13 World-Class Footballers Currently in the Premier League
Widely regarded as the top football league in the world, the Premier League boasts an extraordinary depth of talent. From top to bottom, clubs feature elite players—just look at names like Jordan Pickford, Jarrod Bowen, and Matheus Cunha (prior to his Manchester United switch), all representing teams outside the usual title contenders.
However, the group of players who can genuinely be considered world-class is much smaller and highly exclusive. In fact, some argue that only 13 players in the Premier League currently meet that standard. With that in mind, GIVEMESPORT has compiled a list of those stars who truly stand out.
Criteria for Selection
These were the key factors used to determine world-class status:
Current Ability: Past achievements were considered, but players no longer performing at an elite level—such as Kevin De Bruyne—were excluded.
Impact on Their Team: This includes goals, assists, clean sheets, and overall contribution—even those who don’t fill the stat sheet can be vital.
Position Ranking: Players must be among the top five in their position globally.
Goal Scoring: Attacking players typically need to hit the 20-goal mark in a single season to be considered top-tier.
Assisting: Regularly creating chances and contributing in the final third is a must in modern football.
Clean Sheets: For goalkeepers, consistently keeping the opposition out is essential.
Manchester City
World-Class Players: Rodri, Erling Haaland
Despite City’s recent dominance, including a record-breaking fourth consecutive title just two years ago, only two players currently meet the world-class benchmark.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, remains among the game’s elite despite a recent ACL injury. At 28, he still has prime years ahead.
Erling Haaland has been a goal-scoring machine since arriving in 2022, breaking records and leading the league in goals for two straight seasons. Even with a slightly “quieter” 22-goal campaign last year, he remains a dominant force.
City Stats (2024/25)
Player Matches Goals Assists
Rodri 2 0 0
Haaland 31 22 3
Liverpool
World-Class Players: Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Florian Wirtz
Fresh off their 20th league title, Liverpool boasts four truly elite players:
Alisson remains one of the best keepers in the world, crucial to Liverpool’s recent success.
Salah, since joining in 2017, has consistently performed at the highest level and is Liverpool’s attacking talisman.
Van Dijk, though aging, still commands elite status due to his leadership and defensive dominance.
Florian Wirtz, new to the Premier League, already has two Bundesliga Player of the Year titles and is expected to thrive under Arne Slot.
Liverpool Stats (2024/25)
Player Matches Goals Assists Clean Sheets
Alisson 28 0 0 9
Salah 38 29 19 N/A
Van Dijk 37 3 1 13
Wirtz* 31 10 12 N/A
(*Wirtz’s stats are from the Bundesliga.)
Arsenal
World-Class Players: Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal’s strong performances in recent title races have propelled several players into the elite bracket:
Saka is now indisputably one of the best wingers in the world.
Rice, despite his hefty price tag, has lived up to expectations with his dominance in midfield.
Saliba and Gabriel form arguably the strongest defensive duo in the league, barely conceding when they play together.
Arsenal Stats (2024/25)
Player Matches Goals Assists Clean Sheets
Rice 35 4 7 9
Saka 25 6 11 N/A
Gabriel 28 3 3 10
Saliba 35 2 0 11
Manchester United
World-Class Player: Bruno Fernandes
Love him or hate him, Bruno Fernandes has been a beacon of quality for United since 2020. His consistent creativity and influence have kept the team afloat during difficult seasons. While critics often point to his on-field demeanor, few can argue with his talent and output.
Fernandes’ Stats (2024/25)
Matches Goals Assists
36 8 10
Chelsea
World-Class Player: Cole Palmer
In a breakout season, Cole Palmer emerged as Chelsea’s star after leaving Manchester City. Instrumental in their Conference League and Club World Cup wins, the young Englishman signed a long-term deal, with expectations sky-high.
Palmer’s Stats (2024/25)
Matches Goals Assists
37 15 8
Newcastle United
World-Class Player: Alexander Isak
Isak has developed into one of the finest strikers in Europe. His goals fired Newcastle to League Cup glory and sparked transfer interest from Liverpool. Whether or not he moves, he remains Newcastle’s standout player by far.
Isak’s Stats (2024/25)
Matches Goals Assists
34 23 6
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