Premier League Midfield Rankings: The Top Five Central Stars in 2025
After impressive starts to the season from Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo and Arsenal’s Declan Rice, debate has intensified over who truly is the best midfielder in the Premier League right now. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our top five Premier League central midfielders to determine who stands above the rest.
Ranking the Premier League’s Top Midfielders
Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest
For years, the England national team has lacked a deep-lying midfielder with the creativity, positional awareness, and composure in possession needed at the highest level. They may finally have found that player in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Anderson leads the Premier League for duels won by a midfielder (77), total passes (743), and successful short passes (616). He also ranks among the top five for long passes completed (28) and has recorded the most touches (967) of any midfielder — a remarkable 119 more than Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Given his outstanding development over the past year, Anderson looks like a certainty for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at next summer’s World Cup.
Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool
The transformation of Ryan Gravenberch since joining Liverpool has been nothing short of sensational. Once a peripheral attacking midfielder, he has evolved into one of the Premier League’s finest deep-lying playmakers. Manager Arne Slot’s decision to reposition Gravenberch deeper in midfield has been a masterstroke. His power, poise, and progressive carries from deep positions are among the best sights in the league. He’s also added attacking flair, already scoring three goals this season, a joint-high among defensive midfielders.
Rodri, Manchester City
For years, Rodri was the benchmark for central midfielders in England and Europe. However, after missing most of the 2024/25 season through injury, the Spaniard is still rediscovering his rhythm. His Ballon d’Or win in 2024 remains a testament to his excellence, but questions linger over whether he can regain his pre-injury dominance. Regardless, Rodri’s intelligence, control, and consistency ensure his place among the elite. Fans should simply be grateful to witness one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history return to the pitch.
Rodri has been the benchmark for central midfielders not just in England but all across the world and the expectation is for him to regain his pre-injury dominance as soon as possible
Declan Rice, Arsenal
When Arsenal paid £105 million to West Ham for Declan Rice in July 2023, many questioned the fee and whether he was the holding midfielder Arsenal truly needed. Cue a shift in his position to the left of Arsenal’s midfield 3, and since then we have witnessed Rice become one of the most revered midfielders in Europe.
His box-to-box dynamism, combined with tireless off-ball work, makes him invaluable to both club and country. He has also improved offensively, contributing 11 goals and 15 assists since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, thanks largely to his improved set-piece delivery. As Arsenal push for titles at home and abroad, Rice has cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most influential players.
Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea
Like Rice, Moisés Caicedo was a £100+ million signing, joining Chelsea from Brighton in 2023. After a slow start, the Ecuadorian has found his rhythm and is now operating at an elite level. Known for his tackling and ball-winning ability, Caicedo has registered a league-high 25 interceptions this season, alongside impressive numbers for duels won and tackles made. His passing and composure in possession have improved significantly, and he’s even chipped in with a few spectacular goals. At just 24, Caicedo’s combination of tenacity, vision, and technical skill has drawn comparisons to Chelsea legends Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kanté, high praise indeed.
Conclusion
Based on current form, Moisés Caicedo rightfully tops our list of the Premier League’s best central midfielders. That said, the sheer quality across the league from Rice to Rodri to rising stars like Anderson proves we’re witnessing a golden era for midfield talent. Stay tuned for more weekly sports content as we continue to spotlight the Premier League’s standout performers.
Liam Lacey
Liam is a sportswriter from County Laois in Ireland who specializes in delivering content on GAA and Football matters (though he does see himself as somewhat of a tennis aficionado also!). Liam has written about All Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, Premier League, Champions League and International Football offering expert opinion and match previews and predictions. Occasionally even getting some right!