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Three Standout Midfielders In The Premier League This Season

Originally posted on Extratime Talk | By Daniel Murphy | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 9:14 AM ET

Three standout midfielders in the Premier League have risen above the rest this season.

Bruno Fernandes, Dominik Szoboszlai and Declan Rice have all been vital cogs in their teams’ performances this season.

These three players have contributed to their teams’ current positioning in the Premier League table.

Each player brings different attributes, but all three have proved crucial for their teams. In a Premier League season defined by fine margins, these three midfielders have been the difference makers for their sides.

Bruno Fernandes: A Standout Premier League Midfielder Once Again

Once again, Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal in Manchester United’s season.

He has helped drag the club into the top four in the Premier League and make a Champions League return dream into an expectation at Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes has excelled again this season, with seven goals and 16 assists. He is on course to break the Premier League assist record, which stands at 20.

11 of his goal contributions have come since Michael Carrick took over as manager at Manchester United. Carrick moved Bruno Fernandes into a more advanced role and has reaped the rewards.

Bruno Fernandes, in a more advanced position, has helped transform Manchester United’s season.

His ability to find space between the lines and find key passes to create chances for teammates has helped propel Manchester United into the top four.

He has been a special player for Manchester United over the years and has been one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League again this season.

Dominik Szoboszlai: Liverpool’s Go-To Man

Dominik Szoboszlai has had a contrasting season to the rest of the Liverpool squad.

Liverpool have been inconsistent all season, but Szoboszlai has produced moments of magic and important performances all season to help keep his club in the top four race.

After Liverpool’s dominant win in the Champions League, where Szoboszlai opened the scoring, former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher said when speaking on CBS Sports: “Listen, right now he’s Liverpool’s best player by far.” A view that is echoed by many around the club.

His ability to fill in many positions has been crucial for Liverpool this season. He has produced outstanding performances wherever he has played.

When Liverpool are struggling, he is usually the catalyst for a spark in Liverpool’s performance, whether that be his high-energy pressing or a free-kick special; he’s Liverpool’s main man this season.

Five goals and three assists don’t tell the full story. His performances have been more about dragging Liverpool through games rather than his stats.

Declan Rice: Leading Arsenal To Their First Premier League Title In 23 Years

Declan Rice, who was Arsenal’s Player of the Year last season, is trying to go one better this season. He is the current favourite for the Premier League Player of the Year award.

He has been instrumental for Arsenal all season, both in attack and defence. He has helped Arsenal sit top of the Premier League in a bid to bring the title to the Emirates.

The signing of Martin Zubimendi has allowed Declan Rice more freedom in midfield, and he is excelling. His importance at both ends of the pitch has helped Arsenal through the season.

Arsenal paid £105m to bring Declan Rice to the club in 2023, and that is now looking like a bargain.

There will be many clubs around the world who are jealous that he isn’t their player. Steven Gerrard had high praise for Rice on TNT Sports: “He’s getting better and better. I think he’s one of the best in the world. He’s become one of the best in the world… I’d love for us to sign him.”

For years, it was questioned that Arsenal lacked a leader, but they certainly have one in Declan Rice.

He demands so much of himself and those around him. He will be crucial if Arsenal are to see off the competition and win the Premier League for the first time since 2003.

The Midfielders Making The Difference

These three players have been the standout midfielders in the Premier League. They have all been leaders throughout the season, and they are who their clubs rely on every week.

Their importance to their clubs is massive. Without their leadership, energy and contributions this season, their clubs’ positions in the table may look very different.

There have been many good midfield performers this season, but these three stand out for their performances and their importance to their clubs.

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