The Top 50 Players from the 2024/25 Premier League Season
At PFF FC, we grade every player involved in every event (both on & off the ball) with over 2,000 grades awarded per game across 25 different grade categories. Our team of analysts have used our unique grading system alongside event data metrics to highlight the top 50 players in the Premier League this season. This is looking at performances in the 2024/25 league season only, with injuries and playing time also a factor in final ranking decisions.
This article will be updated in five instalments, releasing ten players at a time from 50th to 1st. If you would like to learn more about how we grade players, click here.
50: Emmanuel Agbadou, CB, Wolves
A name many of you may not have expected on this list, but Emmanuel Agbadou’s impact for Wolves since arriving in the January transfer window has been immense.
His physicality and composure has brought much-needed stability to the Wolves backline that found their feet under new manager Vítor Pereira. Agbadou won an outstanding 29 out of 30 50/50 duels, and his 77.8 challenge grade ranks third on the team, behind fellow defenders Matt Doherty and Toti Gomes. When all three have started, Wolves have conceded just 1.0 goal per game.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Agbadou has played a key role in building possession from the back. Since February, he’s averaged 5.77 line-breaking passes per 90 (ninth among all center-backs) and 4.72 passes per 90 breaking the attacking line, tied for sixth in the league among his peers. His 26.13 passes under pressure per 90 ranks sixth among all CBs in the Premier League this season, highlighting his composure and importance to begin attacking phases for Wolves. Agbadou has adjusted to Premier League life instantly, something that is often overlooked and underappreciated during these ranking exercises.
49: Eberechi Eze, WAM, Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze continues to grow in stature with a number of high-impact performances for Crystal Palace this season. He played 76% of available league minutes, finishing strong with 5 goals in his final 5 league matches.
Eze led the team in key creative metrics: chances created (56), key passes (49), and assists (7). He was also Palace’s most productive set-piece threat, creating 21 chances from dead-ball situations.
With a 77.1 Passing Grade (17th among his position group and 1st at Palace) and an 80.0 Shooting Grade (10th among WAMs and 2nd on the team) Eze delivered both playmaking and scoring efficiency. His shooting quality was further highlighted by 6.1% of his shots being deemed unsavable by the goalkeeper.
Transitionally, Eze was central to Palace’s build-up. He received 197 line-breaking passes, accounting for 21.0% of all his receptions — a clear indicator of how often he was targeted to drive progression, often on the receiving end of an Adam Wharton line-breaking pass.
Eze’s blend of availability, end-product, and transitional value underpins his spot among the league’s top 50 performers, could a move to an elite team be on the cards this summer?
48: Bukayo Saka, WAM, Arsenal
A pivotal figure in Arsenal’s campaign once again, Bukayo Saka’s absence for 12 games due to injury proved costly as the team’s title challenge waned in the second half of the season. Without that extended layoff, his ranking on this list would likely have been much higher.
From his preferred right-wing position, Saka showcased his elite creativity. His crossing grade of 86.4 ranks 4th overall and 2nd among wide attacking midfielders (WAM) in the league.
Renowned for cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, Saka was also the league’s most prolific in-swinging crosser, recording a league-best 35 completed in-swinging crosses this season. Unsurprisingly, his left-footed crossing grade of 89.3 is the best among players in his position. One particularly noteworthy metric is that eight of his crosses led to clear chances for teammates.
His dribbling was similarly penetrating, 27.1% of his dribbles progressed into dangerous areas, the highest rate in the league (minimum 15 dribbles).This, along with his impressive 80.3 tackle resistance grade, which ranks 4th in his position, highlights his directness and just how difficult it is for defenders trying to stop him.
Despite missing 12 matches, Saka recorded 16 goal involvements (6 goals and 10 assists) in 25 appearances, with 15 of those coming in the first 16 games before his thigh injury, a clear indicator of how devastating his injury was to their league campaign.
47: Jordan Pickford, GK, Everton
Jordan Pickford delivered a complete goalkeeping performance in the Premier League this season, combining elite shot-stopping with strong contributions in distribution and command of the box.
His 86.6 Shot-Stopping Grade ranked 2nd among all goalkeepers, registering 37 saves above expectation (3rd most in the league) and only 27.3% of his goals conceded were registered as “saveable” goals, also 3rd best among Premier League keepers. Out of 175 shot-stopping events, just three resulted in negative downgrades, and none were categorized as major errors, underscoring his reliability under pressure.
Pickford recorded 12 clean sheets and saved 2 penalty kicks, adding further value in high-leverage moments. His shot-stopping alone kept Everton in several tight matches, often bridging the gap for a team that struggled in possession.
Beyond his reflexes, Pickford was among the most proactive and well-rounded keepers in the league. He made 27 cross interceptions, ranking 2nd among goalkeepers. In possession, he posted a 59.3 Passing Grade — 4th best among his peers — and led all goalkeepers with 225 passes into the final third, highlighting his importance in launching attacks and bypassing pressure.
46: Elliot Anderson, CM, Nottingham Forest
Anderson was a crucial part of Nottingham Forest’s season, running the midfield and giving dependable performances every week. His grading profile displays this consistency, with above average grades in aerial duels, clearances, crossing, dribbling, 50/50 challenges and tackle resistance. He was the third-highest graded centre-midfielder in aerial duels (79.6) and 6th in dribbling (77.0), showing his prowess in both the defensive and attacking elements of the game.
His crossing ability was one element of his game he brought a lot of value in, a majority of them from set-pieces. 29.60% of his crosses were into a dangerous area (creating a dangerous position, half chance or a chance). He was the 9th highest in the league in this category and the only centre-midfielders who had a higher percentage of crosses into a dangerous area were Sasa Lukic (34.8%) and James Garner (28.8%).
He broke into the England U21 set up this season and will be hoping to continue impressing to earn himself a place in Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad in a World Cup year.
45: Jean-Philippe Mateta, CF, Crystal Palace
Operating as a lone striker, Mateta’s ability to hold up play under pressure is crucial and he does it as well as anyone. His tackle resistance grade of 82.4 ranks 1st among all centre forwards, highlighting his strength. What’s unusual for a player of Mateta’s physique is his ability with his feet, his dribbling grade of 82.4 ranks 2nd among players in his position, and his 67.9% dribble completion rate ranks 5th overall (minimum 15 attempts), showing that he can combine his strength with surprising finesse.
In front of goal Mateta has been red hot, his 80.8 shooting grade ranks 12th among all centre forwards, with 11.6% of his shots being deemed ‘unsaveable’ by the goalkeeper. His decision making has also improved, with there being a better option 20.3% of the time Mateta shoots, which is below the positional average for strikers.
The departure of key playmaker Michael Olise to Bayern Munich last season was a blow to Palace, but didn’t slow Mateta down as he still managed to rack up 14 goals in the Premier League and scoop the club’s Goal of the Season award for his audacious lob against Arsenal.
44: Max Kilman, CB, West Ham
Max Kilman’s 2024/25 campaign is a good example of why grading every event from every player matters. While West Ham had a disappointing season and struggled, switching systems midseason, Kilman’s individual performances stood out through consistent grading and elite defensive metrics.
He recorded a 70+ grade in six different categories, peaking with an 87.8 Challenge Grade (4th highest in the Premier League).
Kilman was dominant in the air, winning 62.8% of his aerial duels overall and an impressive 76.7% when contesting duels from an opponent’s pass or cross. Notably, among all centre-backs with at least 1,800 minutes played, he was the only centre-back not to receive a single negative grade when defending set-pieces — a testament to his reliability in high-pressure moments and a very important stat for a team often on the back foot.
In ground duels, Kilman was equally effective, winning 73.6% of his 50/50s (39 out of 53). He also displayed strong anticipation and positioning, intercepting 176 passes over the season. Of those, 42 cut out line-breaking passes — the 5th most among centre-backs. Additionally, his 82 cross interceptions ranked 3rd league-wide among central defenders.
43: Mateo Kovacic, CM, Manchester City
Mateo Kovacic brought some much needed stability to a Manchester City side that struggled mightily at times this season, as the team navigated a transitional phase and dealt with the absence of Rodri.
Statistically, Kovacic’s contributions were among the league’s elite. His 86.0 Passing Grade ranked 5th among all central midfielders and 2nd within the City squad. He excelled in transition play, leading the entire league in line-breaking ball carries (40) and topping the City ranks with 251 line-breaking passes, a clear indicator of his intent to disrupt opposition shape and push play forward.
Kovacic’s progressive mindset was further underlined by the fact that 7.1% of his passes entered dangerous areas — the highest rate among any City central midfielder.
Defensively, he remained solid, earning a 74.8 Challenge Grade, second-best at the club, showing his two-way value in both pressing and regaining possession.
Quietly consistent and tactically vital, Kovacic proved himself to be an indispensable part of City’s engine room this season.
42: Lewis Hall, FB, Newcastle United
The 20-year-old had an impressive season, cementing his spot on the left for Newcastle with 27 appearances before sustaining an injury to a bone in his foot.
Hall had a massive impact for Newcastle while going forward this season. His 81.4 Crossing Grade ranks 4th among FBs and 12th overall. He delivered 34 crosses into dangerous positions, good for 6th among FBs, with 18.8% of his crosses being positively graded (4th best among FB’s). Hall amassed 5 assists and created 35 chances, with 16 of them coming from set-pieces.
He also had a strong defensive showing, Hall ended the season with a Tackling Grade of 85.5 (5th among all players) and won 48.2% of tackles, 3rd among FBs. His Tackling Grade puts him ahead of Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba, not bad for a 20-year-old. His off ball defending was also outstanding, ending the year with 1.3 positional mistakes per 90 minutes, which is 6th best among FBs.
Defensively sound and a threat providing crosses going forward, Hall seems to be the perfect fit for Eddie Howe’s system.
41: Liam Delap, CF, Ipswich Town
One of the lone bright spots for the tractor boys, Liam Delap showed this year that he is ready for an extended stay in the Premier League. With just a £30 million release clause, Chelsea and Manchester United are reported to be interested in the 22 year old.
Delap was asked to do a lot of the heavy lifting this season scoring 12 goals, which was 33% of Ipswich’s total tally. He was able to do this with very little service, averaging 2.98 possessions in the penalty area p90. Ranking 29th out of 37 qualified CFs (700 minutes played).
Regardless of the service provided by his teammates, Delap generated an 82.3 Shooting Grade (10th among CFs), above Matheus Cunha, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Nicoals Jackson. 17.6% of Delap’s shots were positively graded (4th among CFs), showing that 12 goals might be his floor as a Premier League CF.
Operating as a lone striker, Delap was tasked with holding the ball up before transitioning play; he faced 242 tackles this season, winning 145 of them (59.9%), ranking 2nd among CFs. He won 52 fouls (3rd among CFs), resulting in 4 yellow cards for the opposition.
40: Gabriel, CB, Arsenal
Arsenal fans may be forgiven for feeling hard done by this season, with key injuries to the crux of their team contributing to them finishing 2nd for the third season in a row. One of the most important players forced to miss time was Gabriel.
A lot has been made of Arsenal’s effectiveness (and at times, reliance) on set pieces this season - Gabriel earning notoriety for being a pivotal part of that. It is no surprise then to see that following Gabriel’s injury, Arsenal’s set piece potency also reduced. In games where Gabriel completed 90 minutes, Arsenal were ranked 1st in set piece crosses completed. After his injury, Arsenal dropped to 9th.
Gabriel’s defensive prowess is outlined with his 80.1 Aerial Duel grade, 75.5 Clearance Grade, and 73.8 Defending Dribbles grade, one of only 11 players to be ranked in the Top 30 for all 3 categories in his position. Conversely, Gabriel also had the 2nd most Aerial Duels leading to a shot amongst CB’s (13), highlighting just how much of a threat he is at both ends of the pitch.
His greatest strength, and this may come as a surprise to those who first watched him in an Arsenal shirt, is his positioning. Under Mikel Arteta, Gabriel has matured into the vocal leader of the defensive system, often organising their out of possession shape. No centre-back in the Premier League this season made fewer positional mistakes than Gabriel, and that’s even adjusted for time out of possession.
39: Jorgen Strand Larsen, CF, Wolves
They say never fall in love with a loan player, but with a promising first season in the Premier League under his belt and a reported obligation to buy, Jorgen Strand Larsen may well be here to stay.
Matheus Cunha has grabbed a lot of the headlines (for good and for bad), but Jorgen Strand Larsen has held his own up top for Wolves this season. His Shooting grade of 87.1 not only leads his team, but ranks 2nd amongst all CF’s - only trailing his Norwegian teammate Erling Haaland.
He’s also shown he’s not afraid to get stuck in, displaying his physicality by ranking 8th in his position for both Aerial Duels won (89) and Challenges won (128). Tie that in with his 77.1 Tackle Resistance grade (ranked 8th amongst CF’s) whilst also being the 7th most targeted CF in the Premier League (1373 targets), he has proven to be an incredibly reliable option for both Gary O’Neil and Vitor Pereira this season.
Strand Larsen’s greatest asset is a simple one, he doesn’t do a lot wrong. Whenever a player tries to receive the ball from a cross or pass, we grade them on their positioning and movement. Strand Larsen has 217 cross targets this season and only 14 downgrades. With him being at fault just 6.5% of the time, this ranks 1st among all CFs this season.
With Matheus Cunha set to join Manchester United, Strand Larsen may well be required to step into that leading role next season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has shown that he is more than up to the job.
38: Luis Díaz, WAM, Liverpool
The first Liverpool player to appear on our list is the man from Barrancas, Luis Diaz. He had his most productive season in a Liverpool shirt with his 13 goals playing no small part in the team’s march to the Premier League title.
Díaz's dribbling prowess, long recognized as one of his standout traits, remained exceptional this season. His 85.9 Dribbling Grade ranked him fifth among players in his position. When delving into the stats that dictate this grade there are a number of really impressive aspects. Firstly, he completed 47 dribbles, the eighth-most in the league, with seven of those breaking a line, placing him sixth in that metric. He also made 25 dribbles that led him into a dangerous position, a figure surpassed only by Jérémy Doku and teammate Mohamed Salah. Also Impressively, 26.9% of his dribbles resulted in entry into a dangerous area, the second highest rate in the league, behind only Bukayo Saka (minimum 15 dribbles).
Díaz also impressed in front of goal with an 80.0 Shooting Grade, ranking 11th among wide attacking midfielders. Even more impressive, his 85.3 pressured shooting grade was the third-best in his position. Moreover, nine of his goals were classified as unsavable, the 10th highest tally in the league.
37: Levi Colwill, CB, Chelsea
Colwill is known for his passing ability which is on full display in Chelsea’s possession based system, but his defensive capabilities have come to match his on the ball prowess.
His 78.2 passing grade is 3rd among CBs and 5th among Chelsea players. Colwill completed 2,288 passes this season (3rd among CBs) and completed 217 line-breaking passes (4th among CBs). These two stats alone show how critical he is for Chelsea, especially when trying to progress the ball through the middle of the pitch.
The defensive side of Colwill’s game really started to shine, as he was dominant both in the air and defending in space when covering for the full back pushing further up the pitch. He ended the season with an 85.3 Aerial Duel grade (14th among CBs) and won 114 aerial duels (11th among CBs). His ability to defend in space was outstanding as well, generating an 80.5 defending dribbles grade (8th among CBs).
To put into perspective how good of an all-round season Colwill had, he is one of 3 CBs to have a Challenge Grade (82.2) and Passing Grade (78.2) both over 75. He joins a list of Virgil Van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke, some elite company to be named with.
36: Yoane Wissa, CF, Brentford
DR Congo international Wissa has enjoyed his most prolific campaign to date in a Brentford shirt, delivering a standout season with an impressive 19 goals. Notably, 13 of those goals came at home, tying him with Mohamed Salah for the most home goals in the Premier League this season.
He finished the season with a very respectable 77.6 Shooting Grade, but what really stands out is the quality of his finishing, 13 of his shots were deemed "unsavable", the fourth highest total in the league. Additionally, he demonstrated impressive composure under pressure, registering 40 on target shots while being pressured, third highest over the season.
His versatility as a scorer is also noteworthy. Of his 19 league goals, 5 were with his left foot, 10 with his right foot, and 4 with his head. His 81.8 Headed Shooting Grade is the 3rd best among players in his position and emphasises the multifaceted nature of his shooting ability.
Beyond scoring, Wissa also boasted an excellent 77.6 Tackle Resistance Grade. His blistering pace and evasive nature make him a nightmare for defenders to dispossess.
35: Leif Davis, FB, Ipswich Town
Davis, alongside Liam Delap, were the two players who despite Ipswich’s struggles didn’t look out of place in the Premier League.
Davis thrived when getting down the line and putting crosses in. He was crucial to Ipswich’s attempts to survive relegation this season given he created 25.4% of all their chances. Only one full-back (Pedro Porro, 59) put the ball into a dangerous area more times than him when crossing the ball (Davis, 42). He had the 10th best cross grade this season (82.5) and the third best set-piece cross grade (88.2).
Defensively, Davis was solid as well. He had 57 defensive positioning errors which among defenders with a minimum of 3000 minutes was 22nd best out of 37. Given you can only make defensive positioning mistakes when the opposition has the ball, that's not bad for a defender who spent most of his season playing out of possession. Especially considering that players with more defensive positioning mistakes include Newcastle’s Valentino Livramento and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, teams that both finished in the Champions League spots.
Whether Davis will have a chance to stay in the Premier League or if he’ll return to the Championship with Ipswich is still to be determined. However, given the season he had for a team that couldn’t often impose themselves in games, a more established top flight side may find that he’s an improvement over their incumbent left-back.
34: Carlos Baleba, CM, Brighton & Hove Albion
Baleba was a strong carrier of the ball this year, whether it be in transition or getting the ball from his center backs, he generated an 87.6 Carry Grade (4th among CMs). He was 2nd among CMs with 92 successful carries, only behind Ryan Gravenberch, and his 29 line-breaking carries were 3rd most among CMs. He may not have a signature turn like Gravenberch, but is nearly as good on the ball.
Off the ball, Baleba was just as dominant, ending the year with an 83.1 50/50 Duels Grade (7th among CMs) and a 75.1 Aerial Duels Grade (7th among CMs). Baleba’s ability to win duels is extremely important for Brighton, to ensure there are less transitional moments against Brighton’s open shape in possession. He won 57.5% of his aerial duels (2nd among CMs) and won 46 50/50 duels (9th among CMs).
33: Antonee Robinson, FB, Fulham
Robinson finished the year with a 68.5 Crossing Grade (23rd among FBs). He was able to generate 10 assists (T-3rd) and created 45 chances. His 45 chances are 5th among all FBs and 3rd among Fulham players. Robinson was able to maintain his intense physical style of play throughout the season, playing 3,511 minutes across the Premier League campaign (1st among Fulham players).
The defender was also a prolific carrier of the ball while flying up and down the left flank for Fulham. He generated a 79.8 Carry Grade (6th among FBs) and had 56 successful carries (7th among FBs). His ability to carry the ball and cross the ball fits Marco Silva’s style of play through and through.
His Challenge Grade of 80.3 was 9th best among FBs, but what is most impressive about it, is the breakdown of his grade. He is 1 of 9 full backs to have a 70+ grade in all 4 categories that make up the challenge grade.
32: Jacob Murphy, WAM, Newcastle United
Jacob Murphy has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season - a name few would have expected to be one of the first on the team sheet when the Magpies were taken over by PIF almost 4 years ago.
The boyhood Newcastle United fan has repaid his managers’ faith tenfold, establishing a lethal partnership with Alexander Isak and chipping in with a personal best 11 assists (ranked 2nd only behind Mohamed Salah).
His 84.3 Dribbling grade and 82.0 Shooting grade (both ranked 7th highest in his position) have been standout attributes this season, with a particular purple patch in December in which he contributed with 3 goals and 4 assists leading to him being nominated for Premier League Player of the Month.
He also is tied for the most crosses leading to a clear chance amongst Wingers (9 - tied with Mohamed Salah) and has recently further proved his versatility by filling in at RWB for the Magpies.
31: Enzo Fernandez, CM, Chelsea
As a consistent passer, Enzo Fernández impressed across a wide range of metrics. He completed 1,472 passes, the 8th-most among all central midfielders (CMs) this season. His 79.2 Passing Grade ranked 11th among CMs and 5th-highest on Chelsea. Enzo also completed 139 line-breaking passes (15th among CMs), including 22 that broke the defensive line (4th among CMs).
He was a consistent creator in the final third as well, producing 73 chances — the 4th-most in the Premier League. His 76.2 crossing grade ranked 9th among CMs, with 6 of those crosses resulting in clear chances (2nd-most at his position).
Enzo showed strength on the ball too, with a tackle resistance grade of 83.7, ranking 4th among all CMs and 5th overall, making him one of the hardest players to dispossess.
In front of goal, he capped off his season with an 80.8 Shooting Grade, the 3rd-highest among CMs. He led all central midfielders with 20 shots on target, and 5 of those were deemed unsavable (tied for 2nd among CMs). Most notably, Enzo excelled under pressure, recording an 84.9 shooting under pressure grade, the highest at his position.
Finally, his creative influence extended beyond traditional stats — Enzo registered 9 second assists this season, second only to Bruno Guimarães.
30: Lucas Digne, FB, Aston Villa
Lucas Digne delivered one of the most consistent seasons of any full-back in the Premier League, particularly excelling as a creator from wide areas. He posted a league-best 90.1 Crossing Grade, reflecting both quality and consistency in his delivery. With 37 completed crosses (4th among full-backs), he remained a steady source of service from the left flank.
Digne’s crossing accuracy stood out not just in volume but also in efficiency. Among full-backs with at least 45 crosses, 16.1% of his deliveries received a positive grade, ranking 9th. More notably, only 21.5% of his crosses were negatively graded — the lowest rate among FBs — showing how rarely his deliveries failed to create value. In total, he created 36 chances, placing 10th among full-backs and underlining his sustained attacking threat throughout the season.
Defensively, Digne maintained a strong presence. His 74.1 Challenge Grade reflects his overall reliability in duels. He ranked 5th among full-backs with an 86.7 grade when defending dribbles, winning 52.5% of dribbles faced — the 6th highest rate in the position group. His positional awareness remained sharp, committing just 1.52 positional mistakes per 90 minutes, ranking 13th among his peers.
Across both phases of play, Digne offered consistent performance without major weaknesses.
29: Ola Aina, FB, Nottingham Forest
Ola Aina has been one of the Premier League’s standout defensive full-backs in 2024–25. His tackling grade of 79.8 ranks him 15th among all full-backs, while his elite defending dribbles grade of 85.6 places him 10th across all players in the league. He has won 49.2% of dribbles faced, consistently shutting down opponents in one-on-one scenarios. Aina’s anticipation and reading of the game are also note-worthy, his 32 positively graded pass interceptions rank him tied-4th among full-backs.
Aina has also provided attacking thrust down Forrest’s right side. He owns the second-highest dribbling grade among all full-backs (81.0). This contributes to a ball carry grade of 78.2, which factors in tackle resistance, carrying, and dribbling - ranking him 5th among full-backs. His balance of defensive solidity with attacking output has made him one of the most complete and impactful full-backs in the league this season.
28: Martin Ødegaard, CM, Arsenal
With injuries affecting key players and the absence of a true centre-forward for much of the year, Arsenal relied heavily on Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership.
While his 8 assists may seem modest for a player of his quality, the underlying data tells a different story. Ødegaard recorded a passing grade of 93.3, the third highest in the league. He excelled in pressured environments, posting a 98.4 pressured passing grade, which ranked first among all Premier League players. His ability to play balls over the top also stood out, earning an 87.6 grade in that category, good for second overall. He created 58 chances over the season, ranking second among Arsenal players and 12th in the league.
Ødegaard also made clear improvements as a ball carrier. His carry grade rose to 75.7, up from 68.5 the previous season, placing him 27th among central midfielders. He completed 66 successful carries (7th among CMs) and made 33 carries into dangerous positions, the second most among players in his role.
Ødegaard’s passing vision remains the hallmark of his game, but his growing threat as a carrier in the final third adds another dimension to Arsenal’s attack. His all-around development continues to push Arsenal closer to their Premier League ambitions.
27: Trent Alexander-Arnold, FB, Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold capped off his final Liverpool season by again proving he's a generational distributor from full-back. He recorded the highest passing grade (82.0) among full-backs for the second year running. Going deeper into that passing data we can see he has a special ability for one-touch passes, his 88.6 grade ranks 1st among defenders and 5th among all players. Compared to other full backs he ranked 3rd in chances created (59), 2nd in key passes (52), 2nd in total passes into the final third (720) and 2nd in completed line-breaking passes. It should be noted that those full backs ahead of him in these categories all played at least 300 more minutes.
Often maligned for his defensive abilities Trent had his best defensive season yet. His defending dribbles grade (82.3) and tackling grade (84.7) reflect great on-ball defending. Opponents clearly targeted him with his 106 dribbles defended leading the league. However he responded by also leading the league in dribbles won (44) and had the most positive defensive grades on dribbles (35). All of these numbers rank well ahead of those from his supposed defensively-superior successor Conor Bradley.
No matter the metric, he will be deeply missed at Anfield.
26: David Raya, GK, Arsenal
A big part of Arsenal having the least amount of goals conceded this season (34) was great play from goalkeeper David Raya. Grading high across the board in multiple categories, Raya helped secure his team 2nd place in the league this season.
His 84.0 Shot Stopping grade was the 3rd highest among all goalkeepers this season, while also having an impressive 13 clean sheets (tied for 1st in the Premier League). 30 of those shots were saved above expectation, putting him top 10 in the league in that category (9th). Impressively, 71.4% of the shots on target he faced were saved. Out of his 125 shot stopping events, only one of them was worthy of a downgrade. To make things even better, his four +1 graded saves was tied for first.
More than just a shot stopper, Raya intercepted 45 passes (2nd among Gks) and caught 29 crosses in the air (tied for 3rd). On the ball he had sixty-four +.5 graded passes, 3rd most at his position as well as 91 line breaking passes completed (1st among GKs). He had 66 passes completed into the final third (4th most) with 2 of his passes breaking the defensive line (1st among all GKs).
25: Morgan Gibbs-White, CM, Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s campaign, standing out for his all-action style and high involvement across multiple phases of play. To put this into perspective, he led the team in both balls over the top (81.1 grade) and line-breaking passes received (181).
In possession, Gibbs-White was highly effective. He completed 110 line-breaking passes, ranking 5th among wide attacking midfielders (WAMs), and created 47 chances, which placed him 17th among WAMs and 1st within his team. He also delivered 85 passes into dangerous areas, again leading all Forest players in this category.
Gibbs-White also demonstrated strong off-ball intensity. He ranked 9th among WAMs with 1,374 pressures and showed resilience in possession, posting a 79.4 tackle resistance grade, which ranked 5th in his position group. He won 123 tackles faced (15th among WAMs) and earned 41 fouls (16th), reflecting his ability to retain the ball and draw pressure.
24: Nikola Milenkovic, CB, Nottingham Forest
In his first season in the Premier League, Nottingham Forrest's Nikola Milenkovic proved to be one of the best defenders in the league. With strong grades across multiple categories, Milenkovic proved why Nottingham Forrest named him their Player of the Season.
With an impressive 90.3 Challenge grade, he proved to be a problem for teams not only on the ground but in the air as well. His 267 challenges won was 4th among CBs, with 49 of those being won in a dangerous position (1st among CBs). A problem for ball carriers, his 80.5 tackling grade was 6th best at his position with 56 tackles won.
While winning 152 aerial duels, his 92.0 Aerial duel grade was the 2nd highest among all CBs this season. 23 of those Aerial Duels were won coming from a teammates cross (2nd among CBs) with 18 of them leading to a shot, the most by any CB this season. Defensively, he won 83.2% of Aerial duels that came from an opponents pass, ranking 1st among all players. Milenkovic ended the season with a 85.4 50/50 duel grade (5th among CBs) winning 71.7% of them.
Rarely would we find him out of position. Milenkovic had the 2nd least defensive positioning mistakes among all defenders with at least 3000 minutes played.
Wrapping up his fantastic season, his 71.1 shooting grade was 10th at his position. With 5 goals scored, Nikola Milenkovic scored more than any other player at his position.
23: Ryan Gravenberch, CM, Liverpool
Ryan Gravenberch thrived under Arne Slot, stepping into Liverpool’s midfield as a key defensive presence and earning the PFA Young Player of the Year award. His transformation from last season was dramatic, with on-ball quality driving much of his impact.
Gravenberch led all players in ball carry grade (90.5), backed by elite dribbling, carrying, and tackle resistance metrics. He completed 28 dribbles (1st among CMs), broke 6 defensive lines (2nd), and executed 6 dribbles into dangerous areas (2nd). His carry grade of 89.2 ranked 2nd overall, reflecting his ability to drive through pressure, create space, and distribute effectively. He recorded 40 line-breaking carries (T-1st) and 109 total successful carries (2nd).
His tackle resistance was also a strength. Gravenberch posted an 88.0 grade in that category (3rd among CMs) and retained possession 76.9% of the time when challenged (5th). In possession build-up, he consistently found space between lines, receiving 260 line-breaking passes (T-2nd overall).
Defensively, he contributed across the pitch. Gravenberch won 57 50/50 duels (3rd overall) and earned an 84.6 duel grade (11th). His ability to combine ball progression with defensive grit made him one of the most complete pivot players in the league this season.
Gravenberch’s growth in 2024/25 was undeniable, redefining his role and becoming central to Liverpool’s midfield identity.
22: Jan Paul van Hecke, CB, Brighton & Hove Albion
Jan Paul van Hecke delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of any defender in the Premier League this season, combining elite distribution with strong defensive consistency. He earned a league-best 95.3 Passing Grade, which was the highest of any player and highlighted his influence in Brighton’s build-up play.
Van Hecke played a central role in initiating play from the back. Of all his passes, 44.2% were directed forward, and 12.1% led the receiver to open their body, enabling progression through midfield. His 308 completed line-breaking passes ranked 2nd among all players in the league, underlining his value in bypassing opposition lines and driving Brighton’s possession-based approach.
Defensively, van Hecke remained solid and reliable. His 78.6 Challenge Grade placed him 21st out of 98 eligible centre-backs, and he won 68.4% of aerial duels stemming from opponent passes or crosses (14th). This combination of passing excellence and defensive stability made him one of the most complete centre-backs in the division.
21: Mikkel Damsgaard, CAM, Brentford
Mikkel Damsgaard may not be a household name among some Premier League fans, but the numbers tell a different story. His 10 assists ranked 3rd in the league, and his creativity extended well beyond the surface stats. He created 64 chances over the season — second only to teammate Bryan Mbeumo among players outside the traditional ‘Big Six’.
Damsgaard’s distribution was a standout strength. His passing grade of 89.4 ranked 7th overall and 4th among attacking players. His 90.2 Through Ball Passing Grade was 3rd best in the league, while he also completed 182 line-breaking passes — the 2nd most among all attacking players. He consistently looked to unlock defenses, with 129 passes into dangerous areas (2nd among CAMs), and 10.4% of all his passes received a positive grade, the highest rate in the Premier League.
On the ball, Damsgaard was equally dangerous. His 89.5 dribbling grade ranked 2nd among all players, just behind Jeremy Doku. Among players with at least 35 dribbles, he led the league in positively graded attempts, completing 65.4% successfully.
While his name might fly under the radar, Damsgaard quietly established himself as one of the league’s most effective creators and ball carriers in 2024/25, combining high-level passing, vision, and dribbling to drive Brentford’s attack.
20: Dean Huijsen, CB, AFC Bournemouth
The Premier League’s 20th best player last season is no longer in the league, with Real Madrid activating Dean Huijsen’s £50 million release clause. Bournemouth turned a swift profit, having signed him from Juventus for just £12.8 million in the summer of 2024.
Huijsen impressed throughout the campaign with both his physical presence and composure on the ball. He led the league in 50/50 duels grade at 90.4, recorded an 82.7 aerial duels grade, and posted a 75.4 tackling grade. These contributed to an overall challenge grade of 83.6, placing him 9th among all centre-backs.
Defensively, Huijsen delivered a standout season. Among players with at least 2,500 minutes played, he made only 22 defensive positioning errors—the third fewest in the league. Only Rúben Dias (14) and Gabriel (11) made fewer, while William Saliba followed behind with 27. Considering Bournemouth spent significantly more time out of possession compared to Manchester City and Arsenal, Huijsen’s discipline in this area is especially noteworthy.
On the ball, he completed 171 line-breaking passes, the 6th most among central defenders. While his overall passing grade was 59.9, this comes with context. He was often deployed on the left side of central defence despite being right-footed. His passing grade when using his right foot was 72.1, indicating that Real Madrid could unlock more of his potential by playing him on his natural side.
19: Morgan Rogers, WAM, Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers enjoyed a breakout season in his first full campaign at Aston Villa, establishing himself as the team’s key creative force. His contributions as both a passer and ball carrier made him central to Villa’s attacking play.
Rogers posted an 85.1 passing grade, ranking 15th among all players, and finished with 10 assists, tied for third in the league. He completed 95 line-breaking passes, placing him 7th among wide attacking midfielders, and delivered 144 passes into dangerous positions, the fifth most overall. His standout ability was through-ball distribution. With a 95.1 through ball passing grade—the highest in the Premier League—he completed 64 through balls, ranking 7th overall.
When not dictating play with his passing, Rogers created danger on the ball. His 88.1 dribbling grade ranked third overall, supported by 59 completed dribbles (3rd) and 52 positively graded dribbles (4th). Rogers received 301 line-breaking passes, the most in the league and 51 more than the next-best player, Ryan Gravenberch. His ability to find and exploit space gave Villa an edge in transition and sustained attacks.
A key component of his value is his positional versatility. Throughout the season Rogers featured in four different positions— which can be highlighted from Gameweek 27-31. That flexibility made him especially valuable during a congested Top 6 schedule, giving Villa tactical adaptability across multiple match scenarios.
18: William Saliba, CB, Arsenal
William Saliba demonstrated his strengths across a number of our defensive grades. His 84.1 tackling grade ranks 2nd among centre backs, while his 82.7 Aerial Duel grade ranks 9th among CBs. Our challenge grade is an overall grade based on performance in all challenge events and the above grades helped contribute to a challenge grade of 85.3 which ranks 6th among all players.
Saliba played the most minutes of any outfield player for Arsenal, who conceded the fewest goals in the league. This underlines both Saliba’s reliability and defensive contribution.
Saliba was quietly one of the most effective passers in the division. At PFF FC we chart pass accuracy as well as completion percentage. The former being a better representation of passing efficiency. He led the league with the highest accurate pass percentage of any outfield player (94.8%). He also ranks 5th among centre backs for completed line-breaking passes (183) which helps to give him a 71.0 passing grade (10th among centre backs). Going deeper into the data we can see that Saliba performs especially well under pressure, his pressured passing grade of 82.5 ranks 3rd among all centre backs.
17: Matz Sels, GK, Nottingham Forest
Matz Sels was the Nottingham Forest player we identified as their standout performer at the halfway point of the season and while 5 other Forest players appear in this list, it’s still fair to say that he was one of the key reasons for their success this year.
He had the highest shot-stopping grade in the Premier League (90.4), leading Jordan Pickford and David Raya. The quality of his performance was easy to see when looking at the raw numbers. No goalkeeper made more positively graded saves (48), which was 10 more than the next two goalkeepers (Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale). In terms of % of positively graded saves his 25.67% was the second best in the division, behind only Lukasz Fabianski’s 26.39%, but Fabianski achieved that with a much smaller sample size (72 shots faced to Sels’ 187).
Sels faced the 3rd highest number of shots this season and only had 4 negatively graded save attempts. He didn’t have a negatively graded attempt in open play until matchday 30, which was a large reason why Forest stayed in the conversation for the Champions League until late in the season.
16: Matheus Cunha, WAM, Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Brazilian delivered an electrifying season for Wolves this past season, catching the attention of Manchester United, who are now poised to make him their first signing of the summer after triggering his £62.5 million release clause.
Cunha’s game is defined by his inventive passing and playmaking ability. He finished the season with an 83.2 passing grade which ranks him 1st in his position, a testament to his creativity. When looking at his passing metrics, he showcased the probing nature of his passing ability by creating 10 clear chances for teammates this season, which is the 4th most overall. He also completed 56 defensive line breaking passes, the 9th highest total. These numbers highlight his ability to unlock defenses and suggest he could provide the kind of consistent, creative spark that United crave.
In addition to his vision, Cunha’s athleticism and ball carrying ability make him a multidimensional threat. His 81.7 ball carrying grade is 4th in his position, and 80.3 tackle resistance grade 2nd in his position. His 88 successful ball carries is the 11th highest total recorded this season. Additionally, he won 177 of the tackles he faced, which was 8th most overall this season. This showcases how effective he is at not only evading defenders, but at retaining possession even when challenged.
For Manchester United, this signing could prove pivotal. They desperately need another creative presence to shoulder the burden of Bruno Fernandes in that attacking midfield role, and if Cunha can replicate the form he’s shown at Wolves this season then he may solve one of their most pressing issues.
15: Chris Wood, CF, Nottingham Forest
Of course when talking about Chris Wood’s 24/25 season you have to talk about his incredible performance in front of goal. He finished tied 4th in the league with 20 goals and converted all three of his penalties. But it’s the quality of his finishing that stands out, 13 of his 20 goals were deemed “unsaveable” by our analysts giving him a rate of 19.1 unsaveable goals per 100 shots. This is number one in the league among players with 30+ shot attempts.
This translated into a shooting grade of 86.1, 3rd among centre forwards with 60+ shots. His aerial threat was particularly notable, with a headed shooting grade of 88.4, 2nd among centre forwards.
Wood’s numbers become even more impressive considering the physical toll he endured. He competed in 450 aerial duels! This was by far the most in the league, with a gap of over 100 to the next player (Dan Burn, 331). On top of that he logged more minutes than any other centre forward in the Premier League.
14: Erling Haaland, CF, Manchester City
Despite missing some time for Manchester City this season, Erling Haaland was still a force in the 31 appearances he made in the league this season. Dangerous in front of goal, his 22 goals were second most among all centre forwards this season, helping Manchester City secure Champions League qualification.
An absolute shooting machine with 128 shots attempted, his 90.7 shooting grade was 1st among all centre forwards this season and 3rd highest out of every player. Out of the 22 goals in the league that he scored, 15 of them were deemed unsaveable, the most among any player at his position. His 90.4 Open Play Shooting grade was another that put him 1st among all centre forwards, while his 76.6 Set Piece shooting grade still found him in the top 10 at the position.
It didn't matter if he was shooting pressured or unpressured, he was consistent no matter what. Haaland's 86.6 pressured shooting grade was second highest at the position, while his unpressured shooting grade of 86.4 put him at 4th.
His 70.9 challenge grade was the highest among all centre forwards this season. Known for being dangerous in the air, Haaland's 79.6 Aerial Duel grade was the highest at his position. Continuing to show his dominance in the air, 23 of his Aerial Duels won led to a shot (1st among all CF's)
13: Bryan Mbeumo, WAM, Brentford
The second half of Brentford’s dynamic attacking duo checks in at number 13. Bryan Mbeumo delivered a career-best season, recording 20 goals and 7 assists. Only he and Mo Salah reached that combined output this year.
Mbeumo posted a 77.6 shooting grade, his highest since the 2021–22 season. He excelled particularly in unpressured shooting scenarios, earning an 88.0 grade—ranking 5th overall. Among his 20 goals, 14 were classified as unsavable, the third-highest total league-wide.
In addition to scoring, Mbeumo created 72 chances and registered a 78.0 crossing grade, placing him 19th overall. He stood out especially in set-piece situations, where he earned an 86.5 grade, good for 9th overall.
Beyond his offensive output, Mbeumo played a key role in Brentford’s transition play. He received 191 line-breaking passes, 7th among wide attacking midfielders (WAMs), and maintained a 75.8 tackle resistance grade (12th among WAMs). His ball retention under pressure was evident in 131 tackles faced won (13th overall) and 43 fouls won (14th among WAMs).
12: Declan Rice, CM, Arsenal
When Arsenal signed Declan Rice for £100 million, questions were raised about whether he could live up to the fee. Two seasons in, he’s not only justified the investment, he has become one of the league’s most complete midfielders.
Rice was central to Arsenal’s attacking set-piece success. The team’s innovative routines were hard to defend, and his delivery played a key role. He earned an 88.0 set-piece crossing grade, fifth best in the league. No player created more danger from set plays—he led the Premier League with 42 set-pieces into dangerous areas and 13 clear chances created, seven more than any other player, including teammate Bukayo Saka.
In open play, Rice’s passing remained a standout feature. He held the sixth-best passing grade among centre-midfielders (81.3) and ranked fourth for through-ball passing (85.2). His efficiency was unmatched: 50% of his through-ball attempts earned a positive grade, the highest rate in the league.
Defensively, Rice was among the most reliable. Of all midfielders who logged at least 3,000 Premier League minutes, none committed fewer defensive positioning errors.
After Kai Havertz’s injury, Rice operated further up the pitch. He responded with 62 chances created, second among central midfielders, while also contributing 4 second assists and 3 third assists. He was one of just ten Premier League players to record a grade of 70 or higher in seven different performance categories, a testament to his all-around influence.
11: Bruno Fernandes, WAM, Manchester United
Appearing at number 11 on our list, the captain of Manchester United continues to show why he is one of the best players in the Premier League. United may have not had the season they were hoping for, but Bruno Fernandes proved to be one of the best passers in the league with excellent grades in multiple passing categories.
His 92.5 passing grade was the 4th highest in the league this season. 168 of his passes were given a +.5 grade, most at his position and 2nd most in the entire league. 12 of his passes were given a +1 grade, 3rd most out of any player.
It did not matter if he was under pressure, he still delivered. His Pressured Passing grade of 91.7 was tied for 2nd out of all players. Distributing the ball quickly and efficiently was one of the best parts of his game. Bruno's 90.5 One Touch Passing grade was the highest out of any player, with 5 of those passes receiving a +1 grade (most in the league).
Always looking to progress the ball forward, his 198 line-breaking passes completed was the 8th most among any player. 41 of those line-breaking passes completed broke the defensive line, which was the 2nd highest. All of this excellent passing led to 96 chances created, the most we have seen this season, showing why he was able to walk away with 10 assists.
Not just a great passer, his 86.3 set piece shooting grade was the 5th highest out of all players. Known as a master of his craft, Bruno converted 100% of the penalties he took this season (3) while also scoring 2 goals from free kicks.
Bruno was maybe asked to do too much this season for a Manchester United team struggling to find any form of creativity, our partner at ESPN, Ryan O’Hanlon, put it best in this excerpt from an article earlier in the season:
10: Jarrod Bowen, WAM, West Ham United
Jarrod Bowen showed quality as a shooter, passer and crosser this season. Bowen’s Shooting Grade (91.7) ranked 2nd among all players and his Pressured Shooting Grade (91.5) ranked 1st among all players, scoring 13 goals with 37 shots on target (10th overall). 17.4% of his shots were positively graded and 34.8% of his shots were negatively graded, ranking 7th best and 2nd lowest among WAM’s.
When Bowen was not looking to score himself, he was a creative force for West Ham. His 86.4 passing grade ranked 10th among all players and 1st among West Ham players. He ended the year with 9 assists (1st among West Ham players), 52 chances created (1st), and 86 passes into dangerous positions (2nd), illustrating his importance to the Hammers attack. Again, when under pressure, Bowen did his best work. His 90.6 pressured passing grade landed him as our 6th best passer in that category.
Bowen was able to help out defensively as well for the Hammers. His 80.5 50/50 duels grade is 1st among WAM’s and he won 48 50/50 duels, good for 10th among all players. Bowen was able to demonstrate yet again that even with West Ham’s down year, his all-around play was still superb.
9: Alexander Isak, CF, Newcastle United
Alexander Isak’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign was the most prolific of his career, finishing with a personal best of 23 goals. More than just a scorer, Isak proved to be one of the most efficient and intelligent centre-forwards in the league, earning him a place inside the top 10 of our season rankings.
Isak’s shooting was among the most clinical in the division. He recorded an 85.4 shooting grade, placing him sixth among centre-forwards. From 103 shot attempts, he hit the target 60.3% of the time. Of those, 12 were considered unsavable. What set him apart, however, was his ability to maintain that accuracy even under pressure. He kept 88.9% of his pressured shots on target, the third-best rate among centre-forwards.
Off the ball, Isak’s movement and positional awareness made him a constant outlet for Newcastle. He received 234 line-breaking passes, the most of any centre-forward in the league, frequently offering himself between or behind defensive lines. Once on the ball, he remained composed and goal-oriented. A standout 8.1% of his total receptions came with his body already open to goal, ranking third among players in his position. This ability to control and transition quickly into goal-facing actions gave Newcastle a clear edge in attacking phases.
8: Moises Caicedo, CM, Chelsea
On the ball, Caicedo set the standard among central midfielders. He completed 2,153 passes, the most in his position, and earned an 86.5 passing grade, ranking third among all central midfielders. Notably, 84.2% of his passes were played forward or laterally, showing his intent to progress the ball. He also led all central midfielders (min. 1,200 passes attempted) in the percentage of passes that enabled the receiver to open their body, at 9.2%. This ability to dictate tempo while consistently setting teammates up to play forward reflects his intelligence and influence in build-up play.
Caicedo was equally effective carrying the ball, posting an 83.5 ball carry grade, which ranked third among central midfielders. Defensively, Caicedo led the league in duels, winning 243 challenges and topping all central midfielders in both total challenges won and 50/50 duels won (69). He also registered 16 sliding tackles won, second most among his peers.
Registering a 70+ grade in eight different categories, Caicedo proved to be one of the most well-rounded performers in the league. His season demonstrated a rare balance between ball retention, progression, and defensive bite.
7: Josko Gvardiol, FB, Manchester City
In a down year for Manchester City, finishing 3rd, Joško Gvardiol was City’s cornerstone player. Both Haaland and Rodri missed extended periods of time and Gvardiol stepped up to have a career year.
Gvardiol was the only player to record a 70+ grade in ten different categories, a statement to how versatile he was this year. His skill on the ball was visible as a passer and ball carrier, spending 74 minutes on the ball this season, 3rd most among all players. In that time, Gvardiol produced a 74.6 passing grade, 3rd among FBs. He completed 2447 passes (2nd overall), completed 759 passes into the final third (1st overall) and completed 152 line-breaking passes (4th among FBs).
Gvardiol was even more impressive as a carrier of the ball. Boasting an 86.5 carry grade, ranking 2nd among FBs. He had 59 successful carries, with 12.2% of his carries being positively graded (7th among FBs) and only 2.1% of his carries negatively graded (9th among FBs).
His defensive metrics and grades were exceptional. His challenge grade of 82.3 placed him 4th among all FBs. He really excelled as a tackler and duel winner. He posted an 82.9 tackling grade (10th among FBs) and an 85.2 50/50 duels grade (1st among FBs).
To go with his on ball defending, Gvardiol excelled at defending off the ball. He intercepted 166 passes, ranking 3rd among FBs and his 1.38 positional errors p90 (9th among FBs) really show his importance to the Manchester City back line.
It seems like Gvardiol is a player who could almost play every single position at an elite level, a rare talent who Pep Guardiola will lean on as the team overhauls its squad for a title push in 2025/26.
6: Virgil van Dijk, CB, Liverpool
Defensively, van Dijk was at his dominant best. He led the entire Premier League with a 90.5 Challenge Grade, underpinned by a league-best 69.6% aerial duel win rate. When narrowing the context to aerial duels specifically from opposition passes or crosses, he still ranked third best with a 78.2% win rate. His reading of the game remained elite, intercepting 199 passes (third most among all players) and cutting out 73 crosses, the fifth highest total in the league, despite Liverpool being in possession for the majority of games.
Van Dijk’s value wasn’t confined to his defensive duties. As a distributor, he continued to play a central role in Liverpool’s build-up play. No centre-back spent more time on the ball than van Dijk (81 minutes). His 81.6 passing grade ranked second among all central defenders, a testament to both his composure and precision. He completed 240 line-breaking passes, third most among players in his position, consistently helping Liverpool progress through opposition pressure.
Van Dijk stood out as one of just six players to register an 80 or higher grade in four plus grading categories, showcasing both his defensive prowess and his ball-playing quality.
5: Bruno Guimarães, CM, Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães was at the heart of everything for Newcastle United this season, he finished with a 94.9 Passing Grade, the second-highest of any player in the Premier League. Guimarães completed 166 passes into dangerous areas, ranking fourth overall, and led all players with 85 through balls, frequently linking with striker Alexander Isak. His 9.6% rate of positively graded passes ranked third among all players, reflecting both volume and efficiency in his distribution. Most impressively, he completed 57 passes that broke through the defensive line—16 more than any other player.
Beyond passing, Guimarães proved to be one of the most difficult midfielders to play against. He won 110 fouls throughout the season, resulting in 17 yellow cards for his opponents in the process. To put that into perspective, the next-highest central midfielder, John McGinn, won 68 fouls.
Guimarães also recorded solid grades in other aspects of the game, with his Ball Carry Grade (75.2) and Challenge Grade (70.5) ranking 24th and 25th among central midfielders respectively.
4: Alexis Mac Allister, CM, Liverpool
Alexis Mac Allister’s passing range, set piece accuracy, and long range shooting took center stage as he pushed Liverpool to a Premier League title, but his abilities as defender were equally as important.
His defensive qualities may not get the same attention as his partner, Ryan Gravneberch, but were still outstanding. Mac Allister’s ability to break up play was where he shined. He was able to block 60 passes this season, tied for 2nd most among all players, and produced a 79.3 50/50 grade (10th among CMs). He was also extremely proficient while defending in isolation. His 78.1 defending dribbles grade ranking 8th among CMs. He defended 37 dribbles successfully, 3rd overall, and 33 of those were positively graded, 2nd most among all players.
Mac Allister was the player to dictate the pace at which Liverpool played in possession. He received 191 line-breaking passes (T-7th among CMs) and completed 156 line-breaking passes (T-12th among CMs). His ability to find good areas to get on the ball was supplemented by his passing range and accuracy. His passing grade of 86.1 was good for 12th among all players. He created 45 chances (9th among CMs) and completed 108 passes into dangerous positions (7th among CMs).
Not only a threat as a passer, Mac Allister’s shooting quality is top notch among CMs. He posted an 83.2 shooting grade, ranking 1st among all CMs. His abilities as a shooter are demonstrated by his ability to take good shots consistently. 20.5% of his shots were positively graded (5th among CMs) and just 33.3% of his shots were negatively graded (T-3rd among CMs).
3: Youri Tielemans, CM, Aston Villa
Youri Tielemans was a central figure in Aston Villa’s success this season, combining control, progression, and creativity at an elite level.
He posted a 92.4 Passing Grade, fourth among all players, and a 98.3 Pressured Passing Grade, second overall. Of his passes, 87% went forward or laterally, showing his progressive intent. He led the league in line-breaking passes with 319, including 181 that broke the midfield line.
Tielemans also added value as a carrier, earning an 83.4 Ball Carry Grade, fifth among central midfielders. His 84.2 Crossing Grade ranked second among CMs, highlighting his ability to impact play from wider or deeper areas.
Creatively, he contributed 57 chances, seven assists, and seven secondary assists. Few midfielders matched his combination of ball progression and end-product, making him one of the most complete performers in the league.
2: Cole Palmer, WAM, Chelsea
Cole Palmer produced another monstrous season as the main creative force for a Chelsea team that clawed its way into Champions League football on the final day of the season.
To no one’s surprise, Palmer excelled in every attacking facet. He generated a 90.1 passing grade, 6th among all players. Palmer created 88 chances (2nd overall) and completed 139 passes into dangerous positions (7th overall). He completed 103 line-breaking passes (6th among WAMs) and completed 35 defensive line-breaking passes (3rd overall).
Continuing with Palmer’s top-level distribution ability, he generated an 84.4 crossing grade (6th overall). He completed 41 crosses (9th overall) and 33 of those crosses were positively graded (2nd overall).
Palmer may have only scored 15 goals this year, but his 97.5 shooting grade (1st overall) speaks to the quality of his shots. 11 of his goals were deemed unsaveable, with 22 positively graded shots.
Palmer also excelled in transition, through dribbling and finding good pockets of space. He received 215 line-breaking passes and 209 passes in dangerous positions, really reinforcing that Palmer is the focal point when Chelsea does anything in attack. Palmer was superb as a dribbler this past season, generating an 87.0 grade and recording the most successful ball carries in the league (124).
Palmer was just one of three players in the 2024/25 Premier League season to record a 75+ grade in passing, crossing and shooting.
1: Mohamed Salah, WAM, Liverpool
Mohamed Salah propelled Liverpool to a second title in five years while completing what could be the best Premier League season ever. With less work to do on the defensive side of the game, Salah took his game to new heights. Scoring 29 goals and collecting 17 assists, the numbers speak for themselves, but here we will take a deeper look at our #1 player of the 24-25 season.
Let’s start with this, Mohamed Salah completed the most passes into a dangerous position (217) AND received the most passes in a dangerous position (227) this season. He possessed the ball in the opposition penalty area 344 times, 145 more than Alexander Isak in second place (199). He was always a threat in behind, receiving 42 defensive line-breaking passes, tied for 2nd among all players.
As a passer Salah was able to create 81 chances. His 86.4 passing grade ranked 10th overall and his 92.7 unpressured passing grade ranked 3rd. Salah was also able to start the attack from deep, as his 90.3 over the top passing grade was 1st amongst all players. Salah was able to generate 16 +1 passes this year, the most of any player in the league, really showcasing his ability to find that spectacular pass.
In front of goal, his 84.2 shooting grade ranked 10th among all players, with 24 positively graded shots (1st) and 20 goals deemed unsavable by the goalkeeper (1st).
An absolute masterclass of a season by Mohamed Salah, who may be on his way to a Ballon d’or.
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