As the Premier League season draws to a close, the footballing world inevitably shifts its gaze from the thrilling drama on the pitch to the equally compelling debates off it: who truly stood out? Who elevated their game, inspired their team, and etched their name into the narrative of the campaign? It’s award season, and everyone, from seasoned pundits to armchair managers, has an opinion.
Recently, even the legendary Wayne Rooney weighed in with his picks for the season’s best, and as expected, his choices sparked a fervent debate across social media and sports channels. That’s the beauty of football, isn’t it? There’s no single, universally agreed-upon metric for ‘best.’ We all see the game through slightly different lenses, valuing different aspects, different moments, and different forms of impact.
While Rooney’s insights are always invaluable, coming from one of the game’s greats, they inevitably open the floor for further discussion. So, what *was* he thinking? And perhaps more importantly, what does a deeper dive reveal? Let’s put our own pundit hats on and unpick the Premier League’s standout performers, because when you cut through the noise, a few names shine exceptionally bright.
The Art of Disagreement: Why Picking Three is So Hard
Before diving into my own selections, it’s worth acknowledging the sheer difficulty of this task. The Premier League, year after year, showcases an incredible depth of talent. You have goal-scoring phenomena, defensive titans, midfield maestros, and playmaking wizards. How do you compare the relentless attacking threat of a winger with the quiet, consistent control of a holding midfielder, or the game-saving heroics of a goalkeeper?
The criteria are fluid. Is it purely about goals and assists? Or is it about consistency across 38 games? Does carrying a struggling team weigh more heavily than being a vital cog in a dominant machine? What about the moments of individual brilliance, the clutch goals, or the leadership that transforms a dressing room? These are the questions that make these debates so rich and, frankly, so much fun. It’s why Rooney’s picks, no matter how informed, are always subject to scrutiny – because everyone holds a slightly different set of values for what truly constitutes ‘best.’
My approach centers on impact: who fundamentally changed games, consistently performed at an elite level, and either carried their team or elevated an already excellent side to new heights? Who showed growth, leadership, or simply breathtaking individual quality that set them apart from an already brilliant crowd?
My Top Three: Separating the Great from the Truly Exceptional
After much deliberation, re-watching highlights, and pouring over match statistics (and a good dose of gut feeling), three players truly stand out as the very best in the Premier League this season. They represent different facets of footballing genius, each indispensable to their respective teams.
1. Phil Foden (Manchester City): The Evolving Maestro
When you talk about players stepping up, taking ownership, and delivering in the biggest moments, Phil Foden’s name should be at the very top of the list. We’ve seen flashes of his immense talent for years, but this season, Foden has truly blossomed into a world-class, undisputed starter for Manchester City.
He hasn’t just been good; he’s been phenomenal. Whether deployed wide, through the middle, or in that deceptive ‘number 10’ role, Foden has been City’s creative heartbeat, their goal-scoring threat, and often, their difference-maker. His close control in tight spaces is sublime, his ability to glide past defenders is effortless, and crucially, his end product has reached an entirely new level. His crucial goals against Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Brighton, among others, weren’t just spectacular; they were game-defining moments that kept City firmly in the title race.
This season, Foden has shed any lingering tags of being a ‘prospect’ or a ‘squad player.’ He is the main man, showcasing consistency, tactical intelligence, and a maturity in his decision-making that belies his age. For me, he’s been the most electrifying and impactful attacker in the league, consistently delivering moments of magic when his team needed it most. He embodies the evolution of a truly special talent.
2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea): The Unflappable Architect of Revival
If Phil Foden represents the established star taking the next leap, Cole Palmer is the season’s most astonishing revelation. Arriving at Chelsea from Manchester City on deadline day, few could have predicted the seismic impact he would have on a struggling side. Palmer hasn’t just been Chelsea’s best player; he’s been, by a considerable margin, their most important and influential figure, single-handedly carrying the team through vast stretches of a turbulent season.
His statistics speak volumes: an incredible number of goals and assists for a team languishing in mid-table, often stepping up to convert crucial penalties with a composure that belies his tender years. But it’s not just the numbers. It’s the audacity, the flair, the ability to create something out of nothing, and the sheer audacity to demand the ball and take responsibility when others might shy away. He possesses an almost ice-cold temperament, capable of producing moments of brilliance under immense pressure.
Palmer has been the attacking focal point, the creative hub, and the penalty specialist, all while displaying a work rate and hunger that should serve as an example to his teammates. For a young player to join a new club, particularly one with such high expectations and internal turmoil, and immediately become its undisputed talisman, is truly remarkable. He has been a beacon of light in an otherwise inconsistent Chelsea side, and for that, his place among the season’s elite is undeniable.
3. Rodri (Manchester City): The Relentless Engine Room
Often, the players who truly dictate the flow of a game, who provide the unwavering stability, and who make everything else tick, are the ones who get slightly less fanfare. Rodri is precisely that player. While Haaland grabs headlines with goals and Foden with dazzling runs, it is Rodri who provides the bedrock upon which Manchester City’s unprecedented success is built.
This season, Rodri has elevated his game even further. He controls the tempo, breaks up play with uncanny anticipation, and starts countless attacking moves with his crisp, intelligent passing. More than just a defensive shield, he’s also chipped in with vital goals, often in big games, proving he’s far more than just a destroyer. His presence on the pitch is so fundamental that City’s form often dips noticeably when he’s not playing – a testament to his irreplaceable influence.
His almost supernatural ability to avoid defeat, often going an entire calendar year without losing a club game in which he featured, is not merely a coincidence. It speaks to his consistency, his tactical intelligence, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Rodri is the quiet leader, the tactical pivot, and the consistent performer who allows City’s more flamboyant talents to shine. He is the indispensable engine in the most dominant team in England, and for that, he is absolutely one of the season’s top performers.
Beyond the Headlines: What Really Defines an MVP Season?
Ultimately, judging the “best” in football is a deeply subjective exercise, rich with individual bias and appreciation for different styles of play. Rooney’s picks, like anyone else’s, come from a unique vantage point – perhaps prioritizing specific attributes honed during his own illustrious career. But the beauty lies in the debate, in dissecting performances, and in appreciating the sheer talent on display week in and week out.
This season has showcased individual brilliance, remarkable consistency, and moments of sheer footballing magic. Whether it’s Foden’s ascension, Palmer’s jaw-dropping impact, or Rodri’s unwavering control, the Premier League continues to deliver narratives of greatness. These players haven’t just performed well; they’ve defined their team’s seasons and, in many ways, the league itself. And that, in my book, is what truly separates the great from the truly exceptional.
