Ranking the 15 best-performing players in the Premier League in 2024

The Premier League is the best league in the world, with world-class players stealing the show week in and week out. Here are the best players in 2024. All statistics from Transfermarkt.

Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood has been better than everyone thought for the Midlands team, firing 14 goals last season and sitting fourth in the Premier League scoring charts this season (10 goals). Forest currently sit fifth in the league.

Since the arrival of Arne Slot at Liverpool, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has transformed into one of Liverpool's most important players this season. Despite the lack of goals and assists, Gravenberch has been the engine for Liverpool's runaway success this season.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

It's been no Toney, no problem for Brentford FC and Bryan Mbeumo, who has stepped up exceptionally since their former talisman went to Saudi Arabia. Mbeumo provided nine goals and six assists last season and has scored nine goals already this season.

Chelsea has stepped up miraculously this season, partly because Nicolas Jackson has become the goal-scoring machine they need to challenge the top of the table. He scored 14 goals and grabbed five assists last season, and eight goals and three assists this season.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was one of the standout performers in the league last season, winning the Playmaker of the Season award (13 assists) and scoring 19 goals. Despite Villa's drop-off in form, Watkins has still scored seven goals in 15 games.

William Saliba has established himself as the best defender in the Premier League in 2024. He was the key component in Arsenal conceding 29 goals in 38 games last season and continues to be a defensive juggernaut this season, with Arsenal third in the league.

Declan Rice has taken his performances to another level since joining Arsenal, and 2024 has seen him progress into a potential England captain. He provided seven goals and eight assists last season and continues to be a leader on the pitch this season.

Virgil van Dijk had a dodgy spell for Liverpool in 2023, but he has recovered to being one of the best defenders in the world again in 2024. The Dutch defender will be in the conversation of being the best defender with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand when he retires, and now he will lead Liverpool with a commanding points cushion at the end of 2024.

There are fewer greater players than Kevin De Bruyne in the world, and you could argue that he has been Manchester City's most influential player in City's four straight league titles. De Bruyne provided ten assists last season to help Man City win the league, but has struggled to be reliable this season due to injuries.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Phil Foden is on the list because of his unstoppable run at the start of 2024, which led Manchester City to the Premier League title. Foden netted 19 goals and provided eight assists in 35 games last season, but he's struggled to reach the same form this season.

Cole Palmer has had ice flowing through his veins since joining Chelsea in 2023, becoming one of the league's best players. Palmer has risen above all expectations, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 33 games last season. He's been the league's most creative player this season, grabbing 11 goals and six assists.

Bukayo Saka has become a star boy for Arsenal and has already become one of the best widemen in the world. He has transformed Arsenal into a title contender with a flurry of goals and assists. He scored 16 goals last campaign and has provided ten assists and five goals in 14 games this season.

Despite the issues with his contract, Mohamed Salah has proven time and time again why he's Liverpool's most important player and one of the best players in the world. He's already scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists this season, after scoring 18 goals and grabbing 10 assists last season.

The run of six losses in the last eight without Rodri has proved how pivotal the midfielder has been to Manchester City's success. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner didn't lose a game when he was available last season (27 wins, seven draws) and won Euro 2024 and the Premier League.

It had to be Manchester City's Erling Haaland who leads the way in the list after another impressive start to life this season. The Norwegian striker leads the goal-scoring charts with 13 this season after firing 27 goals last season.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!