Top 20 Premier League Players of the 2023/24 Season: Ranked

The Premier League Player of the Season naturally tops this list, and Phil Foden's significance to Manchester City's record-breaking championship campaign is undeniable. To understand his impact, one only needs to look at the final day of the season.

Foden opened the scoring with a brilliant curled effort into the far corner, easing the tension, and quickly added a second goal. This performance encapsulated the influence the 23-year-old had throughout the term. He netted 19 times in the Premier League and provided eight assists. Standing out in a team brimming with superstars is no easy feat, but Foden managed to shine brightly.

2. Cole Palmer

Chelsea

It highlights the incredible talent nurtured by the Manchester City youth academy as another graduate, Cole Palmer, ranks second. Palmer transferred from the Etihad Stadium to Stamford Bridge at the start of the season, seeking first-team action.

The Chelsea ace became the focal point of Mauricio Pochettino's team, contributing 33 goal involvements in as many Premier League appearances. Scoring 22 times from the right wing is extraordinary, and the 22-year-old appears poised to be a key player in the Blues' quest for glory. His dazzling displays of technique and hunger throughout his first full season as a senior player signal a bright future ahead.

3. Declan Rice

Arsenal

Despite the extraordinary £105 million transfer fee that saw Declan Rice move from West Ham to Arsenal, the English midfielder has been a roaring success at the Emirates Stadium. He's been so impressive that nobody even mentions the eye-watering sum of money paid for him.

The 25-year-old played in all 38 games of the season, helping the Gunners come agonizingly close to lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 20 years—a significant improvement from the previous campaign. Much of this progress is due to Rice's commanding performances at the base of the midfield for most of the season, before excelling in a box-to-box role in the latter stages.

4. Rodri

Manchester City

Although primarily a defensive midfielder tasked with putting out fires and maintaining possession in the center of the pitch, Rodri had a significant impact at the business end for Manchester City. The Spaniard enjoyed his most productive attacking season to date, scoring an impressive eight goals and providing nine assists.

This return is better than many forwards can dream of in the Premier League. Coupled with his usual brilliance in the engine room, where he consistently dictated the tempo of City's matches, Rodri had a remarkable season. While Phil Foden may have been the standout player for the Citizens in the 2023/24 campaign, there's a compelling argument that Rodri is the most vital member of the squad at the Etihad. The 27-year-old didn't taste a single defeat throughout the entire term.

5. William Saliba

Arsenal

William Saliba was exceptional throughout the 2023/24 campaign, anchoring Arsenal's defense and contributing significantly to their status as the toughest backline in the league. The Frenchman played a crucial role in all 18 of the Gunners' clean sheets, the most by any player in the division.

Saliba's stellar performances have cemented his reputation as one of the best center-backs in the world. Not only is he a consistent and reliable performer, but his durability is remarkable—he became the first player in Arsenal's history to play every single minute of a Premier League season. His composure on the ball and his exceptional defensive reading of the game make him a standout defender.

6. Erling Haaland

Manchester City

It may seem harsh to place Erling Haaland this low, especially after he secured his second consecutive Golden Boot with 27 goals. However, it's not as harsh as Roy Keane's outlandish comparison of Haaland's overall ability to that of a League Two player.

While Keane's comments are certainly exaggerated, the reason Haaland finishes in sixth place is his limited involvement in City's overall play. There is no doubt he excels at finding the back of the net, positioning himself perfectly to score, but he seldom contributes to the build-up play—a departure from Pep Guardiola's usual style. Manchester City has adjusted their tactics to accommodate his clinical finishing, and while Haaland has had a strong campaign, it hasn't quite matched the impact of his debut season in England.

7. Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

The 2023/24 season has solidified Ollie Watkins' status as one of the most lethal strikers in the English top flight. Playing a pivotal role in Aston Villa's journey to Champions League qualification, Watkins notched an impressive 19 goals and 13 assists.

His proficiency in front of goal reached new heights as he displayed remarkable composure with both feet and his head. At 28 years old, Watkins' versatility was further highlighted by earning the Playmaker Award, showcasing his all-around excellence—a feat that surpasses even Haaland, who ranks just above him on this list. From the Championship to the Champions League, Watkins' ascent to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.

8. Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

Martin Odegaard came tantalizingly close to leading Arsenal to a Premier League title, falling just two points short. His position on this list might have been higher had the Gunners clinched the trophy, but their near miss impacted his ranking.

Nevertheless, Odegaard's exceptional talent shone throughout the 2023/24 season. With mesmerizing ball control and unparalleled vision, the 25-year-old consistently dazzled on the pitch. He notched double-figure assists and scored eight goals, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal's quest for glory.

9. Alexander Isak

Newcastle United

Alexander Isak has firmly established himself as one of the most formidable strikers in the Premier League, tallying an impressive 21 goals in just 30 appearances during the 2023/24 season for Newcastle. Despite the Magpies experiencing ups and downs throughout the campaign and missing out on a return to the Champions League, Isak's standout performances offer a silver lining for manager Eddie Howe.

Beyond his prowess as a center-forward, the Swedish striker has demonstrated remarkable versatility by excelling in a left-wing role as well. His combination of pace, power, agility, and close control make him a potent threat in various attacking positions, adding another dimension to his already impressive skill set.

10. Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka remains a vital component of Arsenal's attacking lineup, contributing to over 20 goals in the Premier League season. Despite experiencing a dip in form during the middle of the campaign, the English winger staged a resurgence in the latter half of the term, showcasing his electric pace and trickery that make him a nightmare for defenders.

Despite facing physical challenges on the pitch, Saka maintains a positive attitude and continues to excel with his relentless forward movement. With Arsenal potentially strengthening their attacking options with a clinical center-forward in the upcoming transfer window, Saka's productivity could reach new heights in the 2024/25 season.

11. Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

While Liverpool's title challenge may have waned in the latter stages of the season, Virgil van Dijk's commanding displays were not at fault. Assuming the captain's armband seemed to rejuvenate the Dutchman, who embraced the added responsibility.

Following a lackluster season previously, Van Dijk returned to dominating aerial duels and exuding the intimidating presence that unsettles rival forwards. Despite Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities compared to Arsenal and Manchester City, the center-back remains highly regarded as one of the Premier League's finest individual talents.

12. Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

English forwards have made a significant impact this year, with Dominic Solanke making his mark in the top 15. The Bournemouth striker has been steadily climbing the ranks, transitioning from a Championship standout to a dependable scorer in the Premier League.

Under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth experienced their most successful Premier League season, achieving a record points total for the club. Solanke emerged as a key figure, finishing joint-fourth in the scoring charts with an impressive 19 goals. His contributions were instrumental to Bournemouth's success, accounting for over a third of their total goals during the campaign.

13. Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United

Despite Newcastle's struggles, Anthony Gordon emerged as one of their standout performers in the 2023/24 season, alongside Alexander Isak. Initially finding it challenging to adapt to his new club after moving from Everton, Gordon used the first six months to settle in and find his rhythm.

However, once he found his footing, Gordon showcased his explosive form, utilizing his pace and clever movement to trouble defenders throughout the league. The 23-year-old winger demonstrated remarkable consistency, joining an exclusive group of players who achieved double figures in both goals and assists during the campaign. Gordon's ability to consistently threaten opposition defenses has made him a valuable asset for manager Eddie Howe.

14. Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne's inclusion on this list speaks volumes about his exceptional talent and impact. While most players would struggle to make such a list after missing half a season, De Bruyne defied the odds.

Despite featuring in only 18 Premier League matches, the Belgian maestro managed to rack up 10 assists, a feat surpassed only by Watkins and Palmer. His remarkable passing and playmaking abilities were pivotal in driving Manchester City to another league title. Without his contributions, City's record-breaking triumph might have been in jeopardy. De Bruyne's presence on the field elevated the performance of his teammates and solidified his status as one of the league's premier playmakers.

15. Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah's consistently high standards have made this season seem relatively underwhelming for him. Despite being Liverpool's top scorer with 18 goals, most of his contributions came in the first half of the campaign.

Salah's versatility as a creative force was evident as he also provided double-digit assists throughout the year. However, his form suffered a dip and he faced fitness issues after sustaining an injury during the AFCON early in 2024. These factors have contributed to his relatively low ranking on this list, but there's no denying that he remains one of the top players in the league.

16. Heung-min Son

Tottenham

Heung-min Son faced immense pressure when tasked with filling the void left by Harry Kane's departure from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just before the start of the Premier League season. Additionally, he took on the captaincy under new manager Ange Postecoglou, further increasing his responsibilities.

Son thrived in the first half of the season as Tottenham's primary figure. Initially deployed as the central striker, he later transitioned back to his usual left flank position. Throughout the campaign, he played a pivotal role in Tottenham's journey to secure fifth place in the Premier League, contributing to 27 goals along the way.

17. Gabriel

Arsenal

While Saliba has received much of the praise for his performance in the 2023/24 season, his defensive counterpart has been nearly as crucial for Arteta's team. Gabriel is ranked lower than Saliba due to his fewer appearances and perceived lesser confidence on the ball.

However, this does not diminish his aggressive and commanding performances at the heart of Arsenal's defense. The Gunners proved to be a tough team to break down, conceding only 29 goals in 38 matches, the fewest in the division. Gabriel played a significant role in this defensive solidity.

18. Josko Gvardiol

Manchester City

There were initial concerns surrounding Josko Gvardiol as he struggled to adapt in his debut season in English football. Having arrived for a hefty sum from RB Leipzig, the defender faced a steep learning curve under Pep Guardiola's system during the first half of the Premier League season.

Transitioning from center-back to left-back, the Croatian international eventually found his stride at a critical juncture for the champions. Not only did he exhibit defensive solidity, but Gvardiol also emerged as a significant offensive threat. His four league goals all came in the final seven games of the campaign, showcasing his timely contribution in propelling his team towards glory.

19. Jarrod Bowen

West Ham United

West Ham's season concluded with disappointment as David Moyes bid farewell to the club in lackluster fashion. The Hammers fell short of European qualification, settling for a ninth-place finish in the Premier League. Amidst the setback, one player who stood out was Jarrod Bowen.

Often deployed in an unfamiliar role as the central striker in place of Michail Antonio, the Englishman showcased his adaptability at the London Stadium. Forming effective partnerships with Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus, Bowen found the back of the net 16 times in the league, further bolstering his credentials for a potential spot in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad this summer.

20. Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta's emergence as one of the Premier League's most formidable forwards has been nothing short of surprising. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, the French striker has thrived, culminating in a sensational hat-trick against Aston Villa to cap off the season with 16 goals to his name.

Since Glasner took the reins from Roy Hodgson, Mateta, along with Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, has been instrumental in Crystal Palace's resurgence in the English top-flight. While Olise and Eze played crucial roles in Mateta's success, it's the striker's primary responsibility of consistently finding the back of the net that earns him a place on this list ahead of his teammates.