Every Premier League Team's Best Player for the 2023-24 Season
The 2023-24 Premier League season drew to a close on Sunday with predictable results.
While Manchester City's dominance looked in peril for some time, the Citizens did what they always do and asserted their superiority in the campaign's closing weeks, eventually pipping Arsenal to the title by two points. Was it ever in doubt?
Meanwhile, the lone loose end in the relegation battle was tied up, with Luton Town's relegation to the Championship confirmed, joining Burnley and Sheffield United on the drop down a league.
But whether you're at the top or bottom of the table, there is always a fear that a club will come along in the summer transfer window and poach your best player ahead of the upcoming campaign.
While some clubs will be more secure than others on that front, strange things can happen in football. And with planning set to begin in earnest about how the 2024-25 season will be tackled, PL sides will be identifying their finest individuals and looking to shape their tactics around them.
So who is every Premier League club's best player, and who will the teams dropping down to the Championship be sweating on keeping around next season for another promotion push?
Risers and Fallers
Promoted Clubs
Leeds United or Southampton: Crysencio Summerville and Kyle Walker-Peters
The last spot in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season will be settled on May 26, with Leeds United and Southampton battling to return to the top flight after just a season's absence.
If Leeds can get the better of the Saints, they'll be desperately clinging on to Crysencio Summerville and hoping he will take them into next season. The 22-year-old Dutchman was excellent in the 2023-24 campaign, bagging 19 goals and providing nine assists to take the West Yorkshire side to the brink of a Premier League return.
Southampton, though, will be looking to experienced right-back Kyle Walker-Peters to bring strength at the back and a threat in the final third.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player could have jumped ship when the Saints were relegated, but instead, he played in 43 of 46 Championship games, completing the full 90 minutes in all but two. Three goals and three assists are also solid returns for a player in his position.
Ipswich Town: Leif Davis
Few would have predicted Ipswich Town would achieve back-to-back promotions, but Kieran McKenna has done fantastic work in what is his only managerial role.
The 38-year-old has done wonders on a shoestring budget, and the Tractor Boys will need an injection of class to beat the drop in the upcoming season.
Several loan players will be going back to parent clubs, and of the players officially on the books, it's Leif Davis who looks like the real star of the squad.
With a whopping 21 assists from left-back during the Championship season, they'll need more of that quality to stay up.
Leicester City: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Leicester City managed to hold on to a lot of the players who suffered relegation last year, and that set the Foxes up well to make a swift return.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall showed flashes of what he could do in the top flight before he dropped down a league, and he was instrumental in Leicester's table-topping Championship campaign.
With 12 goals and 14 assists from central midfield, he'll be key to the East Midlands side kicking on a gear in 2024-25.
Relegated Clubs
Sheffield United: Gustavo Hamer
Sheffield United finished rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, picking up just 16 points in a dire campaign that sent them straight back down to the Championship.
Gustavo Hamer was probably the standout individual of the players to emerge with some credit.
The Dutchman was a near-ever-present in the starting XI, picking up four goals and six assists from central midfield. The Blades will have a tough time keeping hold of him next season.
Burnley: Luca Koleosho
Much was hoped for from Burnley ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the Clarets finishing the prior campaign with 101 points and playing some scintillating football. That was not to be repeated in the Premier League, though, struggling to 24 points and falling down the trap door.
Perhaps things would have been better had Luca Koleosho stayed fit for the whole campaign. The 19-year-old looked absolutely electric in the early going, although he really should have added to his tally of one goal and one assist.
If he can recover from a knee injury and the Clarets can keep him at Turf Moor, he'll be a driving force in the race for promotion.
Luton Town: Teden Mengi
Scrappy Luton Town at least took things to the final day of the season (albeit needing a miracle), and that's more than many predicted.
The rejuvenation of Ross Barkley has been something to behold, and Elijah Adebayo's mid-season injury just when he hit form was truly unfortunate. But it's Teden Mengi who will be drawing the most admiring glances as the summer transfer window approaches.
The former Manchester United youth player was excellent at center-back all season long, putting in multiple battling performances to keep the Hatters' heads above water. It wasn't enough, sadly, but Mengi's stock has increased immensely.
Survivors to Mid-Table
Nottingham Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White
Even with a four-point deduction, Nottingham Forest once again survived the Premier League drop.
While Murillo has earned plenty of fans for his strength and composure at the back, as well as a fine passing range and a propensity to go on an occasional mazy run, it's Morgan Gibbs-White who is undoubtedly Forest's star.
Eyebrows were raised when Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to get a $44 million-plus fee for the man from Stafford, but his value to Forest has been perhaps double that in two consecutive battles against relegation.
Gibbs-White could take the same path as former Forest star Brennan Johnson, with Tottenham Hotspur rumored to be interested, according to Football Insider.
And Forest might need to cash in, given the club's issues with profitability and sustainability rules. But Gibbs-White's energy, ball retention and eye for the unconventional have made him a fan favorite, and 10 goals and 18 assists across two Premier League seasons have been so important to the club's fortunes.
Brentford: Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney's return from an eight-month ban for breaking Football Association betting rules started hot, with four goals in five games. But it soon fizzled out, with none in his next 12.
Regardless, the 28-year-old pips Bryan Mbeumo and Matias Jensen to be named the Bees' top talent, although that's perhaps more based on what he can do than what he's done this season.
Top clubs might be hesitant to splash the cash on Toney this summer given that drop in form, but it's still likely he'll move on.
If he doesn't, Brentford won't complain. The 2024-25 campaign will allow Toney to remind everyone of his capabilities, whichever club he is at.
Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite
While Jordan Pickford might be Everton's most important player, Jarrad Branthwaite is the club's best.
The 21-year-old had a true breakout campaign with the Toffees after impressing on loan with PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season.
Branthwaite has been colossal at the back, performing like a seasoned veteran despite featuring in his first campaign as a Premier League starter.
In a Sean Dyche side that relies so much on defensive solidity, Branthwaite has set remarkable standards, keeping the Toffees comfortably clear of relegation despite an eight-point deduction.
Now it's a matter of whether they can hold on to their new star.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Pedro Neto
Injuries kept Pedro Neto sidelined for much of the 2023-24 season—as has been a frustrating habit for the Portuguese during his time in the West Midlands—but he's still clearly Wolverhampton Wanderers' top talent.
Wolves were far better than many predicted they would be, even despite Neto's absence, and his form either side of his time on the treatment table was a big reason why.
Two goals and nine assists in 20 Premier League games only tells part of the story, with his pace, skill and movement giving opposition defenders a real headache. His ability to hit top form after long periods out is also remarkable.
Wolves may yet keep him next season if clubs are put off by that injury history, but there will at least be some inquiries for the 24-year-old.
Fulham: João Palhinha
Rodrigo Muniz looked like an unearthed gem during a February to March hot streak that saw him deliver eight goals and an assist in eight games for Fulham.
That cooled off significantly, with only one goal in his next eight games, although he will certainly be one to watch next season.
For now, though, João Palhinha is the gold standard at Fulham. The Portuguese was nearly out the door at the start of the season with Bayern Munich sniffing, but the Cottagers were able to keep hold of their midfield warrior, who was once again a standout in the 2023-24 campaign.
Snapping into tackles, organizing his teammates and chipping in with a few goals, Palhinha was once again a force to be reckoned with. Fulham might not be so lucky in keeping him in London this time around.
Bournemouth: Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke finally showed he can deliver consistently in the English top flight in the 2023-24 season, bagging 19 goals in 38 games.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola seemingly unlocked the 26-year-old's potential, proving Solanke is much better than a Championship-level striker.
Solanke was key to getting the Cherries to the lofty heights of 12th in the final Premier League table, their best finish since 2017-18.
There will be interest in the former Chelsea and Liverpool man, but he might be wise to build on that season on the south coast. Bournemouth will have higher ambitions next season, and Solanke will be key to the cause.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Kaoru Mitoma
It speaks to the club's ambitions that an 11th-place finish was somewhat disappointing for Brighton & Hove Albion.
The fact Kaoru Mitoma only suited up for 19 games might have been partly to blame.
Despite promising talents like Evan Ferguson, João Pedro, Simon Adingra and Julio Enciso being on the club's books, and Pascal Groß continuing to defy the laws of aging, the Japanese is still the Seagulls' brightest star.
If he can come back fit and firing next season, he will help Brighton return to the table's top half.
10th Through Sixth
Crystal Palace: Michael Olise
Crystal Palace hit a thrilling vein of form in the final throes of the season, with head coach Oliver Glasner bringing quality performances out of the Eagles.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was a surprising beneficiary of the Austrian's guidance, smashing home 13 goals following the 49-year-old's arrival.
Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise were also galvanized by the new appointment. Although both have concerning injury histories, their talent is undeniable. But it's Olise who is just inches ahead in the star-player debate.
The 22-year-old is a nightmare to deal with, which makes the injury absences even more frustrating because of the class he brings to the team. Four goals, three assists and plenty of bamboozled defenders were the results from his final six games of the season.
The Eagles will be hoping for at least one more season from the Frenchman to build on the club's promise from the final handful of games in the 2023-24 campaign.
West Ham United: Mohammed Kudus
Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen might have something to say about this, but Mohammed Kudus is West Ham United's best talent.
The 23-year-old took a little time to settle into England's top flight, partly because he was eased into things by manager David Moyes, but when he found his feet, he was so much fun to watch.
His directness and eye for the spectacular strike was sorely needed in a West Ham side that can be a little pragmatic at times. Eight goals and six assists is a fine record for an EPL newcomer, and his five goals in nine Europa League games also showcased his impressive abilities.
It's really exciting to think what he could achieve next season.
Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes
Few players ended Manchester United's season with a lot of credit, with the Red Devils finishing eighth to mark their worst Premier League finish.
Kobbie Mainoo was a welcome breath of fresh air, and Rasmus Højlund showed some promise. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martínez boosted his stock simply through his prolonged absence.
But it's Bruno Fernandes who is head and shoulders above the rest. The Portuguese scored 10 and created eight for a United side that only managed 57 goals during the domestic campaign, meaning he was involved in nearly a third of the club's total.
With no European football next season, assuming United lose the FA Cup final to Manchester City, the Red Devils might be worried their captain could be scooped up by another side on the continent.
However, the INEOS investment group will likely want to build the team around him, so he'll likely be made untouchable. For his and United's sakes, they'll hope for better fortune in 2024-25.
Newcastle United: Bruno Guimarães
While Alexander Isak was excellent during the campaign, putting himself third in the Golden Boot standings with 21 goals, Bruno Guimarães is the heart and soul of this Newcastle United side.
The Brazilian was once again brilliant for the Magpies, offering steel and elegance in the middle of the park as well as seven goals and eight assists.
With a $126 million release clause set to expire at the end of June, according to the BBC, Europe's finest will be queuing up to sign a player who is arguably worth a lot more.
He missed only one game during the campaign, through suspension, and that durability is also an enticing factor.
Chelsea: Cole Palmer
Chelsea's sixth-place finish is actually quite impressive given the turbulent nature of the season, which required a new manager to form a winning side from a group of young, often inexperienced players.
Mauricio Pochettino's methods seemingly started to work in the final few weeks, with a run of five wins to close out the campaign providing renewed hope for the next.
But it's Cole Palmer who shoulders much of that hope, with the 22-year-old proving many doubters wrong by scoring 22 goals and adding 11 assists in his debut campaign with the Blues—his first as a top-flight starter.
Coming second in the Golden Boot race to Erling Haaland is extremely impressive, and he only really got started in October. He's the talisman Chelsea have been missing for so long, and a return to the Champions League is possible if they build around the Englishman.
The Top Five
Tottenham Hotspur: Heung Min Son
Tottenham Hotspur's season petered out towards the end, with losses to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City leading some to question how far Ange Postecoglou had improved the North London side.
But in their first season without world-class striker Harry Kane, a fifth-place finish and some thrilling football is nothing to be ashamed of—it should be commended.
Micky van de Ven and James Maddison could yet claim the mantle of star player next season, but for now, Heung Min Son is still the player the team is looking towards.
His 27 goal contributions (17 goals, 10 assists) in the Premier League is his joint-second-best return, and he scored six against opponents in the so-called top six.
The South Korean is so valuable to a rebuilding Spurs side, and he'll be vital again next season.
Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins
Under the sage guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa's fourth-place Premier League finish guarantees a return to Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 1983.
It's been a fabulous season for Villa fans, who saw their side hovering around the relegation zone in the opening months of the previous season.
Villa's success is built on a formidable spine, with Emi Martínez, Pau Torres, Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins representing the key men from back to front. But it's Watkins who really stands out from the pack.
The 28-year-old bagged 19 goals and 13 assists in 37 Premier League games, putting him behind only Cole Palmer in total goal contributions. His work rate and selflessness are essential in how this Villa team operates, and without his efforts, it's unlikely Villa would have finished quite so high up.
Liverpool: Alexis Mac Allister
Many would have expected Mohamed Salah's name to appear here, but the Egyptian has been a passenger for a lot of matches this season.
His 18 goals and 10 assists are still impressive, but his overall contribution to the team's play has been lacking.
After a slow start to his life in Red, Alexis Mac Allister has established himself as the key player for the Merseysiders.
His protection of the back line, his passing vision, and his occasional goal-of-the-season contender have made him undroppable from the Liverpool midfield, and this all came in his first year with the club. Imagine what he can do in his second.
Arsenal: Martin Ødegaard
Arsenal have assembled a formidable squad with world-class talent running throughout—and it still wasn't enough to topple Manchester City and win their first league title since the 2003-04 season.
William Saliba has been immense at the back, Declan Rice was a fantastic addition in the middle of the park, and Bukayo Saka continues to shine as a special attacking talent.
But it's Martin Ødegaard who keeps things ticking, offering poise, vision, and puppet-master expertise that allows the rest of his teammates to shine. Eight goals and 10 assists isn't so bad, either.
Arsenal will be back again next season, and those players will be key once more. Ødegaard, though, is the man who the Gunners will depend on.
Manchester City: Phil Foden
The Premier League Player of the Season, Phil Foden is the best of a brilliant bunch on the blue half of Manchester.
Yes, Erling Haaland claimed another Golden Boot with ease. Yes, Kevin De Bruyne still oozes enduring class. Yes, Bernardo Silva is still a relentless worker and a considerable pest. And, yes, Rodri is still a force to be reckoned with and one of the most clutch players in the top flight.
But Foden has shone above every one of them this season, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists, and having perhaps the best first-touch of anyone in the Premier League—and doing all this in a range of different positions and tactical assignments.
At 23 years old, Foden now has six Premier League titles to his name, and he doesn't look like stopping any time soon.