Premier League 2025-26 Player of the Year Power Rankings: Erling Haaland and Declan Rice lead the way at Christmas

As Christmas approaches, Erling Haaland and Declan Rice headline the Premier League 2025-26 Player of the Year Power Rankings after 17 revealing games

The Premier League pauses briefly for breath as Christmas arrives, and with 17 games played out of the full 38, the 2025-26 season is finally beginning to take shape. Patterns are emerging, narratives are forming, and while nothing is settled yet, we now have a clearer picture of who is pushing for glory and who is simply trying to survive.

At the top, Arsenal hold a narrow two-point lead over Manchester City, with Aston Villa just one further back in what has been a thrilling and unpredictable title race. At the other end of the table, Wolves already look doomed, sliding towards relegation at a pace that brings back uncomfortable memories of Derby County’s infamous campaign.

What truly defines this season, though, is the parity. Only 10 points separate Chelsea in fourth from Leeds in 16th. Money continues to pour into every corner of the league, squads are deeper than ever, and genuine quality can be found from top to bottom. For better or worse, the Premier League has become football’s unofficial “Super League”.

With that in mind, Christmas feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the players who have stood out most so far. From relentless goal machines to midfield generals, defensive rocks to chaotic match-winners, these are the names shaping the 2025-26 season.

Here are the Premier League 2025-26 Player of the Year Power Rankings at Christmas, counting down from 10 to the man who currently sets the standard.

10. Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – Premier League

Liverpool’s season has been bruising, frustrating, and at times flat-out miserable. But if there is one player at Anfield who can walk through the chaos with his head held high, it’s Hugo Ekitike.

Signed amid huge expectations and louder doubts, Ekitike has quietly been the most impressive of the summer’s big-money striker arrivals. Eight goals in 16 league games might not scream dominance, but context matters. Liverpool have struggled for rhythm, identity, and confidence — yet Ekitike has delivered regardless.

Even before Alexander Isak’s £125 million move was derailed by injury, Ekitike had already made the No.9 shirt his own. His movement, composure, and willingness to shoulder responsibility have stood out in a turbulent environment.

When Thierry Henry names you as his favourite Premier League player of the season so far, people listen. The Arsenal legend praised Ekitike’s mentality as much as his finishing, highlighting how he adapted quickly, accepted being benched without complaint, and still returned scoring. At 23, the ceiling looks frighteningly high.

9. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Fulham v Manchester City – Premier League

After sweeping Player of the Year awards in 2023-24, Phil Foden’s drop-off last season was one of the quieter mysteries of the league. Injuries, tactical shifts, and life without Rodri clearly played a part, but City needed more from their crown jewel — and didn’t always get it.

This season has been about repair rather than reinvention.

Foden hasn’t quite grabbed games by the collar like he once did, but seven goals and two assists in 15 league matches is solid output in a City side that still feels slightly unbalanced. At 25, he’s learning how to perform under scrutiny, competition, and expectation all at once.

With England places up for grabs and Guardiola potentially eyeing another attacking signing in January, Foden appears to be thriving under pressure again. It’s not spectacular — but it’s effective.

8. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

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Few players sum up Aston Villa’s remarkable turnaround better than Morgan Rogers.

Villa took just two points from their opening five matches and looked lost. Since then? Eleven wins from 12 games. Title challengers. Statement performances. Belief.

Rogers’ transformation has been almost absurd. In September, Villa Park sarcastically applauded him for completing simple passes. Now, he’s producing screamers weekly, defying xG models like peak Gareth Bale.

Seven league goals only tell part of the story. His confidence, aggression, and sheer audacity have changed games. Unai Emery’s demand that Rogers stay “hungry and angry” has clearly landed. Whether he scores or not, his tactical discipline and versatility make him indispensable.

7. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Premier League

For much of the autumn, Chelsea fans ran a loud, relentless campaign insisting Moises Caicedo belonged in Player of the Year conversations. For a while, they were right.

The Ecuadorian was everywhere — breaking up play, recycling possession, covering ground few others could. His red card against Arsenal slowed both his momentum and Chelsea’s, but it hasn’t erased his influence.

What stands out most about Caicedo is his humility. Asked if he’s the best defensive midfielder in the world, he flatly rejected the idea, insisting he still has more to give — especially in goals and assists.

That mindset, combined with elite physical and tactical qualities, explains why he remains among the league’s standout performers.

6. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

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Centre-backs rarely win Player of the Year awards. When they do, they’re usually generational figures. For the first third of this season, Gabriel Magalhaes looked capable of joining that elite club.

Dominant in both boxes, vocal, aggressive, and surprisingly lethal from set-pieces, Gabriel has been central to Arsenal’s defensive authority. Mikel Arteta’s praise has been effusive, describing him as world-class both defensively and offensively.

Injury has halted his rise up these rankings for now, but once fully fit in 2026, don’t be surprised to see him surge again.

5. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Sunderland v Newcastle United – Premier League

Granit Xhaka’s career arc defies logic — and that’s precisely why it’s brilliant.

From misunderstood Arsenal captain to invincible at Bayer Leverkusen, and now the heartbeat of a newly-promoted Sunderland side dreaming of Europe, Xhaka has become the Premier League’s most unlikely story.

His leadership, composure, and tactical intelligence have transformed Sunderland. Wayne Rooney calling him the signing of the season doesn’t feel exaggerated. He’s a father figure in a young squad and a conduit between manager and players.

At 32, he’s playing some of the smartest football of his life.

4. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth v Burnley – Premier League

Bournemouth were supposed to crumble after losing key defenders to Europe’s elite. Instead, they’ve improved — and Antoine Semenyo is at the centre of it all.

Eight goals, relentless pressing, and constant threat from wide areas have made him one of the league’s most exciting attackers. Turning down interest from bigger clubs last summer now looks inspired, with Manchester City reportedly circling ahead of January.

If that move happens, few could argue he hasn’t earned it.

3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United v Bournemouth – Premier League

Manchester United’s struggles feel endless, but Bruno Fernandes remains the constant.

Leading the league in assists and second only to Erling Haaland for combined goals and assists, Fernandes continues to drag United forward, even as chaos swirls around him.

Injury now threatens to expose just how dependent United are on their captain. If they collapse without him, it will only underline his value.

2. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Premier League

There was a time when Arsenal spending over £100 million on Declan Rice felt risky. Now, it feels like theft.

Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder — defensively dominant, technically assured, and increasingly decisive in attacking moments. With Gabriel sidelined, he’s taken even more responsibility, anchoring Arsenal’s title push.

His partnership with Martin Zubimendi has elevated both players, and his leadership continues to grow. Arsenal’s heartbeat beats to Rice’s rhythm.

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Manchester City v Sunderland – Premier League

At this point, language struggles to keep up with Erling Haaland.

Nineteen goals. One penalty. Records falling weekly. Manchester City may not be perfect, but they have the most devastating striker in world football at his absolute peak.

Already a member of the Premier League 100 Club, Haaland’s ratio — 104 goals in 114 matches — borders on absurd. Guardiola’s comparison to Messi and Ronaldo doesn’t feel like hyperbole anymore.

Haaland isn’t just leading the Player of the Year Power Rankings at Christmas. He’s redefining what dominance looks like in the Premier League.