Most Valuable XI In The Premier League
The English Premier League has always been an exciting place to watch football. Every year it throws up certain players who perform so well that they are bought for record prices. The like of Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric amongst others is a testimony to the fact as to how pivotal these players have been following their departure from the EPL. This season too it has thrown up players whose impressive performance day in day out is sure to have eyeballs attracted towards them once the summer transfer opens.
Here is Premier League’s “Most Valuable Playing XI”, rated both in terms of age as well as the potential bids that they might attract.
FORMATION: 4-1-4-1
Goal Keeper And Defence
David De Gea
Many would opine that this season Jack Butland has been the goalkeeper to watch out for. Whilst that is true, it goes without saying that the performance put in by David De Gea of Manchester United, over the past few years has been nothing less than spectacular. In fact, so much so that he seemed on his way to Real Madrid, if not for THAT “Fax-Machine” moment.
Having played in 25 matches wherein he has kept a clean sheet in 10 matches along with an average save of 2.44, it is therefore no surprise that he is widely tipped to replace the ageing Iker Casillas in Spain national team.
LEFT BACK:
Luke Shaw
Even though he is out injured for the major part of the season, he is arguably the brightest left back option that EPL has to offer. Young, agile, creative with great crossing ability. That’s what Luke Shaw offers you. It’s a shame that injuries have barred his progress. He played just 5 matches this season and had 100% shot accuracy and 86% average pass accuracy. When he takes the runs on the left, he terrorises the flanks. If it was not for the challenge of Hector Moreno Challenge, he would have definitely been the young player to look out for in this season.
CENTRE BACKS:
John Stones
John Stones
It’s not every day that one finds a 21yr old defender being highly persuaded by the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea & Barcelona. But Barnsley-born Stones has ticked all the boxes that makes him a hot prospect in the upcoming transfer season. An astute defender who attracts players and then completely marks them off the ball, his progress this season has been marred by injuries and although he is yet to return to his destructive mode that he was on in last season he has made a good name for himself. At such a young age, he has shown qualities that are expected from a club captain.
Chris Smalling
The only shining prospect in an otherwise fragile United back 4, Chris Smalling’s impressive performances has brought joy to United faithful. He has started 26 matches so far with an average pass accuracy of 82% and has won 53% of the average duels. Even though the team lost, his performance against West Bromwich Albion was particularly of high impact. He went from being a liability last season to being the best defender in the league in the first half of the season. At 26 he is still expected to reach his prime and once he does that it’s going to be a pleasure to watch him.
RIGHT BACK:
Hector Bellerin
Catalan by birth, he has been a youth product of Arsenal ala Cesc Fabregas mode. At 20 years of age he has an average pass accuracy of 85% which going by his age can be considered as a mature performer. His major standout performance would be the 3-0 home win against Manchester United wherein his runs down on the right that caused the first major problem for United, and while putting two defenders to mark him United left gaps in the centre and there in stepped the likes of Ozil and Sanchez that demolished United in a matter of minutes.
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Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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