The Premier League, famous for its fierce competitiveness and a roster of the world's most exceptional footballing talents, maintains its allure among fans.
As we entered to the year 2024, it is only fitting to cast a well-deserved spotlight on the top 10 players who have emerged as prominent figures, currently gracing the Premier League with their exceptional skills.
In a league with a storied past, an unparalleled following of supporters, and an unmatched assembly of talent, these players have not only demonstrated extraordinary abilities but have also showcased unwavering consistency and a steadfast commitment to excellence, setting them apart as the standout performers in one of the most prestigious football leagues on the globe.
Several newcomers in the summer transfer window have quickly adapted to their new clubs, while specific individuals have experienced a resurgence in their performance due to a change in coaching or improved fitness, reaching their peak form or surpassing it.
Moreover, considering that Newcastle, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all faced challenging beginnings to the season, unexpected challengers for the throne currently held by Erling Haaland have come into the picture.
We suggest you join us on this exploration of the Premier League's elite talents and their remarkable contributions to the beautiful game.
Top 10 Best Premier League players ranked 2024
1. Erling Haaland
- Club: Manchester City
- Nationality: Norwegian
- Age: 23
Image source: Getty Images
Erling Haaland continues to amaze everyone in the Premier League.
The Norwegian superstar's exploits have left pundits searching for new superlatives. In his first year with Manchester City, he's made a mockery of top-flight defenses, leaving them struggling to contain his prowess.
The 23-year-old has already notched up nine goals in the first three months of the new season, and there's no doubt that there are many more to come. Predicting that he'll break his own record for the most goals in a single season doesn't seem like a stretch.
Haaland's innate ability to be in the right place at the right time makes him the standout striker of his generation. For opponents, it may seem unfair that the perennial English champions have such a deadly weapon at their disposal. Still, the football world can expect to witness more records falling in the presence of this extraordinary talent for years to come.
2. Son Heung-Min
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
- Nationality: South Korean
- Age: 31
Image source: Getty Images
With Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich, all eyes are on Son Heung-min as he steps into the spotlight at Tottenham Hotspur this season. Not only has he become the team's main man, but he's also been entrusted with the captain's armband by manager Ange Postecoglou.
The South Korean, by his own admission, had a somewhat disappointing 2022-23 campaign. However, the 31-year-old star sent a powerful message with a stunning hat-trick against Burnley in early September. Shifting from the left flank to a No.9 role, he showcased his undeniable skill and scoring prowess.
The position Son continues to play will undoubtedly impact his final season statistics, but his contribution will be pivotal to Spurs' quest to end their silverware drought and secure a top-four spot. As the new leader, the pressure is on, but Heung-min is ready to rise to the occasion.
3. Bukayo Saka
- Club: Arsenal
- Nationality: English
- Age: 22
Image source: Getty Images
Bukayo Saka's talent and contributions to Arsenal have not gone unnoticed. After an exceptional 2022-23 season where he played a central role in the Gunners' surprise title challenge, he deservedly claimed the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
This season, the English starboy continues to be the difference-maker for Mikel Arteta's side, as they've developed the knack of grinding out results even when not at their best. The 22-year-old possesses the ability to score from any angle and the creativity to unlock defenses in an instant.
If the North Londoners intend to wrestle the title away from Manchester City, they'll rely on Saka to maintain his current level of performance throughout the campaign. His prowess in the final third will be crucial to their aspirations of becoming champions once more.
4. Mohamed Salah
- Club: Liverpool
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Age: 31
Image source: Getty Images
Mohamed Salah's place in Liverpool's history books is already secured as a club legend. This summer, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Reds when a lucrative move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia was on the table, choosing to stay at Anfield.
This season, Jurgen Klopp's men may not have hit their peak form yet, but they've already accumulated an impressive 23 points from 30 available, with the Egyptians contributing eight goals and four assists.
At 31, he remains the most potent force in Klopp's lineup and quietly backs himself to contend for the Golden Boot once more.
5. James Maddison
- Club: Tottenham Hotspur
- Nationality: English
- Age: 27
Image source: Getty Images
Tottenham's £40 million acquisition of James Maddison from Leicester City is already shaping up to be the best transfer deal of the summer. The 26-year-old playmaker has wasted no time in making his mark, with two goals and five assists in just his first eight appearances for Spurs.
The Englishman's remarkable passing ability, a knack for goal, and set-piece expertise have instantly made him a vital man for manager Ange Postecoglou's squad. His chemistry with players like Son and Dejan Kulusevski is evident, providing moments of magic that can turn the tide in tight matches.
Nevertheless, the investment in Maddison is already looking like a wise move for the North London club.
6. Rodri
- Club: Manchester City
- Nationality: Spanish
- Age: 27
Image source: Getty Images
There's no debate that Rodri stands unrivaled as the finest defensive midfielder in Europe. The Spaniard played a pivotal role in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season, capping it off with a decisive goal in the Champions League final. Now the 27-year-old remains as motivated as ever in the 2023-24 season, infusing City with his relentless drive and boundless energy as they chase more silverware.
Initially signed as the successor to Fernandinho, the Spain international has far exceeded expectations and must be considered a significant upgrade over the Brazilian. His game displays no discernible flaws, and Pep Guardiola's side can count themselves fortunate to have him anchoring their midfield.
7. Cole Palmer
- Club: Chelsea
- Nationality: English
- Age: 21
Image source: Getty Images
Cole Palmer has made a significant impact in his early months at Chelsea, dispelling initial concerns raised when Manchester City released him.
With eight goals and four assists in his debut campaign, the Englishman has become an important player at Stamford Bridge, primarily playing on the right wing or as a number ten.
At just 21, his creativity stands out, contributing four assists and regularly creating chances for the Blues. What sets the player apart is his exceptional creativity, as reflected in his four assists and an impressive 63 shot-creating actions, averaging 4.96 per ninety minutes.
Although he could have easily been overshadowed by the departure of Riyad Mahrez, the City graduate's performances have proven that he possesses the talent and capability to thrive in the Premier League.
Emerging as a talismanic figure, Palmer's adaptability, impressive mentality, and immense potential have quickly endeared him to the Chelsea supporters.
8. Declan Rice
- Club: Arsenal
- Nationality: English
- Age: 25
Image source: Getty Images
After making a club-record £105m move to Arsenal from West Ham this summer, Rice is already a fundamental presence in Mikel Arteta's squad. Not only is he unmatched when it comes to ball recoveries and interceptions, but his attacking threat is steadily growing with each passing game.
In 29 appearances this season, the 25-year-old has proven to be a stalwart presence for his team. The midfield dynamo has showcased his multifaceted skills, contributing three goals and two assists. His consistent performances on the pitch underline his importance to the squad, both defensively and offensively.
9. Julian Alvarez
- Club: Manchester City
- Nationality: Argentine
- Age: 23
Image source: Getty Images
In the shadow of Erling Haaland's record-breaking performances, Julian Alvarez's incredible 17 goals in just 23 starts for Manchester City last season often went unnoticed.
This season, the dynamic has shifted, and the Argentina talent now operates in a central role behind the Norwegian superstar, which has already proven to be a game-changer. While Alvarez has only found the net three times, he's also provided four crucial assists, filling the creative void created by Kevin De Bruyne's injury.
This shift shouldn't be surprising, given the ace role as Lionel Messi's right-hand man during the 2022 World Cup. What's clear is that Erling benefits greatly from having the 23-year-old supporting him, making Pep Guardiola's squad an even more formidable force.
10. Dominic Solanke
- Club: Bournemouth
- Nationality: English
- Age: 26
Image source: Reuters
Dominic Solanke has transformed into one of the most coveted strikers in the Premier League, yet his journey to this status has been anything but linear.
The 26-year-old's goal-scoring prowess has become the talk of the league, with an impressive tally of 13 goals in just 22 appearances across all competitions. Particularly noteworthy is his impact in the top flight, where he has found the back of the net 12 times, solidifying his place among the league's elite goal-scorers.
This season, the Englishman's scoring feat stands tall, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah boasting more goals, each having found the net 14 times.