Premier League’s Top Performers: Salah Leads the Pack
As the Premier League season draws to a close, the conversation around who will be crowned the top player is heating up. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the name on everyone’s lips, and for good reason. With 27 league goals and 18 assists through 32 games, Salah is not just leading the charts; he’s redefining them. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that he’ll walk away with both the PFA Player of the Year award and the historic Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year trophy. But is there room for other contenders in this race?
While Salah’s brilliance is undeniable, the Premier League has seen a few other stars shine brightly this season. Let’s dive into the shortlist of players who have made a significant impact:
1. Mohamed Salah, FW, Liverpool
Salah’s quicksilver reactions and scoring instincts have been pivotal for Liverpool. With 32 goals and 23 assists in all competitions over 46 games, he’s been the linchpin of Liverpool’s success. His recent contract extension has only added to the buoyant mood at Anfield. At 33, Salah is still in mint condition, and fans are eager to see what he can achieve in the coming seasons.
2. Alexander Isak, FW, Newcastle United
Isak has been a revelation for Newcastle, scoring 24 goals and playing a crucial role in their Carabao Cup victory against Liverpool. His £63 million transfer from Real Sociedad in 2022 seems like a bargain now, as his value has likely doubled. Newcastle will need to secure Champions League football to keep him from the clutches of top European clubs.
3. Nikola Milenkovic, DF, Nottingham Forest
Milenkovic has been a cornerstone of Nottingham Forest’s defense, helping them climb to a dizzying third place in the table. His partnership with Murillo has been formidable, and his £12m transfer from Fiorentina looks like a masterstroke.
4. Morgan Rogers, MF, Aston Villa
Rogers has been a dynamic force in Aston Villa’s midfield, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists in 46 games. His £8m transfer from Middlesbrough has proven to be a bargain, and he’s now a key player for both club and country.
5. Milos Kerkez, DF, Bournemouth
Kerkez’s attacking prowess from left-back has been a highlight of Bournemouth’s season. His potential move to Liverpool for £45m is a testament to his impact and talent.
6. Virgil van Dijk, DF, Liverpool
Despite a rare off-day against Fulham, Van Dijk remains the Premier League’s top defender. His leadership and defensive skills have been crucial for Liverpool, and his £75m transfer from Southampton continues to pay dividends.
7. Carlos Baleba, MF, Brighton
Baleba has emerged as a midfield powerhouse for Brighton, rarely missing a game. His £23.2m transfer from Lille is set to yield a significant profit, with top clubs eyeing him for a summer move.
8. Myles Lewis-Skelly, DF/MF, Arsenal
Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation for Arsenal, transitioning from a central midfielder to a potential long-term solution at left-back for England. His breakout season has drawn comparisons to Ashley Cole.
9. Ryan Gravenberch, MF, Liverpool
Gravenberch has transformed into a key player for Liverpool, excelling in the No. 6 role. His ability to break up attacks and initiate forward play has been invaluable.
10. Dan Burn, DF, Newcastle
Burn’s journey from non-league football to Newcastle’s starting XI is inspiring. His versatility and recent England cap highlight his remarkable rise.
Also in consideration:
- Bruno Fernandes (MF, Man United)
- Marco Asensio (MF, Aston Villa, on loan from Real Madrid)
- Youri Tielemans (MF, Aston Villa)
- Chris Wood (FW, Nottingham Forest)
- Morgan Gibbs-White (MF, Nottingham Forest)
- Matz Sels (GK, Nottingham Forest)
- Ola Aina (DF, Nottingham Forest)
- Moises Caicedo (MF, Chelsea)
- Cole Palmer (FW, Chelsea)
- Liam Delap (FW, Ipswich)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (FW, Crystal Palace)
- Antonee Robinson (DF, Fulham)
- Bruno Guimarães (MF, Newcastle United)
- Jordan Pickford (GK, Everton)
- Bryan Mbeumo (FW, Brentford)
- Mikkel Damsgaard (MF, Brentford)
- Christian Norgaard (MF, Brentford)
Originally Written by: Ian Darke
