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Last October, we attempted to tackle a mighty question: Which players at the Premier League's top clubs are the most important? We used a simple combination of ability and tactical importance to assess how crucial they were to their teams and ranked the top 15 accordingly. Naturally, the best, most consistent and most present players filtered toward the top, while also allowing room for the most tactically crucial individuals to receive credit too. Six months on, we've revisited the subject, intrigued to see how things have changed. Football teams have to weather plenty of storms over the course of half a year, often changing, tweaking and recalibrating around injuries, absences and fluctuations in form. So we've gone and reranked the players at England's traditional Big Six clubs, checking in on how things have transpired since October, who has risen to the fore and increased their stock, and who, conversely, has dropped off. To begin, here are a few notes about the methodology. Why 15? Well, with 11 first-team players starting any given match, this should allow for those squad positions that aren't 100% cemented. Any long-term injury absences will be noted separately and not considered for the ranking. Who is eligible? To be eligible for this ranking, a player must have played 400 Premier League minutes or more for their club. That's not a particularly high bar -- it's just over 15% of the campaign -- and the vast majority of important players clear that threshold with ease. We want to ensure the rankings feel truly up to date on who is important to their teams. How can you rate the players? WhoScored has an algorithm that gives an overall number out of 10, but it lends itself more to on-ball actions, while this will be more subjective. "Minutes played" is obviously a key component of how important a player is to their manager, but slight injury issues can complicate that: We will use it only as a guide. Are stats involved? Certainly. We'll look within the context of their position and, for example, will make a case for why a striker (goals, assists, key passes, etc.) will rank higher than a teammate. How hard is it? Some of the decisions to be made are glaringly obvious, but others not so much. Comparing players across different position groups is a difficult task. Within the context of a squad, though, it's possible to get a feel for who is the most integral in order to form the ranking. I disagree wholeheartedly with your decision to put X below Y. Will you change it? Of course people will disagree and a lot of this is subjective, but it's only a bit of fun. Enough of that. On with the rankings.
 ARSENAL Crowning a new No. 1 is a big call, but in Ødegaard's case it's justified. Rice is now even more important than ever, while it's fascinating to see who has risen in the wake of injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. MISSED THE CUT: Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurriën Timber have all been badly affected by injuries this season, while Aaron Ramsdale has lost his spot between the sticks completely. Reiss Nelson has maintained his fitness but is yet to start a Premier League game this season. 15. Eddie Nketiah (new) Nketiah's grip on a spot in this team feels pretty weak, only making the top 15 due to the sheer number of injuries listed above. He has played a very respectable 1,046 league minutes and netted five goals, but three of those came in a single game against Sheffield United, and Mikel Arteta doesn't seem keen to turn to him all that often. 14. Leandro Trossard (+1) Trossard is an extremely handy squad player to call upon. Not only is he happy in his bit-part role, but he can offer value all across the front line. His record of seven goals and one assist in the league is exceptional considering he just eclipsed the 1,000-minute mark. The likelihood is he'll keep producing -- whenever and wherever necessary -- as long as he's called to action. 13. Gabriel Jesus (-7) Jesus' goal tally is not -- and likely never will be -- troubling the esteemed 20 mark, but he's always offered value to the forward line in how he links play, creates space for others and generally lifts the level of everyone around him. His issue at the moment is that while he was out injured (again), Kai Havertz stepped in and offered much of that, while also contributing a prolific edge to boot. That paves the path for a big tumble down these rankings. 12. Oleksandr Zinchenko (-9) Another stark fall. In October, Zinchenko ranked as Arsenal's third-most important player. Since then, not only has he struggled with injuries, but the Gunners have recalibrated to the point where they function fine without him in response. The calm and poise he offers when inverting from full-back to midfield has been found elsewhere in Jorginho, and Jakub Kiwior has offered defensive steel at left-back in his place. There's perhaps been one game where Zinchenko's absence was keenly felt: away to Porto. 11. Jakub Kiwior (new) Minutes in his favored centre-back position have been hard to come by -- such is the strength of the first-choice pairing -- but Kiwior has adapted well to a hybrid role on the left side, taking advantage of Zinchenko's injury troubles. Kiwior often tucks in to help form a back three, releasing Ben White into midfield, although he can and will get forward when the opportunity arises. 10. David Raya (=) Raya's usurping of Ramsdale between the Arsenal sticks was a hot topic at the beginning of the season, but since about November, it's barely been brought up. That's because Raya's been solid enough, contributing to a league-best 24 goals conceded from 28 games and definitely gives the Gunners something extra in terms of catching and distributing. He's successfully dealt with 14.9% of crosses he's faced -- a very impressive, league-high mark. 9. Jorginho (new) Jorginho wasn't on the list when we first constructed it in October, which showcases just how far he's come over the past six months. He's moved from squad player, to one occasionally used, to someone Arteta turns to in big games, to someone now expected to conduct the flow of midfield consistently. Jorginho's introduction has allowed Declan Rice to move further up and also mitigated the effects of the injury-enforced loss of Zinchenko. 8. Kai Havertz (+5) Another who illustrates how much things can change is Havertz. Six months ago, Arteta was trying to get him going as a No. 8. Now he's consistently scoring goals as a No. 9 and the first look up front, no matter the occasion. With four goals and two assists since mid-February, including a vital winner against Brentford, and an increasingly strong relationship with his supporting acts from midfield, Havertz's positive influence on this team cannot be doubted and seems to be increasing with every passing week. 7. Benjamin White (+1) White feels like the first of seven relative "untouchables" in this list -- players who, no matter the situation, Arteta will turn to and lean on. White's on-pitch relationship with Bukayo Saka remains strong, making him a big part of how Arsenal move the ball forward and attack the box. Of late, his crossing has shone, delivering both assists against Brentford and threatening against other opponents, too. That's a marker of his slightly tweaked role, off the back of Kiwior's introduction to the team. 6. Gabriel Martinelli (+1) Martinelli remains outside the top five in this ranking, but it's hard to make a case for him to rise any further. That doesn't mean he's not essential, though. The Brazil international offers a unique quality in the context of this squad in the form of extreme speed, which can take the top off an opponent's defence and encourage more direct play if required. He's registered 68 carries into the box in the league this season, 16 more than the next player (Saka) despite playing around 500 fewer minutes. Arsenal have the ability to cope without Martinelli for short periods (thanks to Trossard), but not long ones. 5. Gabriel (+4) Gabriel was ranked ninth last time out. On one hand that felt oddly low, but on the other it was tough to make a case for him being higher. His response to that was to become even more consistent at the heart of the backline and a wrecking ball when attacking set pieces, netting four in the Premier League this season. It's time to give such a key part of a league-leading defence -- which barely allows shots on target, let alone goals -- the credit he deserves. 4. William Saliba (=) On the subject of defensive solidity, Saliba has barely put a foot wrong since being ranked fourth in October, so retains that spot here. He's put in some more exceptional individual showings, and while none have hit the heights of how he quietened Erling Haaland in October, he has quietly dismantled the games of the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. 3. Declan Rice (+2) It may surprise you, but the reality is that £100m-plus transfers rarely come off. A handful do, though, and Rice is one of them. He's grown into a pivotal role at Arsenal, so much so you can argue he's worthy of the No. 2 or No. 1 spot in this list. For now, we'll place him third, acknowledging that he's both a forward-thinking engine and stabilizing defensive presence in this team. Then when you add on the recent goal-scoring splurge and the importance from set pieces (both taking them and getting on the end of them), it paints the picture of a player rapidly approaching MVP status. 2. Bukayo Saka (-1) With 16 goals and 12 assists to his name this season, you might be wondering why Saka has been demoted from the top spot. But the drop to second is less a comment on him, and more recognition of another rising to the fore and making this version of Arsenal "his" team. Saka remains a vital part of the very best version of Arsenal, playing almost every possible minute and maintaining exceptional form throughout the campaign. He continually makes the difference despite being double-marked and fouled incessantly, which speaks to his overwhelming quality. 1. Martin Ødegaard (+1) Ødegaard was already critical in October, but now as we enter the final stretch of the season, he's somehow even more so. This is starting to feel like his Arsenal, which is perhaps only right considering he is the captain. The Norway international is a pillar of consistency and influence in an Arsenal midfield that dominates almost all around them. Arteta appears to have allowed him greater freedom in terms of where he can roam to find the ball, and the result has been that he runs the show week in, week out. He's starting to harness other parts of his game, too, such as late runs into the box to convert cutbacks. If he steps his game up another notch from here, we're going to have to start talking about him in the same breath as Kevin De Bruyne.
 CHELSEA No one knew the lay of the land with this Chelsea side back in October, but as this edition of the rankings illustrates, things are starting to take shape. They have a good midfield core and several young players are starting to solidify their roles under Mauricio Pochettino. The problem is, the progress simply hasn't been fast enough. MISSED THE CUT: This is a big one: Reece James, arguably Chelsea's best overall player when fit (and No. 1 in the previous list), does not make the ranking as he misses the minimum 400 minutes cut-off. Even if he had just sneaked by it, it would have been hard to justify including someone who has been mostly absent anyway. James (injured), Robert Sánchez (injured, lost his spot) and Armando Broja (loaned to Fulham) have all dropped out, creating space for three new entrants. But you won't find Christopher Nkunku or Noni Madueke in here, as they've also failed to play the requisite number of minutes. 15. Benoit Badiashile (new) Badiashile enters the rankings, but it's hardly been a sparkling campaign for him. He started it injured and has struggled to force his way back into the team, partially because when he has played, he's made some mistakes. With several players missing the minimum minutes cut or leaving the club in January, it creates space for Badiashile, who has mustered only six league starts, to anchor these rankings. 14. Marc Cucurella (new) Similar to Badiashile, Chelsea's January exits and injuries have created a gap in the bottom of this ranking that Cucurella steps in to fill. The timing is good, as before the international break he scored his first Chelsea goal, and he's edging toward 15 appearances in all competitions this season which is a solid contribution to the season. 13. Thiago Silva (-10) Silva is a great example of how swiftly things can change in football. Back in October he was a key player for Chelsea -- as he had been since joining the club in 2020, ranked fourth in our list and commanding an unquestioned place in the team. But the last few months haven't been kind to him. Silva's ability to defy Father Time has seemingly waned, his performances dropping off to a worrying degree from the end of November onwards, with an error-strewn game away to Newcastle United perhaps marking the beginning of the end. 12. Mykhailo Mudryk (=) Just over a year into his Chelsea career, Mudryk's status in the squad remains in question. He flashes superb ability, but he struggles to maintain consistency and therefore a spot in the team. It means the £70m signing can't be considered one of the Blues' most important players for now, landing him on the fringes of the XI and stuck in the lower echelons of this ranking. But he continues to show some brilliance and shoots of promise, suggesting he could rise up soon enough. 11. Djordje Petrovic (new) Back in October, Petrovic was something of an unknown quantity -- a backup to Sánchez whose Chelsea minutes felt like they might come much later down the line. As a result, he was left off this ranking. But in football, injury presents opportunity, and when Sánchez went down in December, Petrovic seized his chance. He's been steady enough between the sticks, happy to step out and sweep. But although he hasn't made any major errors, his shot-stopping has been questioned. He's saved four fewer goals than statistically expected, based on the shots he's faced. 10. Axel Disasi (+3) Disasi is a hulking presence in the centre of defence who does the basics well and dominates in both boxes. He's a consistent performer, rarely hitting the heights of an elite defender in this league, but rarely dipping below the line either. One of his greatest abilities has been his availability, as in an injury-plagued centre-back slot, his exceptional fitness record stands out, paving the way for him to play the most minutes (2,227) of any Chelsea player in the league this season. There is, though, a distinction to be made. Disasi's consistent use does not imply he's one of Chelsea's very best players, but one who is dependably fit and available. 9. Levi Colwill (-2) Last summer, Chelsea committed themselves to Colwill by spurning a big transfer bid from Brighton and installing him into the first team. Minutes haven't always come in his preferred centre-back position -- he spent a few months at left-back to cover for injuries -- but only six players have made more league starts than him, which feels like huge progress. These last few months have seen him nail down a spot next to Disasi, and together they form a pretty good duo. When Ben Chilwell is injured, Colwill deputizes at left-back and does so fairly well too. It might seem a bit odd to say all of this and then drop Colwill a handful spots in the rankings, but that movement is less about him, and more about others emerging or flourishing. 8. Malo Gusto (+6) Chelsea's "backup right-back" position is a unique one, as it's not really backup at all. Given how often James succumbs to injury, it's more or less a full-time role -- and one Gusto has enjoyed. His skillset is incredibly well rounded considering he's just 20, combining good defensive 1-on-1 aptitude with comfort in possession and excellent crossing into the box. It has probably shocked a lot of people that he has become so reliable and important so quickly. 7. Ben Chilwell (-2) At the grand old age of 27, Chilwell is one of the elder statesmen of this Chelsea side and often carries the armband in James' absence. The problem is, he's quite often absent himself, clocking in just 748 Premier League minutes this season. For reference, James, who it feels like we've barely seen, has played 391. In battling injuries, Chilwell has struggled to show his best self. Presumably a top-tier player is still in there, but it's been a little while since he's shown it. 6. Raheem Sterling (-3) Sterling's Chelsea career is in a curious place. Clearly, not all is well when you're booed off by your own fans, but some of that is down to the fact the last 18 months have left Blues supporters thoroughly fed up in general. In that situation, it's often the most high-profile (or best-paid) players who receive the brunt of the criticism. But the reality is that Sterling, while disappointing at times, has been one of the Blues' better performers and has chipped in with nine goal contributions from the wing. He drops in this ranking regardless -- a consequence of the team starting to form itself and young players starting to make strides -- but it's only by three spots. 5. Nicolas Jackson (+5) Chelsea's fortunes this season have been severely undermined by poor finishing and given Jackson has played the vast majority of minutes up front, it's been easy to point the finger at him at times. But in most games he plays, he leads the line pretty well, and while his finishing has been lacking (nine goals from an xG of 12.4), he's always running the channels, linking play and generally contributing. That's all really important and it's crucial to consider when assessing Jackson -- the conversation can't start and end with his finishing. This might seem a high ranking for someone who is not an outright better player than Sterling or Chilwell, but with Broja gone, who else do they have to turn to up front if the Senegal international gets injured? They've hung their hat on him, and only him. And that elevates him in terms of importance. 4. Enzo Fernández (-2) Fernández's first 14 months at Chelsea are considered a disappointment by many -- but then, that was always likely to be the case given players are judged by the transfer fees and Fernández's was astronomical (£106.8m). He spent a good portion of this season playing as an attacking midfielder, which doesn't really make the most of his metronomic passing skill set, but he has at least now settled into a more-consistent deep role next to Moisés Caicedo of late, and that's helped him find some consistency. The best is still to come from Fernández, but in the meantime he's an important presence for the club. He drops in this ranking, but that's less an indictment on him, and more a reflection of others rising to the fore (and Pochettino's curious misuse of him earlier in the campaign). 3. Moisés Caicedo (+3) Another who is being judged through the prism of a massive £100m+ transfer fee, Caicedo struggled in the first half of the season due to injuries and expectations, but has recently started to string together some serious consistency. He's put in some big performances in the middle of the park -- notably against Liverpool in the League Cup final, then against Brentford and Newcastle United too -- and given the defence a strong shield to sit behind. There is still presumably much more to come, but the reality is Caicedo is starting to look very good now. At just 22 years of age, his best years remain firmly ahead of him -- something that should excite Chelsea fans. 2. Conor Gallagher (+6) Gallagher feels absolutely massive to Chelsea right now . But given that he's linked with Tottenham every window and about to enter the final 12 months of his deal, it's not immediately obvious that the Blues' hierarchy realises this. He sets a tone in midfield, his effervescent, unending energy helping lead Pochettino's pressing strategy, and it's clear he has an infectious attitude that rubs off on his teammates. His 101 combined tackles and interceptions is the most in the squad. Gallagher has started more Premier League games (26) than anyone else at Chelsea -- a simple statistic, yet one that reinforces his importance to the team. That's helped him secure a spot in England's squad and he's likely off to Euro 2024 as a result. 1. Cole Palmer (+8) He's Chelsea's crown jewel and one that they should be making every effort to build around. Despite another troubled Blues season, Palmer has managed to consistently shine; he's racked up a frankly astonishing 26 goal contributions across Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup play. His status as the team's penalty taker has helped buff that tally, but even if you take away the spot kicks, he's eclipsed the 20-plus mark. Every move Chelsea make in their forward and midfield lines from here should be considered in conjunction with how it affects Palmer, as he is the long-term building block -- even more so than academy graduate Gallagher, who does not appear to command the same level of faith from the Blues' decision-makers.
 LIVERPOOL It's yet another new No. 1, but that's not the only big story. Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson have all moved at least five places in varying directions, showing how this Liverpool team have morphed around new signings and injury-enforced absences. MISSED THE CUT: Narrowing this selection down to 15 was by far the hardest of the six teams, as Liverpool being forced to use so many different players in 2024 means many more than usual have impressed. There's no room for backup goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher despite his recent heroics, nor young right-back Conor Bradley despite his incredible attacking impact. Jarell Quansah's steady presence in defence will also have to make do with an honorable mention. Joël Matip's ACL tear drops him from the list, while forward Cody Gakpo loses his spot too. 15. Harvey Elliott (new) Elliott's Liverpool career has been a slow burn these past few years, but we're getting to the stage where he's starting to look good. Be it from central midfield or right wing, the 20-year-old can now slot into the team seamlessly and play to a high level -- or, if he enters from the bench, has a handy knack of impacting the game in a decisive way. His Premier League minutes (826) have dropped off a bit from last season (1,615), but that's because he's played regularly in the cups, clocking over 1,000 more and counting. All in all, his influence is definitely on the rise. 14. Andy Robertson (-8) Robertson's rank in this list drops in line with his recent form and injury troubles. March was a struggle, as the team looked for him as a leader in the wake of injuries and he couldn't find his top level. That he was benched for the pivotal game against Manchester City wasn't even that much of a surprise, as he also didn't start against Arsenal a month before. On both occasions, Jurgen Klopp opted for Joe Gomez at left-back, presumably for more stability. 13. Diogo Jota (-1) Jota is by far Liverpool's biggest overperformer in front of goal this season, scoring nine goals from an xG of just 4.4. That feels pretty standard for the Portugal international, who seems to be able to pull off the most amazing array of finishes. The only thing that's ever held him back on Merseyside is injuries. He missed all of March due to a knee injury sustained against Brentford, and before that missed almost all of December with a separate ailment. Due to this, he's not an integral player at Liverpool, so ranks a little lower than you may expect. 12. Curtis Jones (-2) Have Liverpool's games felt a little bit stretched and frantic of late? Even allowing for the high-energy style that Klopp coaches, the answer is probably yes. That is in part down to the fact that Jones, a master ball-retainer and tempo-controller, has been injured. With him in the side, the Reds keep the ball and control proceedings far more fluidly, as he's almost impossible to dispossess. That said, he's no automatic starter, and is more a player Klopp turns to in certain scenarios. That keeps him outside the top 11 in this ranking. 11. Wataru Endo (new) Calls for Endo to be named signing of the season may be a little far-fetched. But now that he's settled into Premier League life, the Japan international's impact on this Liverpool team can be felt firmly. He was particularly good in the Carabao Cup final, then won the midfield battle against Rodri vs. Manchester City in March. Those highlights aside, he generally offers a level of consistency from deep in midfield that allows everything else to flow. Endo averages 3.44 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 minutes -- the second-highest in this Liverpool squad -- which illustrates the type of effect he can have on games. 10. Joe Gomez (+5) A player who can reliably step in and play across the back line, seemingly without an interruption to form or confidence, is a valuable thing indeed. Gomez probably won't ever be the best or most important player in a single position at Liverpool, but his willingness and ability to do whatever you ask of him -- across an increasingly broad schedule of matches -- is a manager's dream. 9. Dominik Szoboszlai (-6) It's fair to say Szoboszlai has dipped off a little from his incredibly bright start. That's partly due to injury, but his effectiveness had waned before February's hamstring troubles anyway. He remains an important part of Liverpool's present and future, as his energetic, relentless midfield presence lifts everyone around him and can't be replicated by anyone else. Despite missing some games, there's still no Liverpool player with more ball recoveries (138) or carries into the final third (56) than him. 8. Darwin Núñez (+3) Things are starting to take shape for Núñez. He may still be guilty of missing the sitters while netting the golazos, but as long as it evens itself out -- and it largely does -- then that's all right. You can feel his imprint on this team, and this style, much more clearly than you could back in October when we ranked him on the fringes of the top 10. He's breached double figures for goals in the Premier League and provided seven assists in a productive campaign since. 7. Ibrahima Konaté (+2) Konaté battles injury uncomfortably often, but when he is fit he's a real difference-maker. It feels like he's taken a step forward this season with regard to his on-the-ball ability. His passing feeling a bit more penetrative and crisp than before -- he's already exceeded last season's progressive passing total distance (7,605 vs. 6,925) despite playing fewer games. When you add that to the vast amount of space he can effectively defend, it's a fearsome combination. 6. Luis Díaz (=) It doesn't always come off for Díaz, but he will never be deterred. He'll just throw himself into the next duel or the next dribble. That sort of whirlwind, positive attitude is infectious and has served Liverpool particularly well these past few months, as he's been a constant in attack that Klopp can lean on as almost everyone else has gone down injured. 5. Alisson Becker (-3) Alisson is a world-class goalkeeper who has made the difference for Liverpool more times than he is given credit for. In particular, his prowess in one-on-one situations can be such a bailout for a team that plays high and takes risks. That said, Kelleher's exemplary performances as a stand-in this season have been a bit of an eye-opener to many. Few knew the Reds had such a capable backup; there have been moments this year, when the Republic of Ireland international has raced out of his box to sweep up, dressed in that iconic black kit, where you'd swear it was Alisson himself were it not for that unmistakable crop of blonde hair. Kelleher didn't make it into the top 15, as with Liverpool utilizing so many players of late it was hard to justify including the backup goalkeeper. His real impact on this list can be felt in dropping Alisson down to fifth, as it's no longer an irrevocable disaster if the Brazil international is injured. 4. Trent Alexander-Arnold (=) A knee injury has disrupted a great season for Alexander-Arnold, whose move into a central midfield role has made him a true fulcrum of the team's passing play. Klopp has had to adjust around his absence and has just about got by, but it really doesn't feel the same when Gomez is inverting off the other side -- he just doesn't offer the same prowess in possession. Alexander-Arnold is slated to return in April and he'll no doubt elevate Liverpool once again. 3. Alexis Mac Allister (+5) There is seemingly no end to what Mac Allister is capable of. Hand him any midfield role, on any stage, and he'll take to it like a duck to water. He has clocked up by far the most Premier League tackles and interceptions combined (91) in the squad. To have such a reliable, multitalented presence in midfield is a true blessing. The balance he provides has allowed the Reds to remodel the core of their team this season without really skipping a beat. That's why he's surging up these rankings and into a top three spot. 2. Mohamed Salah (-1) Salah continues to be ludicrously productive, topping Liverpool's charts for goals (15) and assists (9). The underlying numbers suggest that's no fluke, as he's amassed the most xG (15) and xA (9.4) in the team, too. He remains the Reds' best attacker, difference-maker and man to look to in times of need. So, given that scoring goals is arguably the hardest part of football, you might be surprised to see him drop from the top spot. 1. Virgil van Dijk (+4) Back in October, there were still some mild concerns over whether Van Dijk had returned to peak powers following his ACL injury in 2022, hence why we ranked him fifth. Six months on, though, it's fair to say those concerns have been dismissed. The level of performance the Netherlands international been producing of late has been staggering, not only showcasing defensive perfection on a weekly basis, but scoring key goals and stitching together an injury-plagued team that's often half-populated by younger, less-experienced players. As players dropped like flies around him, the 32-year-old Van Dijk held the team together, providing leadership and calm in a way so many can't. It's perhaps telling that while Salah was injured, Liverpool continued to plunder goals; while Szoboszlai was out, the midfield continued to hum. But what would have happened had Van Dijk missed a month? Honestly, the Reds likely would have been in a much worse position in the title race and probably wouldn't have a trophy to their name this season either. Van Dijk is back to being Liverpool's best and most impactful player.
 MANCHESTER UNITED Barring André Onana's rise to fifth, there's not a lot of movement in the top order for United, but the middle section is packed with risers and fallers. Perhaps more than anything, the changes in this ranking represent how big a transition the club are going through as they move from experience to youth. MISSED THE CUT: From October's top 15, four players -- Mason Mount, Antony, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat -- drop out. This is largely due to a lack of game time, which consequently decreases their importance to the team. Aaron Wan-Bissaka's injuries once again preclude him from a place in the rankings, while FA Cup hero Amad Diallo has only a handful of cameos to his name, so he comes nowhere near the 400 minimum minutes threshold. 15. Jonny Evans, CB (new) When Evans signed last summer, few could have anticipated just how much the 36-year-old would actually play. The reserve/quasi-coach/Under-23 on-pitch manager has ended up playing 24 times in all competitions and counting. He is one of several United centre-backs in the lower reaches of this ranking, as they all feel relatively interchangeable. 14. Victor Lindelöf, CB (=) Lindelöf is seemingly far from being first-choice at Man United in the centre-back position, but this season has found a way to get onto the pitch regardless. Much of that is down to his willingness to play at full-back. Though he's hardly a perfect solution on either flank, sometimes injuries force you to make do, and he's done his best. There have been games where Lindelöf has played left-back, left-centre-back and right-centre-back, constantly shuffling around to plug gaps, and that versatility is how he's offered value to the team. 13. Harry Maguire, CB (new) Maguire's career at Old Trafford felt dead in the water last summer, when the club accepted a bid from West Ham and allowed him to leave. But Maguire said no, and while that felt like a questionable decision at the time, that self-belief has paid off to an extent. Sixteen Premier League appearances, plus eight more in the cups, means he's played a role for United this term -- albeit due to injuries plaguing his colleagues. 12. Raphaël Varane, CB (-6) Varane completes the run of four straight centre-backs in this ranking -- hammering home how interchangeable they all feel. Of all the names to feature in the bottom third, Varane is perhaps the big surprise, but the truth is his performances have dropped off. The 30-year-old still has the odd day where he defends the box like a warrior (like against Liverpool in December), but is no longer an automatic pick for the XI. He can certainly point to injuries, likely caused by the incredible amount of football he has played in his career since the age of 16, as the reason for his drop-off. But with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it does feel like his Manchester United career is in its last phase. 11. Scott McTominay, CM (new) McTominay is far from the best player at the club and never feels like a long-term solution to anything, but he does have this wonderful ability to pop up with important contributions in big moments. That tendency has given him nine lives at Old Trafford, and while he rarely fits into the "best" version of the team, he can fill in as a squad player and make an impact off the bench in such a way that it's almost an art form. 10. Casemiro, CM (-5) This is a big fall in the rankings, and it's illustrative of Casemiro's declining performances this season. Is it a blip? A symptom of the team's general struggles? Or has he hit the wall at 32? It's hard to answer that question right now, but it is easy to recognise the fact that, while he provides plenty of value at attacking set pieces, there are valid question marks hanging over him in almost every other area -- a cold reality made clear when you see how much work 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is doing alongside him. 9. Kobbie Mainoo, CM (new) It speaks to the level of disarray Man United's midfield was in that as soon as the teenage Mainoo arrived in late November, things got immediately and demonstrably better. He's just about the only starting-level midfielder at the club who can reliably keep the ball and try to keep his team in control of the game -- although even his efforts can fall short. His wonder strike against Wolves won February's Premier League Goal of the Month competition, which will likely end up as the cherry on top of an incredible personal campaign that has now developed into a maiden England senior callup! 8. Alejandro Garnacho, FW (+7) Garnacho snuck into October's list in 15th place. Back then he was only just filtering into the first team and had plenty to prove. Fast forward to March and he's one of the first names on the team sheet, with manager Erik ten Hag leaning on his blistering speed, direct play and ever-improving production in front of goal. His latest performance, in the FA Cup win over Liverpool, was absolutely magnificent. Still a teenager, the winger is a gem that United should be building around in the years to come. 7. Diogo Dalot, RB (+3) Dalot has the third-most minutes (2,430) in the league for Man United this season, behind only goalkeeper Onana and captain Bruno Fernandes. Wan-Bissaka's injury has played a part in that, but it does go to show how firm the Portugal international's grip is on this team. He was given the tough assignment of learning the role of a top-level full-back on the job, but at age 25 finally seems to have nailed both parts of it: Flying forward he's a threat, while in defense he's improved notably in one-on-one duels. United have plenty to address in the coming transfer windows, but Dalot's spot is locked down. 6. Rasmus Højlund, ST (+2) Our October ranking had Højlund in eighth -- but whichever way you spun that, it was least partly speculative. The truth was the £62m signing simply hadn't played enough for us to truly gauge his quality or his importance to the team. Six months later, we're under no illusions: Since breaking his Premier League duck on Boxing Day, he's become a hugely important player and character in the team -- so much so that when he got injured in February, it plunged the Red Devils into a striking crisis. He'll continue to grow as a goal scorer and a focal point for this team. 5. André Onana, GK (+4) For the first half of the season, you had to draw a disclaimer through Onana's performances, making clear that while he performed terribly in the Champions League, he was actually solid in the Premier League. Now three months on from any continental competition involvement, it's fair to say Onana has emerged from those difficulties and consistently looks one of Man United's best players. He faces a lot of shots but deals with it well; he's stopped 4.0 goals more than expected based on the shots he's faced, good for the third-best record in the division. He copes well in set piece situations and sweeps up behind his defence, too. The brilliant distribution we saw during his time at Inter Milan and Ajax hasn't always come to the fore yet in Manchester, but it's possible that's partly due to tactical instruction. 4. Lisandro Martínez, CB (=) Whenever Martínez plays, Man United are better in almost every conceivable way. They score more, concede fewer, keep the ball better and play with more purpose. Sadly for the Red Devils, the Argentina international has been restricted to just seven Premier League starts this season as knee issues have plagued his campaign. They've really felt his absence and missed the intense standard he sets both on and off the ball. 3. Luke Shaw, LB (=) "If only Shaw could steer clear of injuries" is a sentence United fans got used to muttering before the turn of the decade, but from 2020 up until this season, he was remarkably robust. Sadly, this campaign has been cruel, and he has missed big chunks of action. His absence has laid bare how crucial he is to the team. When he's not there, not only does the left side look completely different, but the team's overall ball progression suffers too. When Shaw and Martínez are missing, things get difficult. 2. Marcus Rashford, FW (=) Even in something of a "down year," Rashford is vital to this Man United side. He's the homegrown hero, a heartbeat of the side, and above all else, a very good player. His overall production has dipped this season compared to last; 17 goals and five assists from 2,890 Premier League minutes has been followed up by just seven goals and two assists in 1,996 minutes this time around. That has proved problematic at points, but he has also scored great goals in big games (against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool) to make up for it. Despite some excellent and encouraging performances from the youngsters emerging into this Man United XI, Rashford retains his status as one of the first names on the team sheet. 1. Bruno Fernandes, AM (=) It has hardly been a vintage season for the midfielder, but he remains Manchester United's best player. As the club have skipped through various crises this season, it's fair to ask what might have been had the Portugal international not been there to keep them somewhat afloat. He's underperformed his xG by an eyebrow-raising margin (-3.2) this campaign, but to make up for it, he has delivered moments of outstanding quality in other ways. For example, playing centre-back for half an hour against Liverpool in the cup, basically on one leg. His commitment to the team, to winning, is off the charts. He is probably the player United really cannot cope without.
 MANCHESTER CITY Only one big mover here in Phil Foden, who deserves his place in the top five, but there are plenty of little shifts in the middle order and one new face in the form of Jérémy Doku. This gives you the feeling of a very settled, consistent squad. MISSED THE CUT: Joško Gvardiol drops out of our top 15; in part because of an injury that disrupted his winter, in part because his form had tailed off a little before that anyway. Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes aren't big enough aspects of this team to be considered, while Oscar Bobb and Stefan Ortega haven't played enough minutes. 15. Nathan Aké (-1) Aké ended last season as a key player for City, ousting Aymeric Laporte for a spot in the first XI and playing brilliantly in the run to the treble. This season hasn't quite matched those levels, though, and of late there have been a few mistakes to note. Ranking him 15th acknowledges that, as we're close to the point where he and Gvardiol are interchangeable. 14 Jérémy Doku (new) No player in the Premier League has carried the ball into the penalty area more times than Doku this season (110; 40 more than the next player, Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski.) That ability alone is why Doku will end up worth the €65m that City paid Rennes to sign him in the summer, as that willingness to drive with the ball and apply pressure to opponents creates carnage. His skip-and-burst dribble move is awesome to watch, and his willingness to hit the byline stretches teams in ways Pep Guardiola craves. While he still ranks low on this list, he has made far more progress in his first season than most new attacking signings under Guardiola do. Jack Grealish needed a season, and even Bernardo Silva needed one, but Doku has made an impact right away. 13. Mateo Kovačić (=) Kovačić adds an element of ball retention and control to this City side who, despite their overpowering brilliance, do sometimes need a helping hand from someone like him. You can see exactly why Guardiola values his contribution. The problem is, he's not around that much and has managed just 10 league starts, missing pockets of games throughout the year because of various niggles. It's not like he's an automatic starter when fit, but if there's one knock on the Croatia international, it's that his injury record prevents him from earning that right. 12. Jack Grealish (=) This season is in danger of passing Grealish. But like Kovačić, he has an important skill set in the context of this City squad if he's fit to supply it. His mazy dribbling, ability to retain the ball in the final third and strong relationship with Erling Haaland all make him valuable to this team. We just haven't seen it often enough. Just over 700 Premier League minutes is an underwhelming tally; six starts in the Champions League looks good, but he's only averaging around 60 minutes played in those games. 11. Manuel Akanji (+1) This spot initially felt harsh on Akanji, who commands Guardiola's full trust, and rightly so. But it's difficult to make the case for him to move any higher. He's able to play across the backline and step into midfield, essentially providing backup for John Stones' complex, hybrid role. There were some early struggles in adapting to that, understandably, but he soon proved how good a footballer he is by executing it solidly. 10. Julian Álvarez (-2) In this part of the rankings, you'll see some very important players dropping. Just remember that it's not necessarily an indictment on them; they're simply making way for a player who is taking a big jump up. Álvarez's form has tailed off a little in 2024, but he remains someone whom Guardiola looks to without hesitation. The fact that only goalkeeper Éderson has started more Premier League games is proof enough of his importance. The Argentina international offers phenomenal positional versatility to the squad and is able to play as a No. 8, a No. 10 or a fill-in for Haaland up front. 9. Kyle Walker (=) Despite Walker signing a new deal last summer, spurning Bayern Munich's interest in the process, there was a legitimate school of thought that his influence on this City side was waning. So much for that. Walker has been about as close to ever-present as a Guardiola defender can be this term, consistently slotting into the rearguard and defending in a way somewhat unique to him. His recovery pace is the ultimate bailout for City's high line, and he has put in some great forward runs to help the attack. 8. Ederson (-2) In Liverpool's ranking, we discussed how Kelleher's sparkling deputy performances forced Alisson down the list, as the drop-off in quality between the two is less apparent than before. There's a little of this playing into Ederson's drop here as Stefan Ortega performed brilliantly when forced to step into the side on an emergency basis in March, ensuring the Brazil international's injury-enforced absence was not costly. Ederson remains important to the team, and is certainly the No. 1 goalkeeper, but City's strength in depth in this area is perhaps stronger overall than we'd previously thought. 7. Bernardo Silva (=) Silva is the all-time appearance-maker under Guardiola regardless of club with 342, per Transfermarkt. When you consider the riches the manager has had at his disposal over the past 15 years, enabling him to pick pretty much whichever players he wants, that's quite the record to hold. It says a lot about Bernardo's quality, consistency and versatility. Anyone who is this good both on and off the ball, who can play in four or five positions, and who almost never has a bad game, is naturally going to find their way into the team often enough! Bernardo is an anomaly in that he's a key player for City without necessarily having a set role in the team. He could pop up anywhere across the midfield and you wouldn't be surprised; the only thing you'd be surprised by is him not being in the team at all. 6. Rúben Dias (-1) Dias is the last of the cluster affected by a stark riser, but regardless, dropping one spot might be a fair reflection of his 2023-24 season anyway. He has put in a handful of uncharacteristically poor showings -- most notably in that bizarre 4-4 draw away to Chelsea -- and also has been rested or rotated a little more often than he was in the past. He was benched for the crucial trip to Anfield recently, which was the 10th game he has missed this season, but City's record in those games is W8, D1, L1 (the one loss coming in the Carabao Cup.) Dias is still important, but it's notable that he has not quite been at the peak of his powers this term. 5. Phil Foden (+5) The major change for Man City this season has been Foden's true, inexorable rise to prominence in this squad. It has taken a long time -- the best part of five years, in fact -- but the academy graduate is now finally a full-fledged key player. He has already played more minutes and started more games in the Premier League than in any other season, and his combined total of 18 goals and assists is a personal best. If you factor in cup competitions, he has had a direct hand in a whopping 27 goals this term. He stepped into the void left by the injured Kevin De Bruyne early this season, delivered for his manager then simply kept going. Be it from the left, right or centre, Foden consistently sparkles. 4. John Stones (=) It felt odd to watch Stones play as a standard centre-back for England against Brazil, as it's been a long time since his role on the football pitch has been that simple. What he does for City is almost beyond belief at times, now functioning more as a box-to-box midfielder than a defender, having played a hybrid role for much of 2023. Anyone who can do the array of things that Stones does -- from tackling and counter-pressing, to carrying the ball from deep, to switching play from one flank to the other -- is going to end up as a very important player a club. Players like him aren't common at all. 3. Kevin De Bruyne (=) De Bruyne has nine assists this calendar year! It still feels like he has barely played, yet he has chalked up more assists in a few hundred minutes than most players achieve across an entire season. Granted, four of those came in a strange FA Cup game against Luton Town that finished 6-2, perhaps providing some perspective on that exorbitant tally, but that shouldn't discredit his feats. When his vision is in, there's no more devastating player around. Having made his comeback, De Bruyne clears our minimum minutes threshold by around 100, so because he's eligible for the ranking, his overwhelming talent demands he keeps his high placing. 2. Erling Haaland (=) There has been plenty of conversation this season around Haaland's finishing, and for good reason: for the first time in his career, he is underperforming his xG, by a not-so-insignificant margin of minus-2.9 in the league. He has also missed the most big chances (26) and had several games in which he's missed two or three in a single afternoon. But while those statistics could serve an argument that he's having a poor season, he's quite clearly not. Missing big chances is part of the job for strikers (the more you shoot, the more you score ... but also, the more you miss) and despite the above, he stands atop the Premier League goal-scoring charts with 18. He has bagged a further 11 in cup competitions, meaning he's close to eclipsing the 30-goal mark for the campaign already. Haaland remains one of the best and most-feared forwards in world football, leading the line for a club who can feasibly defend their treble in the next few months. 1. Rodri (=) City have lost a grand total of four games this season -- three in the league, one in the Carabao Cup -- and the common denominator is that midfielder Rodri missed all of them. When he's there, it's fine; when he's not, there might be a problem. Rodri's own personal unbeaten streak is ludicrous: He last lost a game of football on Feb. 5, 2023, away to Tottenham. It's not as if a long-term injury is skewing that statistic either -- he's as durable and available as they come, only ever really missing matches due to suspension, or if City's focus is on other competitions. Over the past few years, City have shown they can score goals without Haaland, find creativity without De Bruyne and run a tight defence without Dias -- but they cannot seem to win if Rodri isn't thundering around in midfield. That's why he's No. 1.
 TOTTENHAM Spurs have approximately 10 key players who, depending on your personal preference, could be ordered in many different ways. Beyond that, manager Ange Postecoglou has enough depth to deal with, say, Yves Bissouma's loss of form, but not enough to deal with injuries to James Maddison or Micky van de Ven. MISSED THE CUT: Brennan Johnson and Oliver Skipp drop from October's version of this ranking; Johnson feels like a harsh cut, but room had to be made for one returning face and one surprisingly impactful existing one. Timo Werner and Radu Drăgușin, both signed in January, are left off the list for now; Drăgușin hasn't played enough minutes to qualify. 15. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (-2) With 21 sub appearances and just six starts in the Premier League to his name this season, Højbjerg's role under Postecoglu is etched in stone. He's not a starting player, which is probably more a reflection on his style than his overall quality, but someone who is trusted to come on and see out games using his experience, fill the right gaps and make the right decisions when it matters. There's still room for a player like that. 14. Ben Davies (=) Davies' days at Spurs may feel numbered, but for now, he provides important backup at two different positions -- left-back and centre-back. Injuries and suspensions have paved a path for the Wales international to play 999 Premier League minutes so far this season. Given that Spurs stand to return to European competition next season, he will likely offer the same value with a busier schedule if he sticks around. 13. Emerson Royal (new) The role Emerson has played in Spurs' season has gone above and beyond what anyone has expected, even reaching the bizarre point where his father (and agent) talked him up as a player capable of playing for Real Madrid. That's probably a bit much, but the Brazil international has done a decent job standing in at right-back and centre-back when required this term. 12. Rodrigo Bentancur (new) When October's rankings were constructed, Bentancur was in the final stages of recovering from a long injury lay-off, so he didn't feature in the top 15. His return has given Spurs a boost, not only in terms of midfield depth, but by adding real quality. With Yves Bissouma missing a decent chunk of playing time over the past four months, it has been important to have someone able to step into the base of midfield and play comfortably in a system that emphasises ball progression and buildup from deep. Bentancur has answered the call ably. 11. Richarlison (=) Just as Richarlison was hitting form, injury cut him down. For a player who went months without scoring then suddenly scored a remarkable nine goals in eight league games, that must have been so frustrating. Tottenham proved capable of scoring goals without him, so despite that splurge of strikes, he has not yet become critical to the team, but his massive improvement over the course of Postecoglou's maiden campaign is an encouraging sign. 10. Dejan Kulusevski (-1) In October, we ranked Kulusevski ninth and wondered how we'd reached that point, as it felt so low for a player of his calibre. We've dropped him one more spot in March. It seems harsh, but take a step back and the reality remains the same: Kulusevski is brilliant and Postecoglou recognises it, starting him the most of any outfielder in the league this season, but he's one of a number of attackers who can make the difference. Ranked ahead of him are eight or nine indispensable players whose absences can cause major issues to Spurs' prospects of winning. So that's how it likely stays until Spurs acquire greater depth in other areas, or "Deki" goes supersonic in terms of goals and assists. 9. Yves Bissouma (-6) Bissouma was a difficult one to rank. He placed third in October, with a recency bias-fueled argument capable of taking him into first or second, but he has dropped off significantly. That's reflective of his decline in form, which started in October and November because of some suspensions. His club schedule was further disrupted by the Africa Cup of Nations. Since returning, he has looked nowhere near the same player and is currently the least impressive of the starting midfield three. That, in addition to Bentancur's return to fitness, paves the way for a big fall in this list. 8 Destiny Udogie (=) Very few players move with the ball like Udogie does. In fact, very few others can even process the idea of dribbling inwards and outwards, switching between the two freely, while batting off attempted tacklers. It's supposed to be difficult, but the Italy international makes it look simple. It has been a superb debut Premier League season for him. He tops the Spurs charts for tackles and interceptions (97 total), ball recoveries (150) and total ball carries (1,374), which illustrates how strong and varied his impact has been. 7. Pedro Porro (=) Porro has had a phenomenal campaign, doing what Postecoglou asks of his full-backs and consistently putting in very good performances. He's excellent on the ball and can either hold the width or invert, making him an integral part of Spurs' buildup play. He's also very dangerous over a set piece, be it a free kick or a corner. The drop off to his rival at right-back, Emerson Royal, is severe, which further cements Porro's status as a key man. 6. Guglielmo Vicario (=) Vicario's strong start to the season has continued. His reliability in goal has been a major factor in Spurs' good results and good play. In particular, he has excelled in shot stopping, having saved 5.6 more goals than expected based on the shots he's faced; that's the second-best record in the league, behind only Wolves' José Sá. Vicario has also been happy to play short passes and join in possession, while his good throwing often releases runners on the break. If there's one knock on him, it's his susceptibility to being bullied at corners, but that's perhaps as much a systematic issue with how Spurs organise their defence as it is an issue with him personally. 5. Pape Matar Sarr (+5) Sarr is Tottenham's biggest upward mover in this fresh ranking, leaping to a lofty fifth. It's a just reward for some amazing performances, and although the Spurs fans' stylistic comparisons to Yaya Touré may be stretching things a little, there's no doubt Sarr is fueling this midfield. His runs ahead of the ball stretch teams to their limit and open up space and passing options for his teammates, while his stamina is very impressive. Managers are always on the lookout for midfielders with complete skill sets; Postecoglou was blessed to inherit one that barely even had a chance under his predecessor. 4. Cristian Romero (=) There's a personality to Romero's play that cannot be underestimated. Every top team has someone with incredible drive and will to win, setting a silent standard for the others to follow, and Romero is that player for Spurs. But he's more than that, and he's more than his tackles, interceptions and defensive grit too. He's tied third in the team for progressive passes in the league (126) and has clocked up the biggest progressive distance carrying the ball (4,386 yards). Postecoglou has leaned heavily on Romero's punchy passes and good feet to play a big part in Spurs' approach. 3 Son Heung-min (-1) Captain, talisman, top scorer ... in third? It's a little strange at first glance, made all the stranger by the fact he's been in great form since returning from the Asian Cup, with two goals and three assists in five games suggesting he's keen to make up for lost time. But while still an exceptionally reliable finisher -- his 14 league goals outstrips his xG of 8.0, as is standard for him -- Son often represents the final touch in this Spurs team, whereas others are more fundamental to the makeup of it, either in possession or in defence. That leaves him in third. It's a spot most would be proud to occupy, but for a player of his calibre, it does feel oddly low. 2. Micky van de Ven (+3) It's too simplistic to say Spurs fall apart defensively without Van de Ven, but it's tough to ignore a massive Van de Ven-shaped hole in the team when he's not there. The 3-0 loss to Fulham just before the international break was revealing, as the opposition attacked the huge spaces between Tottenham's defenders so well -- spaces that Van de Ven usually fills with his remarkable speed. Spurs have lost six of the 10 league games Van de Ven has missed, yet they have only lost two of the 18 he has played -- and one of those was the Chelsea game, where he got injured halfway through (although it should be noted that other important players were also missing when Van de Ven was). As is often the case, a player's absence can reveal their true impact, and it's clear the Netherlands international stands alone in his defensive impact for the team. There is simply no replacing him. 1. James Maddison (=) October's edition of this ranking had Maddison in first place, honouring the incredible start he'd made to life at Tottenham Hotspur. Since then, injury has disrupted his campaign a little, but we've decided to keep him top regardless. That might seem like a bold call given Van de Ven's clear importance, so let's set out the reasoning very clearly: For the way Spurs play, engaging in end-to-end, chaotic matches, Maddison's profile is the most valuable one at Postecoglou's disposal. From a firepower perspective, Maddison is the one who can most reliably find the key pass to open up a defence, which is a must when the plan is to outscore your opponent rather than shut them out. From a game-management perspective, if Spurs do put their foot on the ball and control things, it's Maddison who does it. Add in all the help he offers in buildup, plus the willingness to track back and defend, and it reminds you just how crucial he is.
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