Every Premier League team has a 25-man squad, meaning there are around 500 players to choose from across the 20 clubs. So picking the best 15 is an insanely difficult task. It is also completely subjective, and plenty of fans will argue for players we have left out or against some of those who made it. Predicting the best players before the season has even started makes it harder still.
But we gave it a go anyway. We looked at last season's stats and overall form, performances at the World Cup, new transfers and who could improve in 2026/27. Some players may not have been at their very best last season either, but as the saying goes, form is temporary and class is permanent.
Goalkeeper and New Signings
15. David Raya - Arsenal: There aren't many goalkeepers who could force their way onto a list dominated by attacking players, but David Raya deserves his place. The Arsenal goalkeeper played 37 Premier League games last season and kept 19 clean sheets as the Gunners won the title. That earned him a third consecutive Golden Glove. He didn't play at the World Cup but was part of Spain's title-winning squad. With William Saliba and Gabriel in front of him again, Raya should be in for another big season.
14. Morgan Rogers - Chelsea: Morgan Rogers is one of the harder players to rank because we are yet to see exactly how he will get on at Chelsea. What we do know is just how good he was for Aston Villa. The 24-year-old scored 10 Premier League goals and set up another six in 37 appearances last season. He then made seven appearances for England at the World Cup and provided an assist in the semi-final against Argentina. His £117million move to Chelsea now gives him the chance to play alongside Cole Palmer. If the move works, Rogers could easily climb this list.
Defensive Talents
13. Josko Gvardiol - Manchester City: Josko Gvardiol has become a hugely important player for Manchester City because he can do several jobs. The Croatian can play at centre-back or on the left and still offers something going forward. He made 18 Premier League appearances last season, scoring twice and providing two assists, with his campaign disrupted by injury. Gvardiol also represented Croatia at the World Cup. At just 24, there is still plenty more to come from him.
12. Matheus Cunha - Manchester United: The first of only two Manchester United players on our list. Matheus Cunha's first season at Old Trafford wasn't spectacular, but there was enough there to suggest he could be in for a much better second campaign. He scored 10 goals and provided two assists from 33 Premier League appearances before scoring three times at the World Cup for Brazil. Cunha now has a full season alongside Bruno Fernandes behind him. United will be hoping that relationship becomes even more productive this year.
