11 most effective silent stars of the Premier League 2025/26

In a turbulent Premier League season, the difference sometimes comes from the quiet faces. The following 11 players are quietly making a big impact: De Ligt has played every minute for United, Lacroix has not missed a minute in 19 games for Crystal Palace, and Alex Iwobi leads Fulham in assists, key passes and chances created.

Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford (Everton)

Pickford has been Everton’s fulcrum. He has maintained his reflexes and passing ability at a high level, while also improving his footwork to help move the ball around. His composure and safer touch have helped him make fewer mistakes – the foundation of a solid defence.

Defense – Reece James, De Ligt, Lacroix, Michael Kayode

Reece James (Chelsea): complete full-back

James is widely regarded as the world’s most complete full-back, blending the power and pace of Kyle Walker with the creativity of Trent Alexander-Arnold. At Chelsea, he provides a two-dimensional right wing: solid in defence, effective in attack, offering the option to play wide or cut inside to link up the lines.

De Ligt (MU) and Lacroix (Crystal Palace): uncompromising vertical axis

Matthijs de Ligt is reaping the rewards of a full summer: he is the only United player to have played every minute of the Premier League this season. Dominating aerial duels, defending his box and stepping up to challenge in midfield, De Ligt has shown the leadership qualities that made him Ajax captain at the age of 18.

Alongside De Ligt, Maxence Lacroix was the only player to play every minute of Palace’s 19 games. He stood out for his pace, power and confidence on the ball – a modern centre-back capable of covering the space in behind and pushing forward when needed.

Michael Kayode (Brentford): flexible left wing

Usually a right-back but capable of playing on the left, Kayode is positioned on the left in this formation. His comfort under pressure, passing and tackling ability with both feet makes him a threat when advancing with the ball, while also giving Brentford the flexibility to transition.

Midfield – Yasin Ayari, Noah Sadiki, Alex Iwobi

Yasin Ayari (Brighton): major rhythm

Ayari plays a role in creating the foundation and dictating the tempo even when under pressure. His pace and discipline allow him to cover space, providing a fulcrum for his teammates to develop attacking ideas.

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland): midfield engine

Sunderland spent £15m on Noah Sadiki and the 20-year-old midfielder has made an impressive start. His positional versatility and physical presence allow him to dominate the 90 minutes, freeing up his teammates to control the tempo of the game.

Alex Iwobi (Fulham): the silent creator

Iwobi has quietly become one of the league’s most effective players. He receives the ball under pressure, holds it securely and moves intelligently off the ball. Only six Premier League players have created more chances than Iwobi; at Fulham, he leads the way in assists, key passes and shot-creating actions.

Attack – Jacob Murphy, Eli Junior Kroupi, Leandro Trossard

Jacob Murphy (Newcastle): late but bright

After years on loan, Murphy found his place at the age of 30. With his diligence in movement and creativity in combination, he became a key member of Newcastle – a piece that is difficult to replace thanks to his increasing reliability.

Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth): 19 years old, 4 goals in 8 matches

Kroupi made a strong impression with four goals in eight games at the age of 19. Not only is he a good finisher, he also knows how to create chances with his breakthrough dribbling and powerful long-range shots – signs of great potential in the near future.

Leandro Trossard (Arsenal): the standard super sub

Trossard is the archetypal Arsenal super-sub. Although he doesn’t always start, he is versatile, compact and often makes an immediate impact when he comes on – literally a catalyst for late-game attacks.

Why are they "silent" but effective?

What the 11 have in common is their ability to execute their roles with intensity and discipline: from Pickford upgrading his footwork, James securing the flanks; De Ligt and Lacroix reinforcing the vertical axis; Kayode providing versatility; Ayari and Sadiki providing the foundation for rhythm control; Iwobi optimising the final ball; Murphy, Kroupi and Trossard providing a goal threat in a variety of ways. They are not the centre of the spotlight, but are shaping results in a very durable way.

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