MVP Premier League: Saka, Caicedo and the Arsenal and Chelsea stars

Analysis of the Most Valuable Players in the Premier League: Alofoke Deportes Update

In March 2025, we present the fifth installment of our Premier League MVP rankings. The objective is clear: to identify the most crucial players in the elite clubs of the division. To do this, we combine skill and tactical factors, evaluating the importance of each player to their team and ranking the top 15. The most outstanding, consistent, and present players, naturally, position themselves at the top, while still recognizing the tactical importance of certain individuals. Football teams face multiple challenges throughout a season, adapting to injuries, absences, and performance fluctuations. We have reviewed the players of the six most important clubs in England, analyzing how things have evolved since March. Who has risen and who has decreased in value? Below, we detail the methodology used.

Why 15 players? Since a starting team lines up 11 players, this allows for the inclusion of those who do not have a guaranteed place in the starting eleven. Absences due to long-term injuries are considered separately and do not influence the ranking.

Who is eligible? The playing time criterion is a minimum of 300 minutes, a relatively low threshold. Most key players who have maintained physical fitness already exceed 1,000 minutes. This season, Champions League minutes have been included, recognizing the need to rotate the team in competitions to maintain player health. In the case of Manchester United, the 300-minute rule applies in the Premier League, as they do not participate in European competitions.

How are players evaluated? This ranking is subjective to some extent, but experts from each club were consulted to adjust the rankings according to the methodology. Opta statistics and Gradient Sports data have been valuable tools to support the evaluations.

How difficult is it? Some decisions are obvious, but others are complex. Comparing players from different positions is difficult, but within the context of the team, it is possible to determine who is the most essential. This analysis is a source of entertainment and debate.

Rankings

ARSENAL

Arsenal made significant investments in the summer transfer market, spending around £250 million on eight new players to put pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race. Although the core of Mikel Arteta’s team remains, it now has a deeper squad, which has significantly modified this ranking.NOT ON THE LIST: Highlights the absence of Martin Ødegaard, the club captain, due to injuries that have prevented him from reaching the required minutes threshold (300). Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Ethan Nwaneri are also left out due to lack of minutes. Thomas Partey has left the club. Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapié, and Christian Nørgaard have not had enough appearances. This has opened space for Arsenal’s new signings, altering the ranking.

• 15. Cristhian Mosquera (New!)
• 14. Noni Madueke (New!)
• 13. Gabriel Martinelli (-7)
• 12. Eberechi Eze (New!)
• 11. Mikel Merino (+2)
• 10. Leandro Trossard (+1)
• 9. Viktor Gyökeres (New!)
• 8. David Raya (-2)
• 7. Riccardo Calafiori (+7)
• 6. Jurriën Timber (+4)
• 5. Martín Zubimendi (New!)
• 4. William Saliba (-1)
• 3. Declan Rice (+2)
• 2. Gabriel Magalhães (+2)
• 1. Bukayo Saka (+1)

CHELSEA

Chelsea has kept Enzo Maresca as coach for a second consecutive season, but stability has not been total. The Blues are integrating many young players, have made significant changes to the squad, and face an unusual schedule due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, which they won in the summer.NOT ON THE LIST: Cole Palmer, possibly Chelsea’s most special player, is not on the list due to injuries. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson have left the club. Levi Colwill may not play this season due to an ACL tear. Roméo Lavia, with constant injury problems, has not been able to impact the team. Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, Tyrique George, Facundo Buonanotte, and Benoît Badiashile haven’t played enough, while Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato are not influential enough.

• 15. Jamie Gittens (New!)
• 14. Andrey Santos (New!)
• 13. Tosin Adarabioyo (+1)
• 12. Robert Sánchez (-1)
• 11. Alejandro Garnacho (New!)
• 10. Malo Gusto (+1)
• 9. Trevoh Chalobah (New!)
• 8. Estêvão (New!)
• 7. Wesley Fofana (+2)
• 6. Pedro Neto (+3)
• 5. João Pedro (New!)
• 4. Marc Cucurella (+2)
• 3. Enzo Fernández (+2)
• 2. Reece James (+9)
• 1. Moisés Caicedo (+1)

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool’s summer was tumultuous. The champion team spent over £450 million on seven players, twice breaking the British transfer record. The tragic death of Diogo Jota also affected the team’s performance at the beginning of the season. This has complicated the task of Arne Slot as a coach.

NOT ON THE LIST: Trent Alexander-Arnold…