Somehow, the Premier League season is nearly back. Euro 2024 is done, the Olympics are over and preseason has happened in the background.

Another season awaits. Will it be Manchester City? Arsenal? Liverpool? Someone else? Probably Man City. No matter who you're picking, one thing's for certain: There's a ton of amazing talent to enjoy in England's top division.

Let's explore that a little, without a ball even being kicked. It's time to leave ourselves wide open to flak by naming the top 25 footballers you can watch this season in the Premier League.

25-21

25. Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest

It's surprising a bigger club hasn't come in for Morgan Gibbs-White. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is absolutely key to everything his side does. He sets the tone with his distribution, energy and set piece quality. He also has 10 goals and 18 assists in the last two Premier League seasons; not bad in a team that often hovers around relegation.

24. Alisson Becker, Liverpool

There's nothing smart or clever to say here. Alisson remains the best goalkeeper in the league, a potential match-winner when Liverpool find themselves under pressure. The Brazilian is a brilliant shot-stopper and one of those players whose absence immediately feels like a hurdle to overcome. New Reds boss Arne Slot will enjoy his quality in possession, too.

23. Manuel Akanji, Manchester City

Consistency is key to Manuel Akanji's game. The Swiss defender rarely puts a foot wrong in Pep Guardiola's defence and is capable of slotting in across the backline or defensive midfield. His excellent reading of danger allows City to play riskier football, especially when the electric Kyle Walker is on hand to sweep up.

22. Gabriel, Arsenal

Mikel Arteta's defence kept Arsenal in the title race last season. Although Gabriel spent the early weeks on the bench, his dominance shone through once he broke back into the team.

The Brazilian's physicality makes him difficult to overcome in one-on-one battles, but he is more prone to errors than partner William Saliba. New signing Riccardo Calafiori has the potential to push Gabriel aside if Arteta decides to use the Italian away from his expected left-back role.

21. Anthony Gordon, Newcastle United

It must be seriously difficult to play against Anthony Gordon. He's a terror. If he has the ball, he'll sprint around you; if he doesn't, he'll nip at your heels. Constantly pestering. Vitally, he's also constantly delivering. Eleven goals and 10 assists last season thrust him into Gareth Southgate's England team for Euro 2024, where he played…one minute.

20-16

20. Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea

Honestly, a fit and firing Christopher Nkunku could be much higher than 20th here. The 2022-23 Bundesliga top scorer's career continues to stall through injury, including a debut season with Chelsea in which he played just 437 minutes in the Premier League. He did score three goals, though…

Should Blues fans get excited? Can he shake off the continued issues and put together a run in the team? He is one of the deadliest finishers in the world if he manages to do so.

19. Alexander Isak, Newcastle United

How long can Newcastle hold on to Alexander Isak?

There's an argument to suggest he's on the brink of world-class and a move to an elite Champions League club. Few play as confidently as the Swedish striker, whose pace immediately puts defenders onto the backfoot. He has a devastating knack of pulling the ball close and then whipping it away from tackles, leaving players aimlessly stuck before he slots home.

After 21 goals last season he should genuinely be targeting 30 this time.

18. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool

The haters love to swarm on Virgil van Dijk.

At 33 years old, he's not the player he once was, with a little speed and authority now depleted from his game. But a steadfast general remains. His leadership will be vital for the Jurgen Klopp-to-Arne Slot transition.

He will communicate new ideas on the pitch and assert the vision like nobody else. Plus, there's still a hell of a defender here, no matter what some people want you to think.

17. Joško Gvardiol, Manchester City

Few City fans would have expected Joško Gvardiol's dramatic progression last season.

He enjoyed a steady start to life in England but was by no means nailed in Pep Guardiola's defensive roulette. A few games at left-back and he exploded into life, becoming an unexpected attacking outlet who played a definitive part in City wresting the title away from Arsenal's grasp.

Gvardiol scored an astonishing five goals and provided one assist across seven games in the latter stages, doubling his career-best total in the process.

When players flourish under Pep they don't tend to slow down. Gvardiol's newfound lethality, while remaining a sharp defender, is an unusual weapon that could pay even bigger dividends across an entire campaign.

16. Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United

West Ham's success often feels like it hinges on Jarrod Bowen's performance. Even if he doesn't score, it's his bursting runs and directness that pushes the Hammers up the pitch.

Last season, Mohammed Kudus did extremely well to help out, and the summer signing of Crysencio Summerville means Bowen might escape being so tightly marked all the time as the opposition has multiple other threats to deal with.

You have to think the acquisition of Niclas Füllkrug—a centre-forward who will plant himself in the box—will also take advantage of Bowen's delivery more than Michail Antonio, Danny Ings or West Ham's recent grab-bag of strikers ever could.

New boss Julen Lopetegui obviously has a plan, and with David Moyes gone, Bowen may be afforded more freedom than previously.

15-11

15. Heung-min Son, Tottenham Hotspur

Much of Tottenham's best work under Ange Postecoglu ran through Heung-min Son last season. Seventeen goals and 10 assists, despite a couple of poor runs, underlines the threat of a forward who has adapted well since the departure of Harry Kane.

The manager's demanding play style took its toll on Spurs as the season played out, but his exciting squad should be fitter and ready to execute for longer this year.

Son has reached double figures for goals in each of his eight seasons in north London and it's not about to stop, especially with Dominic Solanke coming in to bolster Spurs' attacking ranks.

14. Declan Rice, Arsenal

Declan Rice was superb for Arsenal last season, but it took its toll. His form dipped at the Euros as he began to look tired, so it might take a little while for him to settle back into the assertive central midfielder we've seen for so many years.

At 25 years old, the England international is part of a physical Gunners backbone, sitting ahead of Gabriel and Saliba, while also providing late runs to the edge of the box when Arsenal move forward. His all-round control will be pivotal if Arteta's men are to challenge again.

13. Bernardo Silva, Manchester City

Every summer it feels like Bernardo Silva might leave Man City. Like David Silva before him, he's the type of player you just have to keep hold of for as long as possible. It's incredibly difficult to replicate the work he gets through.

Bernardo instinctively picks the ball up, travels and distributes to keep things moving. He then takes up another free position to recycle if needed. It's tough to pin him down. His constant buzzing ensures City keep ticking and keep probing. The kind of player who makes Pep's style happen.

12. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool

Will Slot's tactics help or hinder Trent?

Truly, it shouldn't make too much difference. Alexander-Arnold's best attributes are his passing and delivery. He's a player who produces moments when Liverpool need them. Just because Klopp's gut-busting style is gone doesn't mean he's going to lose the opportunity to do that.

The 25-year-old had an odd summer under Southgate's tutelage. It's fair to say he didn't fare well for England in midfield. Slot will likely start him on the right and have him circle towards the middle when needed. That's exactly what he needs to thrive. If Trent can get on the ball and still take up those wide angles he crosses so well from, he'll have a hell of a season.

11. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Manchester United's abysmal season took away from Bruno Fernandes' individual form.

The Portuguese captain embodies everything Erik ten Hag wants the side to be. He runs all day. He tries outrageous passes and takes the lead in those games that turn into a battle. His assist for Kobbie Mainoo in the FA Cup final win over Man City was a snapshot of a man who gets pelted on social media because he appears moany on the pitch.

United would be nowhere without him.

10. William Saliba, Arsenal

Every so often a defender comes along who significantly changes the fortunes of their club.

Arsenal fans had to wait for Saliba to make an impact—he was signed in 2019 but didn't make his Premier League debut until 2022—but he is proving to be more than worth it.

At 23 years old, he is the most important cog in the best defence in England. His game is multifaceted, built around staying on his feet and forcing the opposition to beat him. His huge frame makes that rather difficult and if the ball moves beyond him, there's a high chance the player will not.

The Frenchman is excellent at providing cover when needed and will often slot into gaps left by the slightly more erratic Gabriel. He's also underrated at keeping the ball moving, building from the back and getting Arsenal going.

It might seem overkill, so whisper it, but there's shades of when Van Dijk joined Liverpool in his influence.

9. Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa

What a year Ollie Watkins has had! Exclamation mark fully deserved. The English striker racked up an incredible 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League, propelling Aston Villa to the Champions League under the brilliant tutelage of Unai Emery.

He also made headlines across the world with a brilliant last-minute semifinal winner for England at Euro 2024, beating the Dutch with an instinctive turn and finish that has many wondering if he's ready to take over from Kane for the Three Lions.

That's a great marker of where Watkins' career is at right now. The fact he's being spoken about as a potential Kane successor, and not in the confines of the once-close battle with Ivan Toney to sit on England's bench, suggests Villa have a game-changer whose consistency will be pivotal to the season ahead.

8. Kevin De Bruyne, Man City

Plenty of rumours followed Kevin De Bruyne early in the summer. Luckily for Man City, any suggestion he could be off to Saudi Arabia has subsided. He may have put up another disappointing international tournament with Belgium (shock), he may somehow be 33 (actually a shock), but his class remains.

De Bruyne's numbers were heavily impacted by injury last season. Even so, he managed four goals and 10 assists in 18 Premier League appearances, including contributions against Liverpool and Spurs en route to the title.

Phil Foden's brilliance plugged the gap—as it will need to do in the future—but there's no denying Pep's side are stronger when De Bruyne is fit and involved.

Admittedly, it does feel like his time in England is coming to an end. There's still a remarkable playmaker here whose increasing frustration on the pitch is seeing him grab games by the scruff of the neck in a more aggressive way than he's done before. Enjoy him while you can.

7. Martin Odegaard, Arsenal

Every single club needs a Martin Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain has developed into a thoughtful leader and measure of the Gunners' control, providing an impressive 23 goals and 17 assists in the last two Premier League seasons. With that said, to solely focus on Odegaard's numerical output would overlook everything he offers.

Arsenal have a lot of possession high up the pitch and are excellent at maintaining momentum in the final third. Odegaard's positioning allows this to happen; he'll slide slightly wide when the wingers have the ball to make himself a consistent option. His killer passing keeps play moving at speed, as he can either keep the ball ticking over or look to cut through.

If Arsenal are to push Man City again - and it's a big if - Odegaard will need to be in top form for most of the year.

6. Cole Palmer, Chelsea

It's frightening to think where Chelsea would have been without Cole Palmer last season.

Gormless online memes aside, the former Man City man is as lethal as they come. Twenty-two goals and 11 assists just wasn't on the agenda last year, especially when you consider it took him a few weeks to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.

Like Gordon and Watkins, the 22-year-old should have been afforded more time in Southgate's England team this summer. Palmer set up Watkins' moment and curled a brilliant equaliser in the final. He is decisive whenever he's on the pitch.

It'll be interesting to see if new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca tasks him with more running than Mauricio Pochettino did. Palmer's game doesn't need changing. He's at his very best when playing instinctively, with the freedom to start wide and get towards the box at an angle that allows him to unleash that wonderful left foot

5. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

Talking of wonderful left feet, Bukayo Saka just keeps improving.

He is a man of great character, summed up by his penalty redemption for England at the Euros. He's also a man who forces the opposition to either double up or get wrecked.

Arteta may need to keep an eye on Saka's fitness throughout the season. He slowed a little bit as Arsenal's schedule rolled on last year and looked to be hobbling at times, usually after a build-up of harsh treatment from his nearest marker. He was on form at the Euros, though, scoring a cracker in the win over Switzerland.

There's three or four players you could say are Arsenal's most important. Saka is certainly one of them. His skillset simply can't be replaced by anyone else in the squad.

4. Phil Foden, Man City

Many years ago, Pep called Phil Foden the most talented youngster he'd ever seen. That's quite a statement considering he harnessed the talent of Lionel Messi.

However, Pep's rotation slowed Foden's opportunities to impress quite considerably, and prior to last season he hadn't started more than 24 Premier League matches in one campaign. There were some suggestions he might need to leave to show what he can truly do.

Things change. Foden was City's best player during their title defence last year, scoring 19 and assisting eight. His agility sparks so much life into the attack, allowing Erling Haaland time to pick his run or position for an easy finish in the middle.

Foden's dribbling is next level, his tiny dabs of the ball making him difficult to dispossess. He scored some spectacular goals last season–like out of nowhere–deservedly winning the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

3. Mo Salah, Liverpool

Liverpool fans may have wondered if Mo Salah was going to follow Klopp out the door.

It made sense timing-wise; he achieved it all under the German, and at 32 years old, would be the poster boy for the Saudi league that covets him so much. He's the last remaining bastion of that iconic trio alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané, a man who defines the era that has just ended.

Salah has looked superb under Arne Slot in preseason. The iconic hair has gone, shaven down to his skull in business-like fashion as heavy metal football dissipates. But that doesn't mean the quality will drop.

Possession-based football will likely dominate Slot's tenure, and the early signs are that Salah is going to adapt well. Watch out for the Egyptian picking the ball up on the right, passing inside and bursting into the box before receiving it back. It's going to create many goals this season.

2. Erling Haaland, Man City

Pfft, just 27 goals for Haaland last season. Rubbish. Nowhere near the 36 he netted in his debut Premier League campaign. City should probably look for an upgrade.

Ahem. Haaland is the kind of striker who is questioned if he doesn't score for two games in a row. People actually wonder whether or not Man City are better off without him. It's ridiculous.

Haaland has nothing to prove. He is the most lethal goalscorer in the world and the spearhead of a treble-winning team that is disappointed if it doesn't accumulate multiple trophies every single year.

Oh, and put him in your Fantasy Football team, you maniacs.

1. Rodri, Man City

Rodri hasn't lost a match in 6,789 years.

But really, his long unbeaten streaks point to the fact he is an incredible midfielder who simply changes the dynamic of every team he's in. Everything Man City do–and are capable of doing–runs through him. Distribution, tackling, vital goal-scoring prowess. He's got it all.

In fact, the Spaniard should be considered a frontrunner for the upcoming Ballon d'Or, even against the more headline-grabbing exploits of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. With Euro 2024 in the bag it's simple to see the main common denominator in what makes these teams so successful.

Rodri also rarely suffers a dip in form, but when he's not around, City look a much worse team. Unlike Haalan…stop.