England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has long been one of the Premier League's most reliable shot-stoppers, but his development of a short passing game and improved handling have made him even more effective. While the 'T-rex' jokes persist, his long passing and shot-stopping have always been decent, and he now keeps the ball moving and begins attacks with closer-range passes.
Chelsea captain Reece James combines the strengths of Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold without their weaknesses, offering power, tenacity, recovery pace, creativity, and attacking impetus. He is not just one of the best right-backs in the league but one of the best in the world.
Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt has played every minute of every Premier League match this season, excelling in box-defending, aerial duels, and midfield challenges. His confidence has grown, and he has become the defensive organiser, showing the leadership that earned him the Ajax captaincy at 18.
Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is quick, strong, classy on the ball, and commanding in the air, having played every minute of Palace's 19 games this season. His comment before last season's FA Cup final, 'Wembley will shake and it will be beautiful,' became part of fans' folklore after the win over Manchester City.
Brighton's Yasin Ayari provides the platform for Carlos Baleba's adventures, dictating play with refined possession and intelligence. He has the speed and discipline to cover space and track runners, and his clean striking of the ball suggests goals and assists are on the horizon.
Fulham's Alex Iwobi is reliable in all midfield phases, whether in a pivot, box to box, or out wide. He creates chances, leads his team in assists and key passes, and has quietly become one of the most effective players in the country.
