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Ranking The Most Valuable Players In The English Premier League

The Premier League, a global football spectacle, is a breeding ground for exceptional talent. Its fast-paced, physically demanding nature attracts the world’s finest players, each vying for supremacy. These players are not just footballing assets but cultural icons, their every move scrutinized by millions. Currently, the list is dominated by players from two Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal, with six players valued at more than €100 million. 

In this article, we take a look at the 10 most valuable players playing in the most competitive league in the world. 

Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.

#10 William Saliba | Age: 23 | Arsenal

Market Value: €80 million 

Arsenal’s 6’3” French defender has established himself in recent years as one of the best centre-backs in the world. The 23-year-old has been the cornerstone of Arsenal’s recent title charges since making his debut for the club during the 2021/22 season. 

Saliba is a modern-day centre-back with excellent reading of the game and impressive ball-playing ability, however, it is his one-on-one ability and incredible recovering runs that sets him apart from most of his peers. Given he’s just 23 now, the French international has already drawn comparisons to Liverpool and Netherlands’ Virgil Van Dijk. Moreover, with more than a decade’s football left in him, he’ll make his claim as the best centre-back in the world. 

#9 Rúben Dias | Age: 27 | Manchester City

Market Value: €80 million 

Since making the switch from SL Benfica during the summer of the 2020/21 season, Rúben Dias has been pivotal to Manchester City winning four consecutive Premier League titles as well as their 2023 UEFA champions League success. Dias’ key strengths as a defender include his exceptional positioning, strong aerial ability, excellent reading of the game, and physical presence. He is also known for his composure on the ball, ability to make crucial interceptions, and leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.

The 27-year-old Portugal international is on the verge of completing 200 professional appearances for the Cityzens and his leadership qualities from the back has been essential in maintaining City’s dominance both domestically and across Europe. 

#8 Bruno Guimarães | Age: 27 | Newcastle United

Market Value: €85 million 

Subject to many big-money moves in recent seasons, the 27-year-old Brazilian is considered one of the most complete midfielders in the modern game. A key player for both Newcastle United and the Brazilian national team, Guimarães is comfortable playing both as a holding midfielder as well as a box-to-box when required. 

A strong passer and dribbler, the Brazilian midfielder is also a creative force with his strong through balls and ability to thread cut-throat passes. The 27-year-old seamlessly links the attack and defense together with his ability to operate effectively in many midfield roles. 

#7 Cole Palmer | Age: 22 | Chelsea

Market Value: €90 million 

The 22-year-old English attacking midfielder’s stock has climbed considerably since making the switch to Chelsea as part of a £35 million deal during the summer transfer window of the 2023/24 Premier League season. A left-footed attacking player, who can play wide as part of a front three, or in a central number 10 position, Palmer possesses a notable ability to break the opposing back line with a pass, especially with deft through balls that bend inwards.

At Chelsea, he has showcased his ability to create chances for runners on the opposite side, breaking an opposing block. For someone who struggled to cement his place in the Manchester City starting line-up, having made 41 appearances for the Cityzens across three full seasons, Palmer has contributed with 57 goal contributions in 62 appearances for West Londoners Chelsea.

#6 Martin Ødegaard | Age: 25 | Arsenal

Market Value: €110 million 

Looking back at the £30 million price-tag that enabled Arsenal to get a hold of the Norwegian international, it was definitely one of the best transfer moves Arsenal have conducted since moving to their new home the Emirates stadium. Regarded as a modern-day playmaker, the 25-year-old Norwegian is currently touted as one of the best players in his position. 

Known for his technical ability, dribbling skills, and vision, Ødegaard is one of the most progressive passers in the Premier League. Moreover, unlike many #10s playing in his position, the Gunners skipper is the club’s most effective presser and the orchestrator of his team’s forward defensive press. Since completing his permanent move to the Emirates stadium at the start of the 2021/22 season, the 25-year-old has made 150 appearances for the club, adding 61 goal contributions to add to his leadership and defensive duties under Mikel Arteta. 

#5 Declan Rice | Age: 25 | Arsenal

Market Value: €120 million 

After leading West Ham United to their first-ever European title, a bidding war ensued between Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal, which eventually resulted in the ex Hammers skipper signing for Arsenal in a club record deal worth £105 million. 

Having spent the majority of his playing career as a holding defensive midfielder for West Ham United, the 25-year-old England international has seen his role evolve under the guidance of current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. As someone who made his name with his hard tackling and impeccable reading of the game, an improved passing range and front-footed approach has seen the midfielder develop into one of the finest box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League. 

#4 Rodri | Age: 28 | Manchester City

Market Value: €130 million 

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is by far one of the best midfielders in the world. Rodri’s role with both the Spanish national team and Manchester City has proven him to be an indispensable figure. His contributions were crucial to Manchester City’s triumph as champions in Europe and England during the 2022/23 season under the management of Pep Guardiola, as well as helping his national team secure their fourth European championship last season. 

The 28-year-old stands out for his exceptional reading of the game, allowing him to anticipate situations and make informed decisions at all times. His ability to assess the environment before receiving the ball is particularly noteworthy as well as executing actions with precision by identifying the position of opponents, teammates, and open spaces. 

In recent seasons, his judgment on when and how to push up has become crucial, as he remains aware of the need to preserve balance on the field when abandoning his usual defensive position. His constant movement inside the box poses a threat to the opposing team, whether through his precise passes to assist teammates or by taking shots at goal. This was exemplified when he scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final to win Manchester City their first European trophy.

#3 Bukayo Saka | Age: 23 | Arsenal

Market Value: €140 million 

There are some football players who are just capable of emitting a sense of joy when they play football. England and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is one of them. Saka’s style of play is incredibly complex. While he possesses the pace to make runs in behind the defence, he isn’t one-dimensional and instead mixes it up.

He has great dribbling skills and possesses the strength to hold off and then spin defenders even when facing his own goal. Not only that, but he has the ability to use his right foot as well, making him incredibly hard to read. Versatility, intelligence, and work rate are also key for Saka as he can help cover defensive positions if required or pick up positions centrally and on either flank.

Since making his debut during the 2019/20 season, the 23-year-old Hale End products has made nearly 250 appearances for the club adding 129 goal contributions, including 14 g/a in 14 Champions League appearances. 

#2 Phil Foden | Age: 24 | Manchester City

Market Value: €150 million 

Despite having a troubled 2024/25 season, the 24-year-old English midfielder has seen his market Value skyrocket in recent times, touching the €150 million valuation mark at the time of writing this. In his seven-and-a-half seasons with Manchester City, the England international has won an incredible six Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Club World Cup to go along with his many domestic cup competition triumphs. 

Foden possesses a wide range of technical skills that set him apart from his peers. His ball control and dribbling abilities are nothing short of mesmerising, allowing him to weave past defenders with ease. His passing range and vision enable him to unlock defences and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. In addition, Foden has shown exceptional finishing capabilities, making him a potent goal-scoring threat from midfield.

Since making his debut during the 2017/18 campaign, the Manchester City academy product has 287 appearances for the club, scoring 90 goals as well as adding another 55 assists. 

#1 Erling Haaland | Age: 24 | Manchester City

Market Value: €200 million 

The 24-year-old Norwegian has all the attributes of a complete centre-forward. He uses his tall frame to hold-up play effectively and bring others into play. With his rapid pace and clever movement to run in behind, coupled with his exceptional finishing abilities, makes him one of most potent forwards in world football currently. 

Haaland’s finishing is his greatest strength, however, and he scores goals from all over the pitch. The speed with which he shoots offers defenders little time to adjust, and he can generate jaw-dropping power on his shots with little backlift. He also rarely overplays when he is inside the area. The combination of his conviction in front of goal, his technique, and his sky-high confidence makes him a truly exceptional goalscorer.

His clever movement and lethal finishing make a deadly combination. He happily comes deep to collect the ball to help his team build play, often looking to spread the ball wide for a teammate, before turning and sprinting towards goal. Since making the switch to England, the 24-year-old has put up numbers well beyond anyone else ever did in this league. The Norwegian has scored an incredible 108 goals and provided 15 assists in just 120 appearances for the club. 

Rahul Saha

Rahul Saha is a senior sports writer at Sportskhabri.com. Experienced in various sports writing tasks, including op-ed pieces and player/team profiles, with particular expertise in Football. Also a cat-dad and a regular reader, he spends his free time with his cats and learning new things.

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