As the Premier League season reached its conclusion in late May, Manchester City emerged as the champions, surpassing Arsenal. With the season wrapped up, it's an opportune moment to look back and recognize the standout performers in English soccer's top flight during the past year.

In these Premier League rankings for the 2022-23 season, we showcase the 20 brightest stars who shone in the league, featuring several of Manchester City's title-winning players as well as the emerging young talent showcased at Arsenal throughout the season.

Let’s take a look at the best players of the Premier League’s 2022-23 campaign and rank them according to their performance this season.

Honorable Mention

In our honorable mention section, we want to shine a light on the talented Brighton players who narrowly missed out on this top 20 list. The competition was fierce, but these individuals deserve recognition for their contributions to the team.

Under Roberto De Zerbi's guidance, Brighton has achieved remarkable success as a cohesive unit. The club's structure emphasizes teamwork over individual stardom, making it difficult to single out one player from the crowd.

Brighton's European qualification is a testament to their collective effort, with 17 different players finding the back of the net across all competitions. Four players have reached double-figures in goals, led by Alexis Mac Allister with an impressive 12 goals. He’s the same Mac Allister who played a significant role in Argentina's World Cup victory in Qatar.

Each of the team’s 10-goal scorers (across all competitions) in 2022-23 has a compelling case for inclusion. Kaoru Mitoma, the dynamic Japanese left-winger, has been a revelation in his debut season, showcasing remarkable pace, dribbling skills, and scoring ability. In 39 appearances, Mitoma played a part in 18 goals (10 goals, eight assists).

However, it was Moises Caicedo who particularly stood out and would have been the next name on the list if it were increased to 21 players. As a central midfielder, Caicedo has excelled in a double pivot with both Mac Allister and Pascal Gross. His speed, mobility, and tenacity, combined with accurate passing and excellent anticipation, make him an expert in regaining possession.

Although they narrowly missed the top 20, these Brighton players have had a lasting impact on the team's success and deserve acknowledgement for their outstanding performances.

Ranking the Top 20 Premier League Players of the 2022-23 season

  1. Declan Rice - West Ham

Position: Holding Midfielder

Let’s kick off these Premier League player rankings with a trip to London. Although West Ham's season did not go according to plan, Declan Rice remained a reliable presence as the anchor of their midfield. Despite the challenges faced by the team, Rice delivered another consistent performance this year. As a result, he is gaining significant attention from top clubs across Europe during the summer transfer window.

The West Ham midfielder has made it clear he wants to play in the Champions League, and his ability to control the game from central midfield will likely mean his wish is granted with a potential summer transfer.

  1. Mo Salah - Liverpool

Position: Winger

With 19 goals to his name, Mo Salah finished as Liverpool's top goal-scorer in the Premier League this season. His impressive total gave him the No. 4 ranking among the league leaders in goals.

Throughout the season, he proved to be one of Liverpool's best attacking players, consistently posing a threat to opposing defenses. In addition to his goals total, he also provided 12 assists, setting up goals for teammates. A particular highlight was his exceptional performance during the memorable 7-0 victory over Manchester United.

  1. Rodri - Manchester City

Position: Holding Midfielder

Manchester City stole the Premier League title from Arsenal in the latter part of the season, and while Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne might steal the headlines from him, Rodri was every bit as important to Pep Guardiola’s title-winning team.

Rodri was an instrumental figure at the heart of the midfield, effectively controlling the game and providing defensive stability for Manchester City throughout the entire season. His presence as a key starter was pivotal to the team's success.

  1. Aaron Ramsdale - Arsenal

Position: Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale truly emerged as a star goalkeeper for Arsenal this season, playing a vital role in their pursuit of the title.

With an impressive tally of 14 clean sheets, he has showcased his shot-stopping abilities with a collection of remarkable saves. Furthermore, Ramsdale's excellent management and organization skills have been crucial in guiding a young Arsenal defense.

  1. Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal

Position: Striker

Gabriel Jesus made 159 appearances for Manchester City before signing with Arsenal and reuniting with Mikel Arteta, who would have known him well from his time under Pep Guardiola.

Jesus scored 11 goals in 26 games for Arsenal this season despite missing a large portion of the year with a knee injury. He is one of the team's top playmakers, often operating in the false 9 position, where he excels at creating scoring opportunities for himself and the Arsenal wingers.

If he’s able to play the full season next year, the Brazilian forward could notch 20-plus goals for the Gunners.

  1. Jack Grealish - Manchester City

Position: Winger

Jack Grealish might have only scored five league goals for City this season, but he was a crucial part of their dominant run in the latter stages. The £100 million ($124 million) signing is one of the most beloved English talents and famous Premier League players. He has definitely found his feet in Manchester.

His link-up play with Erling Haaland was outstanding, and he was dangerous coming in off the left-hand side all season. Grealish is settling into the Pep Guardiola system nicely and will carry lots of momentum into the 2023-24 season.

  1. Bruno Guimaraes - Newcastle

Position: Midfielder

Eddie Howe has built his system around a midfield three that centers on Brazilian talent Bruno Guimaraes.

The starting 11 have comfortably run their build-up play through Guimaraes all season, and he’s become a critical starter for a team that made its way into a Champions League berth.

With funds available for summer transfers and the upcoming challenge of European competition, Newcastle's squad is expected to undergo significant improvement. However, Bruno Guimaraes will continue to have a major role in the team's future, having showcased his brilliance throughout the 2022-23 season as one of the best Premier League players.

  1. Ruben Dias - Manchester City

Position: Center-back

Ruben Dias has proven to be a valuable investment for Manchester City. Signed from Benfica in 2020 for a little over £50 million ($64 million), he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's top performers.

Dias has played at a consistently high level as a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola. He’s a stone-wall defender who’s comfortable on the ball and can play it out from the back. He was once again pivotal alongside defender John Stones and was one of City’s most impactful players in another title-winning season.

  1. Kieran Trippier - Newcastle

Position: Right-back

Kieran Trippier was named Newcastle's player of the year this season after the club made a run into the top four and qualified for Champions League play.

Newcastle had an outstanding defense throughout the season, and Trippier's leadership and consistency were instrumental in that success.

As captain, he guided the team to one of its most impressive campaigns, contributing a goal and seven assists in the attacking department as well.

  1. Ivan Toney - Brentford

Position: Striker

Ivan Toney has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons recently after receiving a 10-month suspension for gambling, but his performance this season was top notch.

Toney appeared destined for a move to one of England's biggest clubs during the summer, but the suspension will likely prevent that from happening. On the pitch, Toney’s stats included 20 goals for Brentford in 33 games. He finished as the third-leading scorer in the English top flight and was one of the most prolific goal scorers in the league.

  1. Gabriel Martinelli - Arsenal

Position: Winger

To begin our look at the top 10 best players from the Premier League’s 2022-23 season, we go back to Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the new-look Arsenal system under Mikel Arteta.

Martinelli has emerged as one of the league's most dangerous wide players, showcasing his skills with an impressive run from mid-February to April, when he scored eight goals in 10 matches. He had 15 Premier League goals this season at age 21 and still has room to grow. The Brazilian has a promising future in the league.

  1. Alisson - Liverpool

Position: Goalkeeper

Alisson was voted Liverpool's Player of the Season by the fans this year, and deservedly so. He was the best player on the pitch all season and often bailed out the defense when called upon.

Alisson is consistently one of the best keepers in the world, and Liverpool were lucky to have him as their last line of defense this year. He made over 100 saves and was the best keeper in the league.

  1. William Saliba - Arsenal

Position: Center-back

William Saliba's exceptional performance at the heart of Arsenal's defense this season is set to earn him a substantial payday from Arsenal or another European club. The team has a young lineup, but Arsenal's defense already boasts a shining star in the 22-year-old Frenchman.

If he continues his current trajectory, William Saliba will be one of the best defenders in the Premier League for many years to come, and Arsenal will want to hold on to him if they can reach an agreement over the summer.

Whether he plays for Arsenal or another club next season, Saliba was undoubtedly one of the best EPL players in the 2022-23 campaign.

  1. Casemiro - Manchester United

Position: Holding Midfielder

What a signing Casemiro has been for United. He was the catalyst of their midfield throughout the EPL’s 2022-23 season, and he truly did it all.

The Brazilian stood out playing in front of the back four, organizing the defense, and making some unbelievable forward passes to create chances for United’s attacking players.

He has been one of the shining stars for Manchester United this year and is most certainly one of the best players in the Premier League.

  1. Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City

Position: Midfielder

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the most impressive midfielders in the world for several years now and is consistently one of the most magical in the Premier League.

City count on De Bruyne to create chances for their forwards, which he’s been doing relentlessly, but the addition of Erling Haaland only furthered that potential. Thanks to the Norwegian's finishing skill, De Bruyne managed 16 assists -- the most in the Premier League’s 2022-23 season – even though he rode the bench several times.

De Bruyne now has over 100 Premier League assists in his career, something only five players have ever accomplished, and he did it in record time.

  1. Bukayo Saka - Arsenal

Position: Winger

Arsenal fans have watched Bukayo Saka develop into a star in front of their very eyes. He has been with the club since he was 8 years old, and his new mega-money deal means he is now under contract until 2027.

Still just 21 years old, Saka forms part of Arsenal's stunning attack. Speed, technical ability, and chance creation were the ingredients that made the Gunners so good all season long.

His 14 goals were just one shy of team leaders Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, and his 11 assists were good for second on the team. Mikel Arteta asked a lot of his 21-year-old winger this season, and Saka answered the call.

  1. Marcus Rashford - Manchester United

Position: Forward

Manchester United fans had grown frustrated with Marcus Rashford over the previous couple of seasons while he seemed to struggle to reach his potential.

But in the 2022-23 season, Rashford became one of the best soccer players in England. He was the brightest talent on the pitch for United on a regular basis.

Rashford scored 17 Premier League goals to lead his club in that department. Perhaps the most important one was the deciding goal in a 2-1 win over rival Manchester City.

United can now focus on building their future around Rashford leading the line. Still just 25 years old, he can surely get better.

  1. Harry Kane - Tottenham

Position: Forward

Harry Kane was outstanding once again this year, posting his best EPL scoring stats since 2018 and matching his league career-high with 30 goals.

Unfortunately for Kane and for Spurs fans, the season didn’t pan out as they wanted it to, but that was in no part due to a lack of contribution from their star.

Harry Kane has did everything for Spurs this past season. The fact that he is always among the Premier League’s top scorers is quite remarkable, but he also creates opportunities for teammates, contributes in the buildup, and leads the club week in and week out as team captain and the heart and soul of the organization.

Kane is now the top scorer in Tottenham history and one of the top Premier League players of all time.

Tottenham only finished eighth, but without Harry Kane they might have been in a relegation battle. It must be frustrating for him at this point to receive so little help from the club he’s given his entire career to, so you have to wonder if he’ll finally consider a move elsewhere.

  1. Martin Odegaard - Arsenal

Position: Midfielder

In Arsenal's attacking midfield, Martin Odegaard has emerged as the club’s most influential player. Mikel Arteta wanted a player who could replicate the goal-scoring and creative abilities of Kevin De Bruyne, and it appears he has found that in the young Norwegian.

Odegaard seems to have been around forever after signing with Real Madrid as a teenager back in 2015. Since then, he has been loaned out several times, the last of which was a loan to Arsenal, who loved him so much that they made it permanent in 2021.

Odegaard has developed into a star and one of the Premier League’s best players, and he was named captain at Arsenal for the 2022-23 season. The Norwegian was crucial to the Gunners’ title challenge this season with 15 goals of his own and consistency in the team's build-up play going forward. He’s a delight to watch and will be one of Arsenal's key features for years to come as they try to mount another run at the Premier League trophy.

You could have made a case for Odegaard as the best player in the EPL this season, had it not been for the goal-scoring machine up in Manchester.

  1. Erling Haaland - Manchester City

Position: Forward

We’re all old enough to remember when Erling Haaland was scoring at will in the German Bundesliga, and the critics wondered whether he’d be able to replicate that form in the English Premier League.

The answer to that question? Absolutely, he can. When Manchester City activated his release clause from Dortmund for £51 million ($63.2 million), they expected a highly productive striker -- and that’s exactly what they got.

Playing as the finisher in one of the world’s greatest systems at Manchester City, Haaland started knocking in goals with ease as soon as the 2022-23 campaign got under way.

In his very first season in England, Haaland scored 36 Premier League goals. He broke the record for the most goals scored in a single season -- beating out many of the all-time great Premier League scorers. He stunned Premier League fans with his prowess and silenced any potential critic who doubted his abilities.

His goal-scoring ability and positioning are so instinctive that he seems to be almost unstoppable, and he was the right choice to win the Premier League’s Player of the Season award for 2022-23.

Parameters for ranking

The ranking of these soccer stars is based solely on their performance in the Premier League over the course of the 2022-23 season. Individual accolades and performances were accounted for, but domestic cup games and European tournament games did not factor into these rankings.

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