As 2023 draws to a close, Telegraph Sport will this week evaluate Britain’s top 30 players across a range of sports. The fight started with women’s football on Monday and now it is men’s football’s turn.
To qualify for the top 30, players must currently be playing for a club in Britain.
Kamara is arguably the most underrated player in the league. The French midfielder, who was linked with Steven Gerrard on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, played a fundamental role in Villa’s progress under Unai Emery. Strong, smart, technically confident and still only 24 years old.
Van de Ven is one of this season’s signings and would have been much higher on this list had he not suffered a serious injury in November. The 22-year-old player’s recovery speed allows him to play in Spurs’ high defensive line.
Another player who would be much higher on our list if he stayed fit. Neto assisted seven goals in the first 10 games of the season and appeared to be back to his best after persistent injury problems in recent years. A hamstring problem set him back again.
27 – Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Alisson remains the league’s standout goalkeeper and continues to make big saves at crucial moments for Liverpool. The Brazilian player occasionally makes mistakes, but he more than makes up for them with his shot-stopping ability, presence and distribution.
Odegaard was near the top of this list last season but suffered an unusual dip in form at the start of the season. But in recent weeks the Arsenal captain has regained his mojo. When he plays well, Arsenal plays well.
There’s a reason why City wanted to sign Paqueta. A showman who creates and scores goals and also works for his team. The Brazilian is heading towards the top of the game, with or without West Ham.
Solanke has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than he has in previous seasons. Now 26, he is flourishing in a team that plays in a more expansive and adventurous style. Is there a chance to qualify for the Euros with England?
Is there a single player who is as important to his team as Palhinha is to Fulham? The Portuguese midfielder has established himself as the league’s toughest centre-back. Without him, Fulham would probably be a relegation candidate. It’s no surprise that Bayern Munich and a host of Premier League clubs are hoping to sign the 28-year-old.
“People haven’t understood Pascal’s level yet,” Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi said earlier this month. “He is underestimated as an actor”
De Zerbi’s arrival helped Gross develop into one of the league’s smartest and most versatile players. The player, who is now a full Germany national team player, continues to get stronger even though he is 32 years old.
Eyebrows were raised when Newcastle spent £45million on Gordon in January but now he shows why Eddie Howe is so keen to bring him to the club. His standout qualities are his energy and enthusiasm, but he is also learning to be decisive in the final third. Another player who can make the England squad in time for the Euros.
Villa’s unexpected rise to the league title was made possible by the strength and intelligence of their midfield. Luiz, more than anyone else, provides the platform that allows other Villa players to shine. Arsenal have tried to sign him in the past, but buying him now would require a truly huge fee.
Hwang was far from productive in his first few seasons at Wolves but has excelled in front of goal this year under Gary O’Neil. The South Korean player fully deserved the new contract he signed earlier this month.
Brentford have been without Ivan Toney all season and no player has done more to fill that void than Mbeumo, who scored seven goals and provided three assists in 17 appearances before suffering an ankle injury earlier this month. The 24-year-old player is starting to reveal his great potential.
The Villa captain provides his team with unremitting energy and plenty of technical quality. McGinn now plays in a more advanced position and is flourishing there, carrying the ball forward and creating opportunities for his teammates. He has scored more goals this season than in any previous Premier League season.
Bowen has spent most of his career as a striker but is now showing that he can be successful as a striker as well. A great finisher who frightens defenders with his pace and willingness to run in behind, he continues to impress under David Moyes.
A sudden drop in form in December should not detract from Trippier’s excellent performances this season. He embodies much of what makes Newcastle such an exciting team, and few players can shoot with such accuracy and determination from out wide.
14 – Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Foden was in and out of the team for much of last season but has proven once again this year that he is a truly key player. Now 23, Foden is no longer an academy kid with immense potential. A top player who shows his quality every week.
The best English striker in the league after Harry Kane left for Bayern Munich. Watkins is a versatile forward who continues to improve his game each season. He can introduce others, create goals, score goals himself and is devastating when there is space behind the opposition defence.
A World Cup winning striker who perhaps doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Alvarez has cemented his place in the City team this season and has achieved a steady stream of goals and assists. At 23, he still has a lot to do.
11 – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
After a much-discussed dip in form last year, Van Dijk looks to be returning to his best this season. When fully prepared, Van Dijk becomes a giant in Liverpool’s defense and the man who sets the tone for Jürgen Klopp’s team. A leader, a winner and one of the Premier League’s best defenders ever.
The £40 million deal that took Maddison from Leicester City to Spurs appears to be one of the smartest deals any club has made in recent seasons. His impact was immense – he became instant vice-captain – and his technical ability in midfield allowed Postecoglou to impose a new, progressive style at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The fact that fans would not trade him for any defender in the league shows how important Saliba is to Arsenal. Even Van Dijk. With the Frenchman on board, Arsenal are good enough to challenge for the league title. Without it, they probably don’t. Dominant on the ball, strong in the air and fast on the ground: Saliba has it all.
Silva is indispensable for City, with or without the ball. He will never be a prolific goalscorer, but the midfielder is adept at angles and movement and his intelligence allows City to dominate matches. He is ruthless off the ball. He’s becoming one of the Premier League’s best of all time, even if he’s not there yet.
Alexander-Arnold’s redeployment as an inverted right-back appears to have unlocked new levels of his game. He is the Premier League’s best passer and a player who is increasingly becoming a leader for his club. Alexander-Arnold is also developing a taste for making decisive tackles at big moments in big games.
6 – Rodri (Manchester City)
Perhaps the one player Guardiola can’t do without. City missed Rodri for three matches in September and October and lost all three. The same thing happened again when they traveled to Villa earlier this month. City’s trust in Rodri reflects his understanding of the game, defensive awareness and technical quality.
Arsenal’s “star child” is becoming more efficient and effective with each passing season. Saka’s decisions in the final third are outstanding for a player who is only 22 years old, and his resilience has allowed him to gradually become a key figure in Arsenal’s attack.
4 – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The Premier League’s first £100m bargain? Rice arrived at Arsenal with a huge price tag but there is currently little debate about that fee. He justifies this every week with his personality, determination and ability to shape big games in midfield.
Son, who was injured for much of last season, is now pain-free and thriving in a new era for Spurs. Now the club’s captain, Son was relentless in front of goal and set the tone for the Postecoglou team with his intensity off the ball. Spurs will miss him greatly when he leaves for the Asian Cup next month.
2 – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The Premier League’s deadliest player. Perhaps it’s fair to say that he is the Premier League’s most lethal player ever. When Haaland plays, Haaland usually scores. A unique talent.
Salah is almost ahead of Haaland thanks to his versatile play. The Liverpool striker scores almost as many goals as he scores. In an improving Liverpool team, with so much change happening around him, Salah’s performance in the final third remains constant.
