Concluding the season so well requires players to step up to the plate – and there are some names that stand out more than others. But who are, in the eyes of ChatGPT, the best Premier League players heading into the 2025/26 season?
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Matz Sels, Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Antonee Robinson
The fact that Virgil van Dijk, 34, has renewed his terms at Anfield proves that he’s central to the club’s plans under Arne Slot and his well-drilled entourage. It was also music to the ears of the Anfield faithful, who will be hoping that they win the title again. He’s a two-time Premier League winner with the Reds, and he’s often at the front of their success.
On William Saliba, AI waxed poetic about the Frenchman: “Arsenal’s defensive lynchpin, delivering consistency and composure.” Still just 24 years of age, his combination of pace and poise strikes fear into forwards across Europe.
“Provided double-digit assists last season; still delivering attacking impetus.”
Goalkeeper and Defenders – Premier League Statistics | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Name | Clubs | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
GK | Matz Sels | Nottingham Forest | 54 | 73 | 14 |
Position | Name | Clubs | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
RB | Jeremie Frimpong | Liverpool | N/A | N/A | N/A |
CB | Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | 301 | 25 | 8 |
CB | William Saliba | Arsenal | 100 | 6 | 2 |
LB | Antonee Robinson | Fulham | 136 | 0 | 17 |
Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz
With the back five sorted, it was then onto the three-man midfield constellation – and kicking things off is a divisive figure: Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese was described by ChatGPT as a “top creative force at United, still delivering chances and assists” – and, well, it’s hard to disagree given how consistent he’s been.
Amid all manner of changes at Manchester United, the skipper has been a constant guarantee of goals and creative nous: he’s plundered 98 goals and 86 assists in 290 appearances for the Red Devils in some of the club’s most disappointing seasons.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Bruno Fernandes created more chances (91) and played more line-breaking passes (89) than any other player in the Premier League last season.
Although it threw Dominik Szoboszlai’s status into doubt, Florian Wirtz arrived on Anfield shores to plenty of fanfare – and for good reason, too! The fleet-footed ace was one of the most exciting players while on Bayer Leverkusen’s books, and it was Slot who secured the signature of the youngster. “High-profile summer signing (£116m), now Liverpool’s creative hub,” ChatGPT said.
Midfielders – Premier League Statistics | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Name | Clubs | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
CDM | Ryan Gravenberch | Liverpool | 63 | 1 | 4 |
CM | Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | 195 | 62 | 51 |
CAM | Florian Wirtz | Liverpool | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Forwards
Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak
ChatGPT threw up a front three that would be hard to rival in football: Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah is stationed on the right; the sharpshooting Erling Haaland is being trusted to run riot through the middle and on the left is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Earlier this year, the former extended his stay on the red half of Merseyside until 2027 and that news was treated as a new signing. Since tipping up in England, goals have been Salah’s forte to the point where he is one of the top foreign goalscorers in the entire history of the Premier League. ChatGPT said:
“Still at Liverpool, extended through 2027; Premier League’s top scorer and creative juggernaut.”
ChatGPT, despite a dip in his return, believes that Haaland – commonly admired as one of the best players in world football – is the Premier League’s most potent striker. “Continues as the most clinical striker in the league and remains in Manchester City’s title plans,” they wrote.
Irrespective of whether he remains playing under Eddie Howe at Newcastle or not, Isak could thrive in the 2025/26 season. The Swedish sharpshooter has learned to become inevitable in the penalty area – he’s the perfect modern-day striker.
Forwards – Premier League Statistics | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Name | Clubs | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
RW | Mohamed Salah | Chelsea | 301 | 186 | 87 |
ST | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 97 | 85 | 16 |
LW | Alexander Isak | Newcastle United | 86 | 54 | 9 |