Salah, Isak, others: Who can win the 2024/25 Premier League player of the season

Sports
Okezie Omorogie
May 15, 2025
37

Newcastle United forward, Alexander Isak (right) and Liverpool’s forward, Mohamed Salah. Photo Credit- Premier League

As the 2024/25 Premier League season nears its climax, the battle for the EA Sports Player of the Season award has ignited, with eight stellar performers vying for the prestigious honor. Announced on May 15, 2025, the nominees—Morgan Gibbs-White, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexander Isak, Bryan Mbeumo, Declan Rice, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Chris Wood, represent a combination of attacking flair, midfield mastery, and defensive solidity. With Liverpool crowned champions, Arsenal chasing, and surprise packages like Nottingham Forest and Brentford shining, these players have defined the campaign. Below, we explore each nominee’s performances, playing styles, and updated statistics, before predicting who will claim the crown?

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Forward)

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic Egyptian, is the frontrunner, having spearheaded their title-winning campaign with a jaw-dropping 28 goals and 18 assists in 35 matches. His 46 goal involvements is almost equal to Alan Shearer’s single-season record, and his goals against the Big Six, underline his big-game ability. Salah’s November and February Player of the Month awards reflect his consistency, with a 30-game scoring streak fueling Liverpool’s 82 points. Fans on social media crown him the favorite, citing his unmatched output. Salah’s game blends explosive pace (3.4 dribbles per 90), clinical finishing (0.6 xG per 90), and creative vision (2.1 key passes per 90), according to Sofascore. Operating as a right-winger in Arne Slot’s 4-2-3-1, he cuts inside onto his left foot, terrorizing defenders with curling shots or incisive passes. His high pressing (1.2 tackles per 90) and ability for late runs into the box make him a complete forward, exploiting spaces with surgical precision.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Defender)

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, has reclaimed his status as the Premier League’s premier centre-back, anchoring a defense that conceded just 30 goals in 35 matches. His 186 duels won (second among centre-backs) and being dribbled past only a few times show his dominance. Van Dijk’s headed winner against West Ham in April and a goal in the 5-1 title-clinching rout of Tottenham were crucial. His 300th Premier League appearance against Arsenal on May 11 was as a milestone for him. Van Dijk’s commanding presence in Slot’s 4-2-3-1 blends physicality (1.6 aerial duels won per 90) with elite ball-playing (91% pass accuracy, 3rd-most passes in the league), according to SofaScore. His anticipation (1.8 interceptions per 90) and ability to step into midfield disrupt opposition presses. Fans praises how he organizes Liverpool’s high line, crucial against oppositions counters.

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool, Midfielder)

Ryan Gravenberch has been Liverpool’s breakout star, transitioning from Bayern Munich’s bench to a stronghold in Slot’s midfield. His 2 goals and 3 assists in 34 matches misrepresent his influence, with a 1-0 win over Leicester City and a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham showcasing his control. His 1.4 tackles per 90 and 60% possession helped Liverpool dictate games. Gravenberch’s box-to-box role in a double pivot blends athleticism with technical finesse. His 1.6 key passes per 90 and 1.2 dribbles per 90 stretch play, while his 6’3” frame wins duels (1.4 per 90), per SofaScore. Fans on social media have praised him as “a hybrid midfielder,” pressing high (8.2 turnovers) and dropping deep to build attacks, complementing Alexis Mac Allister’s creativity.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle United, Forward)

Alexander Isak’s 23 goals in 33 matches have propelled Newcastle to third, earning a Champions League spot. His 19 non-penalty goals (joint-most with Salah and Haaland) and December Player of the Month award show his strong attacking ability. Standout performances include a brace in a 3-0 win over Leicester and a goal in a 5-0 rout of Crystal Palace. Isak’s elegant centre-forward play in Eddie Howe’s 4-3-3 combines pace (2.1 dribbles per 90), positional intelligence (0.58 non-penalty xG per 90), and finishing (20.7% conversion rate), according to SofaScore. His ability to drop deep or run in behind stretches defenses, while his 1.1 key passes per 90 aid teammates like Jacob Murphy.

Declan Rice (Arsenal, Midfielder)

Declan Rice, Arsenal’s £105m signing, has justified his price tag, driving their title challenge with 7 goals and 8 assists in 36 matches. His March Player of the Month nomination, including a goal in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, shows his impact. Rice’s 79 tackles and 43 interceptions fueled Arsenal’s 67 points. Rice’s evolution from West Ham’s holding midfielder to Arteta’s box-to-box dynamo is remarkable. His 1.2 tackles per 90, 1.1 key passes per 90, and 88% pass accuracy anchor Arsenal’s 4-3-3, per SofaScore. His surging runs and long-range strikes, like his Bournemouth goal, add dynamism. Football enthusiasts have praised his controls in tight spaces.

Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest, Midfielder)

Morgan Gibbs-White has been Nottingham Forest’s talisman, guiding them to a top-five finish and European football with 6 goals and 8 assists in 36 matches. His 50 chances created (48 from open play) and England debut in September highlight his rise. Key moments include a goal and assist in a 4-2 win over Ipswich. Gibbs-White’s No. 10 role in Nuno Espirito Santo’s 4-2-3-1 blends creativity (1.6 key passes per 90) with work rate (1.3 tackles per 90), according to SofaScore. His 58 shots and 1.4 dribbles per 90 drive Forest’s counter-attacking style. His creativity, thriving in tight spaces and linking with Chris Wood is admirable.

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, Forward)

Chris Wood, Forest’s veteran striker, has defied age (33) with 20 goals in 36 matches, including an October Player of the Month award. His 35.7% share of Forest’s 56 goals, the highest in the league and a brace in a 4-2 win over Ipswich has been instrumental in their race for a top-four finish. His 62-point haul is Forest’s best ever. Wood’s classic No. 9 role in a 4-2-3-1 emphasizes aerial prowess (2.1 aerial duels won per 90) and clinical finishing (0.4 xG per 90), according to SofaScore. His hold-up play and off-ball movement create space for Anthony Elanga and Gibbs-White. Football enthusiasts have highlighted his poacher instincts and aerial ability.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, Forward)

Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s Cameroon star, has emerged as a Premier League force, scoring 18 goals and adding 7 assists in 36 matches. Starting every game alongside Nathan Collins, his brace in a 4-2 win over Tottenham and 67 chances created drove Brentford’s mid-table push. His first-ever nomination is historic for Brentford. Mbeumo’s versatile wing play in Thomas Frank’s 4-3-3 combines direct running (2.4 dribbles per 90) with creative flair (1.8 key passes per 90), per SofaScore. His 0.4 xG per 90 and 18% conversion rate reflect efficiency, while his pressing (1.1 tackles per 90) suits Brentford’s high-octane style, according to Total Football Analysis. Mbuemo according to fans on social media is a driving force, stretching defenses with pace.

Analysis and prediction: Who will win?

The 2024/25 Player of the Season race is a clash of narratives: Salah’s goal-scoring heroics, Van Dijk’s defensive resilience, and the underdog stories of Wood, Gibbs-White, and Mbeumo. Historical trends favor attackers, with 19 of 30 awards going to forwards or attacking midfielders. Only three defenders (Van Dijk, Nemanja Vidic, John Terry) have won, and midfielders like Rice and Gravenberch face a tough battle.

Mohamed Salah is the clear favorite. His 28 goals, 18 assists, and pivotal role in Liverpool’s title win align with past winners like Thierry Henry (2004, 2006) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007, 2008), who combined statistics with trophies. With fans and analysts declaring him unmatched, based on his two previous PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards (2018, 2022).

Alexander Isak is a strong runner-up. His 23 goals and Newcastle’s Champions League qualification is similar to Ollie Watkins’ 2023/24 nomination, but his 2 assists weaken his all-around impact compared to Salah’s 46 goal contributions. Virgil van Dijk could sneak in if voters prioritize leadership and defensive excellence, but his 4 goal is a clear difference from Salah’s output. Declan Rice and Ryan Gravenberch impress with versatility, but their 15 and 5 goal involvements, respectively, keeps them far behind in the race. Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, and Bryan Mbeumo have compelling underdog stories, but their clubs’ lack of title contention and lower statistical ceilings (14–25 involvements) make them impossible to challenge Salah.

Mohamed Salah will claim the 2024/25 EA Sports Player of the Season award, joining Henry, Ronaldo, Vidic, and Kevin De Bruyne as a two-time winner. His record-breaking season, title-winning impact, and global stature make him undeniable. The Premier League’s gala in late May will crown the victor, chosen by a panel of experts, club captains, and fan votes (10% weight). For now, Salah’s name shines brightest, but these eight nominees brilliance has lit up the 2024/25 season. Who’s your pick? The debate rages on.