There have been growing discussions over who will win the Premier League Player of the Season, with many pointing to Bruno Fernandes. Softfootball believes he has a strong case, particularly based on his goal contributions, where he ranks among the top performers as of 18 March 2026, just behind Erling Haaland in combined goals and assists.
Bruno Fernandes has delivered outstanding performances throughout the season. When compared across teams, few players have matched his overall attacking influence. If the award is decided primarily on attacking output, he stands as a leading favourite and would be a deserving winner.
However, football is not only about attacking contributions. Arsenal’s strong title challenge this season has been built not just on their forward play but also on defensive solidity.
If defensive impact is considered, players like Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and goalkeeper David Raya come into contention. Among them, Gabriel stands out significantly.
In terms of defensive contribution, Gabriel Magalhães cannot be overlooked. Beyond his defensive reliability, he has also contributed important goals from set-pieces. Arsenal currently boast the most clean sheets in the league, further strengthening his case.
Ultimately, the race for the 2025/26 Premier League Player of the Season appears to be between attacking excellence and defensive dominance , Bruno Fernandes on one side and Gabriel Magalhães on the other.
