Who Is the Premier League’s Best Midfielder Right Now?

As the Premier League returns from the international break, fresh legs and renewed momentum will matter more than ever in midfield battles. The league’s most important area of the pitch will be the battleground again, and those who dominate in both defence and attack will tilt matches in their team’s favour. The current crop of standout midfielders includes Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice, Ryan Gravenberch, and Rodri, all with different strengths, but all making claims to be the best.

ALSO READ: History Made: Bafana Bafana Qualify for the 2026 World Cup After Beating Rwanda.

Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)

Caicedo is having a standout start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. He’s already scored 3 goals in 7 games, putting him among midfielders with real goal threat. His involvement extends beyond scoring, with 130 ball regains, 58 tackles, and 33 ground duels won this season (One-Versus-One). He’s proving himself defensively reliable while also stepping into the attack. 

Compared to Gravenberch in head-to-head stats, Caicedo completes more passes per 90 with higher accuracy, and averages 3.1 tackles per match versus Gravenberch’s 2 (Squawka). His versatility, blending defensive grit and offensive contributions, is what gives him the edge in the current debate.

Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Rice continues to be a reference point in midfield debates. He delivers positional intelligence, shielding the backline while also offering forward support. In direct comparisons with Caicedo, Rice posts strong passing accuracy (84.07%), though Caicedo edges him with an even higher rate (88.69%) in some models (One-Versus-One). 

Rice’s reputation is built on seasons of consistency rather than flashy bursts, which often gives him credit even when others are peaking. But in this moment, the metrics slightly favour Caicedo’s more dynamic contributions.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Gravenberch’s rise is one of the most talked-about stories this season. He led all midfielders in interceptions last season with 56 interceptions in the Premier League, and remains a top contender defensively (Statmuse). Though last season’s tally was higher, Caicedo is showing a broader range of contributions this year. 

In direct comparisons, Caicedo has outpaced Gravenberch in pass accuracy and defensive duels, which helps his case for being more “complete” at the moment. Gravenberch has also earned praise from pundits, with some calling his start to the season “best no.6 in the league.”

Rodri (Manchester City)

Rodri is widely considered a benchmark whenever fully fit, thanks to his game understanding, passing range, and ability to control tempo in the deepest roles. As pundits still say, when he’s firing, he is “levels above” other midfielders. But injury issues and rotation have limited his impact this term. 

In contrast, Caicedo is delivering match after match, which gives the Ecuadorian an advantage in the “current form” debate. Rodri’s ceiling is high, but Caicedo’s consistency may carry more weight in this moment.