (77.2).
With Newcastle entering a new era following Anthony Gordon's departure to Barcelona, Hall is expected to play a key role in the club's plans for 2026/27.
As Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions, Bukayo Saka was once again at the heart of everything they did in the final third.
His 84.4 Crossing Grade ranked 1st among all wingers, underpinned by 63 crosses into a dangerous position, also the highest of any winger in the league. His 89.5 Ball Carrying Grade ranked 2nd among 109 eligible wingers, and his 98 passes into a dangerous position ranked 6th overall, reflecting a player involved in all stages of Arsenal's attacking phases. That involvement is further illustrated by his six assists, two second assists and five third assists across the season.
The 54 fouls he won ranked 3rd among wingers and carried particular weight for an Arsenal side so dominant at set pieces. Saka remains one of the most complete wingers in European football.
Brentford owed much to the goalscoring form of Igor Thiago to finish the season as London's second-highest-placed club in the Premier League, behind only champions Arsenal.
Thiago's 23 goals marked a complete turnaround from an injury-hit 2024/25 season in which he featured for just 215 minutes, compared to 3,664 this campaign. It was critical for Thiago to deliver after the exits of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa last summer, a combined loss of 39 goals for the Bees. The Brazilian was assured from the penalty spot, converting eight of nine spot kicks, and equally effective from open play with 15 goals.
His 82.2 Shooting Grade ranked 3rd among strikers to register at least 30 shots on target, and his 12.20% Better Option Percentage was very similar to that of Erling Haaland (9.6%) and Joao Pedro (10.8%).
No other winger registered more shots deemed unsaveable by the goalkeeper than Antoine Semenyo across his time at Bournemouth and Manchester City this season.
The regularity of his ability to shoot with above-expected execution (21.0%) offers an indicator as to why Pep Guardiola made the move for Semenyo in January. Only Aston Villa's John McGinn (27.6%) and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma (21.0%) fared better in this regard.
Semenyo's 15 goals from non-set piece situations produced an Open Play Shooting Grade of 83.2, the third best among wingers. The Ghanaian's stoppage-time winner against Spurs in his last match for Bournemouth in January was one of only three shots in the Premier League this season to earn a rare +1.5 grade.
Much has been said about the leadership and intensity Granit Xhaka brought to Sunderland in an extraordinary season, playing 85% of available minutes and covering 355km in total distance, but it is important to note the quality both on and off the ball as well. Xhaka posted top-ten grades among CMs in Passing Grade (82.8), Pressured Passing Grade (82.6) and Duels Grade (78.4).
His most notable statistic comes from his passing volume. From 1,782 pass attempts, only four were deemed unsafe by our analysts, a rate of 0.2% that is the best among any Sunderland player to attempt 1,200 or more passes.
Marc Guéhi's transition from Crystal Palace to Manchester City was seamless, which is no small feat in a Guardiola side.
His defensive numbers underpin why. His 85.9 Positioning Grade ranked 7th in the Premier League, and his 245 intercepted passes ranked 3rd in the league, a reflection of how often he reads play before it develops. His 75.8 Overall Grade ranked 4th among CBs.
On the ball, he is equally assured. His 88.1 Ball Carrying Grade ranked 3rd among CBs, and his 231 completed line-breaking passes also ranked 3rd among CBs, the kind of output that explains why he became a fixture in Guardiola's side rather than a squad option.
Elliot Anderson has become one of the league's standout midfielders, and it is no surprise that elite sides are chasing his signature.
For the second successive season, Anderson has led the pressing charts despite four head coaches cycling through the City Ground. Among midfielders who played at least 2,000 minutes, he led 39 qualifying peers in applied pressures in the middle third, recording 19.96 per 90.
His on-ball numbers are equally striking. His 82.6 Passing Grade ranked 9th among 102 CMs, and his 278 completed line-breaking passes ranked 1st among CMs and 2nd in the Premier League. His 85.1 Tackle Resistance Grade ranked 5th among CMs, underlining a player who does not just circulate possession but progresses it under pressure. That appetite for the ball is reflected in his volume figures too: his 2,879 possessions and 1,975 receptions both ranked 1st among CMs.
Rank
#10
W · Manchester City
★
New entry
91.2
Pressured Passing Grade - 1st
Rayan Cherki opens the top ten as one of the most naturally gifted players in the Premier League this season. The remarkably two-footed Frenchman (57.4% left foot, 43.6% right foot) has helped to fill the creative void left by Kevin De Bruyne's departure at Manchester City.
He posted an outstanding 87.9 Passing Grade, ranking 1st among wingers and 4th overall in the Premier League. Most impressive was his league-leading 91.2 Pressured Passing Grade, highlighting his ability to create when under pressure. The incisiveness of his passing is further reflected in his 88.8 Through Ball Passing Grade, with his 27 completed defensive line-breaking passes tying for 3rd in the league.
Beyond his creativity, Cherki is also incredibly difficult to dispossess. His 94.7 Tackle Resistance Grade ranked 1st overall in the Premier League, winning 72.5% of tackles he faced. A rare blend of flair, composure and ball security, he has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's most influential attacking players.
Unlike other strikers on this list, João Pedro's 15 goals for Chelsea this season all came from open play, painting a picture of his all-action style in leading the line at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian's 81.8 Overall Grade leads all forwards. His 73.6 Shooting Grade ranks 10th among strikers to register at least 40 shots, and his 73.9 Aerial Duel Grade ranks 4th among CFs, reflecting a complete centre-forward who contributes across all phases. He also created the second-most chances of any striker in the league (26), with only Bournemouth's Evanilson registering a higher figure.
His omission from Brazil's World Cup squad under Carlo Ancelotti came as a surprise to many. His 86.3 Tackle Resistance Grade is indicative of his ability to hold up play and make life difficult for defenders, with no other striker in the Premier League registering a grade above 76.6 in that category. It is a quality that could have been of considerable value to Brazil in the tournament.
David Raya is the highest-ranked goalkeeper on this year's list, and back-to-back appearances in the Top 50 speak to the consistency he has brought to Arsenal's title-winning side. Having ranked 26th overall in 2024/25, he has improved considerably this season to sit 8th on the list.
That rise is a reflection of a goalkeeper who was exceptional in every facet of his game. Raya faced just 7.57 shots per 90, the fewest of any goalkeeper in the Premier League, yet when called upon his concentration never wavered. He recorded just 0.05 mistakes when facing a shot per 90, the second fewest in the league, and 50.7% of his saves resulted in no rebound attempt, ranking 4th best among GKs.
His contribution in possession was equally impressive. Raya completed 2.00 line-breaking passes per 90, ranking 1st among all GKs, and 1.03 positively graded passes per 90, ranking 4th. Across all grading categories, he ranked 2nd in Shot-Stopping Grade, 3rd in Saving Grade, 4th in Parrying Grade and 3rd in Passing Grade, producing an 90.7 Overall Grade that ranks 1st among all Premier League goalkeepers this season.
James Garner matched Declan Rice for chances created from set pieces (24) while posting the best Crossing Grade of any player in the Premier League this season (89.6), backed by a lethal 94.7 Inswinging Crossing Grade that ranked 1st overall. Under David Moyes, the Everton midfielder has made significant strides in his development, earning a maiden England call-up and debut against Uruguay in March.
His quality in possession is reflected across the board, recording a 70+ grade in six of seven passing categories, highlighting a player fully comfortable on the ball in a variety of situations.
Defensively, Garner is equally impressive. His 23.4% blocks made above expectation leads all Premier League midfielders, and his 43.2% above-expectation success rate in defending dribbles ranked 3rd among CMs, behind only Spurs' João Palhinha (59.1%) and Youri Tielemans (47.6%). He also ranked 2nd among CMs in Defending Dribbles Grade and Blocking Grade, 3rd in Duels Grade and 4th in Positioning Grade.
That combination of on-ball quality and elite defensive output, sustained across 3,789 minutes, makes a compelling case for Garner as one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League this season.
.png)
Gabriel ranks in the 90th percentile or above for Aerial Duels Grade (82.8, 17th among CBs), Clearance Grade (74.6, 4th among CBs) and Positioning Grade (10th among CBs), one of only two CBs to achieve that across all three categories. His 89.5 Blocking Grade ranked 4th among CBs, reflecting a defender who made crucial interventions throughout the season, and his 63.6% win rate in aerial duels from opposition crosses ranked 3rd among CBs to face ten or more crosses.
His presence is equally felt in the opposition penalty area. Arsenal's set-piece dominance is well documented, and while Gabriel's direct aerial duel contributions have shifted from 13 leading to a shot last season to seven this campaign, he remains the most targeted Arsenal player from crosses (34). His role has evolved into one of creating space as a blocker and decoy, rather than being the primary aerial threat.
Gabriel's 2025/26 campaign has reinforced his status as a leader, a set-piece weapon and a key figure in Arsenal's title-winning side.
Erling Haaland's campaign was a reminder of why he remains the Premier League's most lethal poacher, finishing as the league's top scorer with 27 goals to claim his third Premier League Golden Boot in just four seasons, one short of the record of four shared by Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry.
The numbers painted a familiar picture: the most shots attempted (104), the most unsaveable shots (15) and a second-best Aerial Duel Grade among CFs (76.1). His 82.2 Shooting Grade placed him 3rd among CFs and 10th among all players, though it represents a notable drop from the 90.7 Shooting Grade that ranked 1st among CFs in 2024/25.
Discussed on an almost game-by-game basis is how Haaland's influence can disappear for long stretches when City struggled to break down compact defensive blocks. Some of our grades support that assessment: his 53.8 Ball Control Grade placed him 49th among CFs, while his 59.0 Dribbling Grade and 59.4 Pressured Passing Grade were merely average. Those weaknesses remain secondary, however, when measured against his primary role. His 75.7 Overall Grade ranks 2nd among all CFs and his goals record speaks for itself.
A new era awaits both Manchester City and Haaland with the arrival of Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola's decision to leave. One constant throughout Haaland's career, spanning 353 games and five clubs, is that he will always score goals. Lots of them.
Jérémy Doku has long been recognised as one of the most dangerous dribblers in European football, but this season he has added both an improved passing range and a level of final product that elevates him into a different category entirely. Four goals in his last eight Premier League appearances is evidence of a player who is no longer just a threat, but a match-winner.
Doku attempted 7.55 dribbles per 90, the most of any player in the Premier League, and generated 7.32 passes and crosses into a dangerous position per 90, ranking 2nd among wingers, with his 1.51 half and clear chances created per 90 ranked 4th in the league.
His grades reflect that all-round contribution. His 90.3 On-Ball Attacking Grade ranked 1st among all wingers, his 80.3 Passing Grade ranked 3rd and his 81.8 Shooting Grade ranked 5th. He is one of only 11 wide players to grade above the positional average in all seven key grade categories, a mark of consistency that goes well beyond his reputation as a dribbler.
Whether it was match-winning free kicks or cameos at right back, Dominik Szoboszlai had his fingerprints all over Liverpool's season.
Despite a turbulent season on Merseyside, the relentless work rate and ingenuity of the Hungarian provided a consistent spark for the Reds when it was needed most. His versatility was equally valuable, with appearances at attacking midfield, right back, right wing, central midfield and even one appearance as a second striker across the season.
Szoboszlai created 1.9 chances per 90 and recorded an 85.8 Overall Grade, 2nd in the Premier League. His 92.5 Unpressured Shooting Grade ranked 1st in the league, his 83.9 Shooting Grade ranked 2nd among midfielders and his 84.2 Crossing Grade ranked 2nd among AMs. An 80.3 Dribbling Grade ranking 6th among AMs completed the profile of a player who contributed at every stage of Liverpool's attacking play.
No player in Europe's top five leagues can claim to have been a greater creative threat this season than Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain toppled Thierry Henry as the holder of the record for the most assists in a Premier League season, amassing 21 to surpass Henry's previous record of 20.
His 3.50 chances created per 90 is the highest recorded by Gradient Sports across the last four domestic campaigns, and the underlying volume of his work is equally remarkable. Fernandes registered 173 passes into a dangerous position, the most in the Premier League, and 175 positively graded passes, 2nd in the league. His 2.16 defensive line-breaking passes per 90 ranked 3rd in the Premier League, and his 2,099 pressures attempted ranked 4th, underlining a player who contributes in the press, as well as in attack. He also covered 371.13km in total distance, the most of any Manchester United player this season.
In terms of pure grade quality, his 90.4 Pressured Passing Grade led all attacking midfielders and his 85.9 Crossing Grade ranked 4th in the Premier League, a fitting reflection of a player whose influence was felt in every attacking phase of the game.
Arsenal's title-winning season produced no shortage of standout performers, but when our analysts finalised their ballots, one name sat above the rest: Declan Rice.
Rice played 91% of available Premier League minutes, covering a team-high 378.68km in total distance and recording the most high-speed running distance of any Arsenal player at 26.39km, over 22% more than Martin Zubimendi in second place (21.62km). But it is not just his physical output that earns him top spot. The value of grading every single action, both on and off the ball, is that it captures what traditional metrics and punditry miss. We all know Declan Rice is a good player, but how do you quantify his performance against a top scorer or an assists leader?
Out of 47 graded categories for central midfielders, Rice ranks inside the top ten in a staggering 27. To put that into perspective, the second-highest graded CM in the league by Overall Grade, James Garner, ranks in the top ten in 18 categories. The grades below begin to explain why that gap exists.
In attack:
88.0 Set Piece Crossing Grade (1st among CMs, 1st in the Premier League)
89.9 Unpressured Crossing Grade (1st among CMs, 1st in the Premier League)
75.9 Open Play Shooting Grade (4th among CMs, top 9% overall)
87.1 Tackle Resistance Grade (4th among CMs, 8th in the Premier League)
In defence:
77.2 Carry Defending Grade (2nd among CMs, 12th in the Premier League)
79.6 Aerial Duels Grade (2nd among CMs, top 6% overall)
84.3 Duels Grade (2nd among CMs, 19th in the Premier League)
All of that contributes to a league-leading 87.4 Overall Grade, the highest of any player in the Premier League this season.
.png)
If you enjoyed the data points surfaced in this article, and are interested in discovering more about player grades and metrics, download the free GradientFC App - fc.gradientsports.com
If you're a team, media partner, or agency interested in finding out more information about our player grades and advanced metrics, please get in touch, at sales@gradientsports.com.
