Premier League Midfield Masters: Who’s Dominating the 2025-26 Season?
The Premier League is home to some of the most tactically intelligent and technically gifted midfielders in world football. Midfield is a complex position, with players tasked not only with creating opportunities but also with breaking up opposition attacks and maintaining team balance. Within the central areas, there are distinct roles—No. 6s who act as shields in front of the defense, No. 8s who shuttle box-to-box, and No. 10s who operate behind the striker—but this season, the spotlight is firmly on the No. 6s and No. 8s who are defining the rhythm of their teams.
To identify the standout performers so far in the 2025-26 campaign, Squawka utilized its data-driven Squawka Score. This rating system takes into account a wide range of both offensive and defensive statistics, giving fans and analysts an objective look at which players are truly excelling in their roles. With nearly half a season played, the numbers reveal who is making the biggest impact on the Premier League stage.
Leading the charge is Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who boasts an impressive Squawka Score of 75%. Rice’s influence is evident in both his defensive and attacking contributions. With Martin Zubimendi handling the more defensive responsibilities, Rice is free to drive Arsenal forward, averaging 0.2 goals and 0.2 assists per 90 minutes, while also completing over one successful pass into the penalty area per game. His ability to progress play and link midfield with attack makes him the benchmark for central midfielders this season.
Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo is not far behind, ranking second with a 71% Squawka Score. Caicedo has been pivotal for Chelsea’s midfield, excelling at interceptions, tackles, and retention of possession. He consistently ranks in the top percentiles for defensive metrics, underlining his status as one of the league’s premier defensive midfielders. His combination of aggression and intelligence allows Chelsea to control the tempo of games, making him indispensable to their starting eleven.
Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez rounds out the top three with a 70% score, quietly providing stability in a midfield that allows City’s attacking stars to shine. The Spaniard ranks highly in tackles won, aerial duels, and accurate forward passes, showcasing his all-round ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Similarly, Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch (69%) and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes (68%) demonstrate the growing influence of technically adept, versatile midfielders, with Gravenberch excelling in interceptions and retention while Guimaraes balances defensive work with penetrating passes into attacking areas.
Other notable midfielders rounding out the top ten include Burnley’s Josh Cullen, Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi. These players have consistently performed at high levels, contributing significantly to their respective teams’ success, whether through ball progression, tackling, or chance creation. Each has carved out a crucial role, proving that midfield mastery is about more than just flair—it’s about consistency, intelligence, and impact across all facets of the game.
Squawka’s ratings provide an insightful look at this midfield talent by analyzing statistical contributions across each player’s position. The system rewards excellence in the metrics most relevant to a player’s role, meaning that defensive midfielders are recognized for tackles, interceptions, and passing efficiency, while more attacking midfielders are rated for goals, assists, and creative involvement. This approach ensures that the top performers are truly the players who dictate games from the heart of the pitch .