Best Premier League Players 2025-26: Season Awards Predictions
The Premier League season awards are voted on by players, managers, and fans. With 10 games left, the race for Player of the Year is wide open. Here are my predictions for every major award.
Player of the Year
Candidates: Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, William Saliba, Alexander Isak, Kevin De Bruyne
My pick: Bukayo Saka
Saka has been the most complete player in the Premier League this season. 15 goals and 11 assists from the right wing is extraordinary. He's Arsenal's most important player, and if they win the title, he'll be the main reason why. His consistency has been remarkable — he's performed in every big game, and he's been available for almost every match.
Haaland has more goals, but Saka's all-around contribution — the assists, the pressing, the defensive work — gives him the edge. The Player of the Year award usually goes to the best player on the best team, and if Arsenal win the league, Saka is the obvious choice.
Young Player of the Year
Candidates: Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Lamine Yamal (if eligible), Evan Ferguson
My pick: Cole Palmer
Palmer is 23, which still qualifies him for the Young Player award. He's been Chelsea's best player by a mile — 13 goals and 10 assists, plus free kicks and penalties. He's the creative engine of Chelsea's attack, and he's done it consistently all season.
Manager of the Year
Candidates: Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Eddie Howe, Andoni Iraola
My pick: Mikel Arteta (if Arsenal win the title)
If Arsenal win the Premier League, Arteta will win Manager of the Year. It would be Arsenal's first title in over 20 years, and Arteta has built the team from scratch. If City win, Guardiola will get it by default. But the dark horse is Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth — he's got a promoted team playing some of the best football in the league.
Best goalkeeper
My pick: David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya has been outstanding. He's kept the most clean sheets in the league, his distribution is excellent, and he's made several match-saving stops. He's been a huge upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale, and he's one of the main reasons Arsenal's defense is so good.
Best signing
My pick: Alexander Isak (Newcastle, signed 2022 but peak season)
Isak has been Newcastle's best player and one of the best strikers in the league. He's justified every penny of his £60 million fee, and he's still getting better. If we're talking about new signings this season specifically, then Riccardo Calafiori at Arsenal has been excellent — he's added depth and quality to Arsenal's defense.