Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 Premier League Playmaker of the Season

Top 10 Contenders for the 2025/2026 Premier League Playmaker of the Season takes you deep into the creative core of England’s top-tier football. This compelling list celebrates the maestros and midfield visionaries who are setting the Premier League alight with jaw-dropping assists, silky passes, and match-winning moments of genius. From young breakout stars to seasoned veterans orchestrating the game with calm precision, this ranking features players who consistently feed their teammates with golden opportunities. Whether it’s a deadly through ball, a clever cut-back, or a pinpoint cross under pressure, these playmakers are the architects of every great attack.

Each contender is analyzed based on their recent performances, assist tally, vision, and overall impact on their team’s attacking dynamics. Fans of tactical football, creative midfielders, and assist statistics will find this breakdown both insightful and exciting. Discover who’s leading the charts, who’s climbing fast, and who could take home the prestigious Playmaker of the Season award. Will a familiar name dominate again, or will a new assist king emerge in 2026? Dive into our expert analysis and find out who makes the top 10. Stay ahead of the game with this must-read guide to the Premier League’s most influential pass-masters.

10. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Bukayo Saka has steadily evolved into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous creative forces. Known for his electrifying pace, quick feet, and flawless crossing ability, Saka consistently delivers high-quality service from the right wing. His link-up play with Martin Ødegaard and the Arsenal frontline has been one of the most exciting combinations in English football over the last few seasons. In the 2024/25 campaign, Saka registered double-digit assists, playing a key role in Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and title chase.

What makes Saka a genuine contender for the Playmaker of the Season award in 2025/26 is his growing maturity and tactical awareness. He often drops deep to initiate attacks, exploits half-spaces to find key passes, and delivers accurate balls into the box under pressure. His set-piece delivery has also improved, offering another outlet for assists. With Arsenal looking stronger and more fluid in the final third, Saka is in a prime position to rack up assists this season. If he maintains consistency and stays injury-free, he could surpass his previous best numbers and firmly place himself among the Premier League’s elite playmakers. His age, experience, and continued rise make him one to watch in this creative race.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eberechi Eze remains a vital creative spark for Crystal Palace, combining flair, technical skill, and vision to carve open defenses. Since joining Palace, Eze has been instrumental in driving their attacking play, offering moments of brilliance with his quick feet and sharp passing. His ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and deliver accurate key passes makes him one of the Premier League’s exciting playmakers.

In the 2024/25 season, Eze registered double-digit assists, showcasing his knack for creating goal-scoring chances even in tight matches. He often operates from the left wing or in a free role behind the striker, exploiting pockets of space and delivering dangerous crosses and through balls. His dribbling ability and agility allow him to draw defenders in, freeing teammates to make decisive runs.

Additionally, Eze’s creativity shines in set-piece situations, where his precise deliveries add another dimension to Crystal Palace’s attack. Despite Palace’s mid-table status, Eze’s individual quality and consistency put him in contention among the Premier League’s top playmakers. If he maintains his form and fitness, Eze could attract attention from bigger clubs, but for now, he remains Palace’s creative heartbeat and a player to watch in 2025/26.

8. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Phil Foden has matured into a central figure in Manchester City’s creative engine. Once seen primarily as a promising youngster, he’s now a consistent game-changer capable of unlocking defenses with his intelligence, dribbling, and technical brilliance. Whether playing centrally or drifting in from the wings, Foden is one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted creative outlets. His close control in tight areas and ability to play incisive passes through compact defenses make him a nightmare for opposition backlines.

During the 2024/25 season, Foden played his best football yet, contributing not just with goals but also key assists in decisive moments. With Kevin De Bruyne no longer in the Premier League, much of City’s creative responsibility has now shifted onto Foden’s shoulders. He has embraced that role, combining beautifully with forwards like Erling Haaland and new signing Florian Wirtz. His intuitive understanding of space and movement allows him to consistently supply goal-scoring chances in both fast-paced and slow-build situations.

As City continues to dominate possession and territory, Foden is perfectly positioned to accumulate a high number of assists this season. With more creative freedom and experience than ever before, he could easily finish among the league’s top assist providers in 2025/26.

7. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)

Dominik Szoboszlai’s arrival at Liverpool has injected fresh creativity into the Reds’ midfield. Known for his precision passing and long-range vision, Szoboszlai quickly adapted to the Premier League’s intensity. In the 2024/25 season, he showcased his ability to deliver killer through balls and pick out teammates in dangerous positions, making him one of Liverpool’s key creative outlets.

Szoboszlai excels at controlling the tempo and creating space with intelligent off-the-ball movement. His vision allows him to anticipate runs and thread passes that slice through defensive lines. Additionally, his set-piece prowess adds an extra dimension to Liverpool’s attack, providing valuable assists from corners and free kicks. As Liverpool continues to rebuild under their current manager, Szoboszlai’s creative influence has become increasingly crucial in linking midfield and attack.

Despite Liverpool’s traditionally direct style, Szoboszlai’s technical flair enables a more intricate build-up play, making the team less predictable. His partnership with fellow attackers like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez has blossomed, resulting in a steady flow of goal-scoring opportunities. If he maintains his fitness and consistency, Szoboszlai is poised to rank highly in assists and key passes this season, cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s top playmakers.

6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young creative talents. His blend of technical ability, vision, and fearless attacking mindset has seen him quickly establish himself in Chelsea’s starting lineup. Despite his youth, Palmer’s composure on the ball and ability to pick out teammates with precise passes make him a genuine threat in the final third.

In the 2024/25 season, Palmer impressed with his creativity, regularly providing assists and contributing to Chelsea’s attacking fluidity. His versatility allows him to operate as an advanced midfielder or a wide creator, adapting to different tactical setups and exploiting spaces effectively. Palmer’s dribbling and quick thinking enable him to break defensive lines and deliver key passes that often lead to goals.

Chelsea’s emphasis on attacking possession football suits Palmer’s style perfectly, giving him ample opportunities to craft chances for teammates like Raheem Sterling and new signings. His willingness to take risks and inventive flair means he can produce moments of magic that change games. If he continues his upward trajectory and gains more experience, Cole Palmer is set to be a major contender for the Playmaker of the Season award in 2025/26.

Also Read:

• Top 10 Female Footballers in the World 2025 Rankings
• Top 10 Football Playboys with the Most Girlfriends in 2025
• Top 10 Hottest WAGs of Footballers Heating Up 2025
• Top 10 Footballers and Their Gorgeous GFs Making Headlines in 2025

5. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Maddison has been a pivotal creative force for Tottenham Hotspur since his arrival, combining flair and precision to unlock defenses with ease. Known for his vision, exceptional passing range, and set-piece mastery, Maddison consistently creates goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Throughout the 2024/25 season, he was instrumental in Spurs’ attacking play, registering a high number of assists and influencing key moments in big matches.

Maddison’s ability to find space between the lines and execute clever through balls makes him a constant threat in the final third. His set-piece deliveries — from corners to free kicks — add a dangerous dimension to Spurs’ offense, often leading to crucial assists. As Tottenham continue to push for Champions League qualification, Maddison’s creativity and leadership on the pitch become even more vital.

Tactically flexible, Maddison can operate as a traditional number 10 or drift wide to exploit spaces, making him unpredictable for defenders. His knack for producing decisive passes under pressure distinguishes him as one of the Premier League’s elite playmakers. If he maintains his form and Spurs’ attacking chemistry remains strong, Maddison is a serious contender to be crowned the Playmaker of the Season in 2025/26.

4. Florian Wirtz (Manchester City)

Florian Wirtz has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting creative talents since joining Manchester City. His flair, quick thinking, and ability to thread incisive passes make him a nightmare for defenders and a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. Wirtz’s vision and technical skills allow him to operate effectively both as a central playmaker and from wider positions, giving City great flexibility in attack.

In the 2024/25 season, Wirtz demonstrated his ability to unlock tight defenses with deft through balls and clever one-twos, regularly assisting key goals. His ability to read the game and anticipate teammates’ runs helps maintain City’s high-tempo attacking style. Wirtz is also a set-piece specialist, adding another creative outlet for City from corners and free kicks.

With Kevin De Bruyne no longer in the league, much of City’s creative burden has shifted to younger players like Wirtz and Phil Foden. Wirtz has embraced this challenge, showing maturity beyond his years and producing consistent performances on the biggest stages. If he continues on this upward trajectory, Florian Wirtz is well-positioned to finish among the top assist providers and emerge as a serious contender for the Playmaker of the Season award in 2025/26.

3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Bruno Fernandes remains the heartbeat of Manchester United’s creative play. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver decisive passes and orchestrate attacking moves. Known for his vision, quick decision-making, and precision in both open play and set-piece situations, Fernandes plays a crucial role in unlocking stubborn defenses and setting up teammates for scoring chances.

During the 2024/25 season, Bruno’s influence on United’s attack was evident, as he registered numerous assists and key passes, helping the team challenge for a top-four finish. His leadership qualities and composure in high-pressure moments make him a dependable figure in the midfield. Fernandes’ ability to find pockets of space and pick out perfectly weighted through balls keeps defenders guessing and creates regular opportunities for forwards like Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst.

His versatility allows him to operate as a traditional number 10 or drop deeper to link play, adapting seamlessly to different tactical systems. With Manchester United pushing to reclaim their status among the Premier League’s elite, Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and consistency put him firmly in contention for the Playmaker of the Season award in 2025/26.

2. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Martin Ødegaard continues to shine as Arsenal’s creative maestro and team captain, guiding the Gunners with vision and precision. His exceptional ball control, sharp passing, and ability to read the game have been pivotal in Arsenal’s rise as Premier League title contenders. Ødegaard’s creativity lies not just in his assists but also in how he orchestrates the flow of the game, often dictating Arsenal’s attacking tempo with calm authority.

In the 2024/25 season, Ødegaard’s influence was immense, producing a high number of assists and key passes that unlocked some of the toughest defenses in the league. His ability to combine quick interplay with long, diagonal balls makes him unpredictable and difficult to mark. Ødegaard also excels at set-pieces, delivering dangerous corners and free kicks that regularly create scoring opportunities.

As Arsenal aims to maintain and build on their recent success, Ødegaard’s leadership on and off the pitch has never been more important. His ability to inspire teammates and deliver under pressure places him among the Premier League’s elite playmakers. If he maintains his form and fitness, Martin Ødegaard is a frontrunner for the Playmaker of the Season award in 2025/26.

1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool’s chief architect in attack, blending blistering pace with exceptional creativity. While known primarily as a prolific goal scorer, Salah’s vision and playmaking abilities have developed impressively, making him a dual threat. In the 2024/25 season, Salah not only found the net frequently but also provided a significant number of assists, setting up teammates with clever passes and incisive through balls.

Salah’s ability to read the game and anticipate the movement of his teammates allows him to create space in tight situations and deliver precise final passes. Whether cutting inside from the right wing or drifting into more central positions, his versatility in attack creates multiple creative angles for Liverpool. His connection with forwards like Darwin Núñez and midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai has grown stronger, resulting in a fluid, unpredictable Liverpool offense.

Beyond open play, Salah’s quick thinking in transitional moments often sparks fast breaks that lead to goal-scoring chances. His experience, combined with relentless work ethic, ensures he remains a constant creative threat throughout the Premier League season. For these reasons, Mohamed Salah stands as the leading contender for the 2025/26 Premier League Playmaker of the Season award.

FAQ’s: