The 2025/26 Premier League season is in full swing, and the midfield is where the battle for supremacy is fiercest. From defensive anchors thwarting attacks to creative playmakers carving out chances, the league's top midfielders are driving their teams' campaigns. Using the Squawka Score—a comprehensive metric tailored for central midfielders (No. 6s and No. 8s)—we rank the standout performers based on offensive output, defensive solidity, and overall impact. This data-driven analysis, accurate as of early October 2025, highlights the best midfielders in the Premier League, complete with key stats like goals, assists, tackles per 90, and progressive metrics. Whether you're picking for Fantasy Premier League or analyzing tactics, here's how the elite are performing in the 2025/26 season.

1. Josh Cullen (Burnley) – Squawka Score: 73%

Leading the pack is Burnley's Josh Cullen, whose 73% Squawka Score underscores his pivotal role in the Clarets' gritty campaign. The Irish international ranks in the 95th percentile for passes into the final third (9.14 per 90) and through balls (0.3 per 90), while entering the final third 10.34 times per 90. Cullen has contributed a goal and an assist, alongside 1.52 interceptions and 2.89 clearances per 90, accounting for 14.92% of Burnley's total passes. His composure has kept Burnley mid-table despite relegation predictions, making him a potential transfer target if they stay up.

2. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) – Squawka Score: 72%

Arsenal's captain, Martin Ødegaard, holds second place with a 72% score despite injury setbacks limiting him to one full 90-minute performance. His creative stats are elite: 3.97 successful passes into the penalty area, 38.35% forward passing accuracy, 8.38 passes into the final third, and 0.44 big chances created per 90. Ødegaard's 10.59 penalty area entries per 90 highlight his attacking threat. As Arsenal push for the title, his return to full fitness could spark a surge.

3. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) – Squawka Score: 71%

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson has emerged as a breakout star, earning a 71% score and two England caps with man-of-the-match honors. The 22-year-old excels with 5.3 ball recoveries, 4.9 duels won, and 4.9 passes into the opposition box per 90. His relentless energy has bolstered Forest's mid-table position, marking him as a talent with big-club potential.

4. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – Squawka Score: 71%

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch ties for third with a 71% score, thriving in Arne Slot's system. Ranking in the top 5% for open-play goals (0.33 per 90) and interceptions inside the box (0.33 per 90), the Dutch midfielder blends technical flair with defensive tenacity. His ball-carrying and possession recycling have been crucial to Liverpool's strong start, making him a cornerstone of their title defense.

5. Declan Rice (Arsenal) – Squawka Score: 70%

Arsenal's £105m man, Declan Rice, rounds out the top five with a 70% score. Contributing to four goals (including a strike against West Ham) and anchoring a defense that's conceded just three times, Rice boasts 83.33% take-on success, 80% forward passing accuracy, and 0.5 big chances created per 90. His versatility and leadership make him vital to Arsenal's title bid.

6. Bruno Fernandes (Man United) – Squawka Score: 69%

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes remains their talisman, posting three goals and four assists in eight appearances. His 3.1 key passes per 90 and 11 km covered per game highlight his relentless creativity and work rate. Despite United's inconsistent start, Fernandes' set-piece prowess and leadership keep them in contention.

7. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – Squawka Score: 68%

Liverpool's World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, continues to impress with a 68% score. His 9.1 progressive passes per 90 rank second among holding midfielders, while his 55 interceptions last season carry into this one. Mac Allister's off-ball work and versatility in Slot's system position him as a key figure in Liverpool's title chase.

8. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) – Squawka Score: 67%

Newcastle's Sandro Tonali has rediscovered his form post-suspension, anchoring the midfield with a 67% score. Averaging 2.8 tackles and 88% pass accuracy per 90, he's enabled Bruno Guimarães to push forward, contributing one goal and two assists. Tonali's composure has Newcastle in third, signaling a breakout season.

9. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) – Squawka Score: 66%

Arsenal's summer signing from Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi, has seamlessly integrated with a 66% score. His 92% pass accuracy and 1.5 key passes per 90 stabilize Arsenal's transitions, while his low turnover rate makes him a silent architect. Zubimendi's impact is subtle but undeniable.

10. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) – Squawka Score: 65%

Chelsea's £115m midfielder, Moisés Caicedo, has silenced doubters under Enzo Maresca, earning a 65% score. Ranking top-five for tackles (3.2 per 90) and recoveries (7.1 per 90), he's added a goal and shone in Europe. At 23, Caicedo's all-action style fuels Chelsea's top-four push.

Key Midfield Stats (as of October 12, 2025)

Player Team Goals Assists Key Passes/90 Tackles/90 Squawka Score
Josh Cullen Burnley 1 1 1.2 2.5 73%
Martin Ødegaard Arsenal 2 3 3.1 1.0 72%
Elliot Anderson Nott'm Forest 1 2 2.0 1.8 71%
Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool 3 1 1.8 2.2 71%
Declan Rice Arsenal 2 2 1.5 1.8 70%
Bruno Fernandes Man United 3 4 3.1 1.5 69%
Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool 1 2 2.2 2.0 68%
Sandro Tonali Newcastle 1 2 1.4 2.8 67%
Martin Zubimendi Arsenal 0 1 1.5 1.6 66%
Moisés Caicedo Chelsea 1 0 1.0 3.2 65%

Stats per 90 minutes where applicable. Sources: Squawka, FBref, Premier League.

Midfield Battles to Watch

With the season still young, the midfield race is shaping the title fight. Liverpool's Gravenberch and Mac Allister offer dynamism, while Arsenal's Ødegaard, Rice, and Zubimendi provide control. Fernandes and Caicedo are carrying United and Chelsea, respectively, while surprises like Cullen and Anderson add unpredictability. As injuries and fatigue test squads, these players will define the 2025/26 narrative. Who's your standout midfielder? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds.