Passing is one of football’s most fundamental skills, but judging the Premier League’s best passers requires more than counting completed passes.

Centre-backs tend to record high totals because they regularly exchange possession in relatively safe areas. Creative midfielders attempt more difficult passes, meaning their completion percentages can be lower despite their greater attacking influence.

The best passers must therefore be assessed across several categories. Accuracy matters, but so do progressive passing, chance creation, long-range distribution, through-balls, assists and the ability to retain possession under pressure.

This ranking combines performances from the opening weeks of 2026/27 with evidence from the completed 2025/26 season. As the current campaign is still in its early stages, previous-season data provides a larger sample and prevents four or five matches from determining the entire order.

Statistics are correct as of September 19, 2026 and will change as the season progresses.

The Best Premier League Passers in 2026/27

1. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United
2. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal
3. Rayan Cherki, Manchester City
4. Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool
5. Declan Rice, Arsenal
6. Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion
7. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City
8. Cole Palmer, Chelsea
9. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland
10. James McAtee, Nottingham Forest

1. Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes remains the best candidate for the title of the Premier League’s leading passer.

The Manchester United midfielder recorded 21 assists during the 2025/26 season, comfortably the highest total in the competition. He also led the league for expected assists and finished well ahead of the field for key passes.

Those numbers demonstrate the scale of Fernandes’ creative responsibility. He is regularly asked to produce the final pass, switch the direction of an attack and move possession into dangerous areas.

Fernandes is not the safest passer in the Premier League. He frequently attempts difficult through-balls and ambitious forward deliveries, meaning he will naturally surrender possession more often than a player focused on short combinations.

That willingness to take risks is part of his value. A successful creative pass can eliminate several defenders and immediately create a goalscoring opportunity.

Fernandes can also produce from different areas. He can deliver crosses from the right, play diagonal balls towards the opposite wing or slide passes behind the defensive line from central positions.

His combination of volume, difficulty and end product places him at the top of this ranking.

2. Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal

Martin Ødegaard has made an outstanding creative start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The Arsenal captain has produced 12 key passes in the opening four league matches, putting him at or near the top of the early-season rankings. His average of approximately 3.5 key passes per 90 minutes demonstrates how frequently he is creating shooting opportunities.

Ødegaard is particularly effective when operating in the right half-space. From that position, he can combine with Bukayo Saka, find an overlapping full-back or play a disguised pass into the penalty area.

His passing is based on intelligence as much as technique. Ødegaard constantly adjusts his body position before receiving possession, allowing him to see several potential options without taking unnecessary touches.

He is also adept at disguising his intentions. A subtle change in body shape can suggest that he is passing wide before he instead finds a runner moving through the centre.

Ødegaard may not attempt as many speculative passes as Fernandes, but his control, precision and ability to manipulate defensive structures make him one of the league’s most sophisticated creators.

3. Rayan Cherki, Manchester City

Rayan Cherki is one of the most imaginative passers in the Premier League.

The Manchester City playmaker registered 12 assists in 2025/26, finishing second in the division behind Fernandes. His expected-assist total also placed him among the Premier League’s leading creators.

Cherki has carried that influence into the new campaign. He has created chances at a particularly high rate during his opening appearances, producing around four key passes per 90 minutes.

His two-footed ability is an important part of his passing. Cherki can play through-balls and creative deliveries from several different angles without needing to reposition the ball onto a preferred foot.

That makes him difficult to defend against. Opponents cannot simply force him towards one side and expect the danger to disappear.

Cherki is also willing to attempt unconventional passes. Backheels, disguised reverse balls and outside-of-the-foot deliveries can look extravagant, but they often serve a practical purpose by opening routes ordinary passes cannot reach.

The relatively small current-season sample prevents him from ranking above Fernandes and Ødegaard, but his creativity gives him the potential to lead the league in several passing categories.

4. Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool

Dominik Szoboszlai combines creativity with a valuable long-range passing ability.

The Liverpool midfielder produced seven assists during 2025/26 and finished among the league’s leading players for progressive passing. His early 2026/27 performances have included 11 key passes and a league-leading number of long key passes.

Szoboszlai is capable of switching play over significant distances, allowing Liverpool to move the ball away from pressure and attack an isolated defender on the opposite side.

He can also deliver accurately from set pieces. Corners and free-kicks provide another route through which he can create opportunities, particularly when Liverpool have several strong aerial targets inside the penalty area.

His athleticism supports his passing. Szoboszlai can carry the ball away from pressure, create a new angle and then deliver while the defensive structure is moving.

This makes him more than a static playmaker. He can progress possession through either passing or running, forcing opponents to account for both possibilities.

5. Declan Rice, Arsenal

Declan Rice has developed into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfield passers.

The Arsenal midfielder is not simply responsible for retaining possession. He can progress the ball through midfield, switch play, deliver set pieces and create opportunities from more advanced positions.

Rice recorded five assists and ranked among the Premier League’s leading players for expected assists in 2025/26. He has already added two assists during the opening weeks of the new campaign.

His passing volume is also significant. Rice regularly acts as a link between Arsenal’s defence and attacking midfielders, receiving possession under pressure and transferring it into more dangerous areas.

One of his greatest strengths is recognising when to accelerate the game. Rice can play a safe pass when Arsenal need control, but he is also capable of breaking a line as soon as an opening appears.

His set-piece delivery has added another dimension. Accurate corners and free-kicks allow Arsenal to capitalise on the aerial presence of players such as Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba and Mikel Merino.

Rice may not possess the same flair as Cherki or Fernandes, but his range, reliability and tactical intelligence make him one of the division’s best all-round passers.

6. Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion

Pascal Groß has made an exceptional creative start to the 2026/27 season.

The Brighton midfielder has produced 13 key passes in his opening four matches, placing him among the league leaders. He has also contributed two assists and maintained a high passing volume.

Groß has built his reputation on technique and awareness rather than speed. He rarely needs to escape pressure by accelerating because he normally recognises the available pass before receiving the ball.

His versatility also supports his creativity. Groß can operate centrally, move into a deeper midfield role or deliver from wider positions.

Set pieces are another major strength. His ability to vary the height, pace and direction of crosses makes him a reliable source of chances from corners and free-kicks.

Groß’s inclusion is not based solely on his excellent opening weeks. His career has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to create opportunities through intelligent movement and precise delivery.

7. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City

Elliot Anderson represents a different kind of elite passer.

During 2025/26, Anderson established himself as one of the Premier League’s most active midfield distributors. He completed more successful passes in the opposition half than any other player during the early part of that campaign and finished the season among the leading players for total passing involvement.

His move to Manchester City has placed him in a system that demands accuracy, patience and an ability to receive possession under pressure.

Anderson is averaging more than 90 completed passes per 90 minutes in the opening stages of 2026/27. That reflects his central role in helping City control matches.

High passing volume does not automatically make someone an elite passer. However, Anderson combines his distribution with forward movement, ball recoveries and the ability to operate in congested areas.

He is particularly useful when progressing possession from the middle third. Rather than always looking for the final ball, he helps move opponents out of position and creates the conditions from which City’s attackers can produce chances.

8. Cole Palmer, Chelsea

Cole Palmer remains one of the Premier League’s most dangerous final-third passers.

The Chelsea attacker has produced nine key passes in the early weeks of 2026/27 while continuing to carry a significant share of his team’s creative responsibility.

Palmer is particularly effective when moving infield from the right. From this position, he can shoot with his left foot, play a pass behind the defensive line or combine with teammates near the edge of the penalty area.

The number of options available to him makes his passing more effective. Defenders cannot commit fully to blocking the delivery because doing so may give Palmer enough space to attempt a shot.

His weight of pass is another strength. Palmer can slow a delivery sufficiently for a teammate to run onto it or play firmly through a narrow gap before the defence can react.

He also demonstrates composure in congested areas. Even when several opponents are nearby, Palmer rarely appears rushed into making an immediate decision.

His influence extends beyond conventional assists. Passes that create secondary chances, force defensive interventions or move Chelsea into dangerous areas also contribute to his overall creative value.

9. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland

Granit Xhaka has quickly become one of Sunderland’s most influential passers.

The experienced midfielder has registered 10 or 11 key passes during the opening four matches, depending on the statistical provider. That places him among the leading creators in the Premier League.

Xhaka’s passing range enables Sunderland to move the ball across the pitch efficiently. He can switch play towards a winger, find a forward between the lines or deliver into the penalty area from a deeper position.

He is particularly comfortable passing with his left foot over medium and long distances. This allows him to reshape an attack without needing to carry the ball into a more advanced area.

His experience is equally important. Xhaka understands when Sunderland need to retain possession and when an ambitious forward pass is worth the risk.

While he lacks the mobility of some younger midfielders, his vision and distribution allow him to dictate sections of a match from a relatively fixed position.

10. James McAtee, Nottingham Forest

James McAtee completes the ranking after an impressive creative start to 2026/27.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder has produced 11 key passes across his opening four matches, putting him level with several established Premier League creators.

McAtee is comfortable operating between midfield and attack. He can receive the ball on the half-turn, move into space and play forward before the opposition has time to reorganise.

His passing is particularly useful during transitions. Forest can move quickly after recovering possession, and McAtee has the awareness required to identify runners before an attack loses momentum.

He is also capable of drifting into wider areas and creating from a different angle. This makes it difficult for opponents to assign one midfielder to track him throughout the match.

McAtee’s position remains provisional because the current sample is small. However, his early production suggests he is ready to become one of the Premier League’s most productive young playmakers.

Honourable Mentions

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best long-range distributors among Premier League defenders.

The Liverpool captain completed more passes than any other player during the 2025/26 season. His diagonal deliveries can bypass an entire midfield and release a winger into space.

He misses the main ranking because a substantial proportion of his passes are made in deeper areas, where the level of immediate attacking risk is lower. Nevertheless, his range and consistency are outstanding.

Rúben Dias

Rúben Dias leads the Premier League for total passes in the early stages of 2026/27.

The Manchester City defender regularly completes more than 100 passes per 90 minutes. His distribution helps City circulate possession, move opponents across the pitch and construct attacks from the back.

As with Van Dijk, the context of those passes prevents volume alone from placing him in the top 10.

Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers has created 10 or more chances during the opening weeks of his Chelsea career.

His ability to carry the ball and attract defenders creates passing opportunities that may not initially exist. Once an opponent steps towards him, Rogers can release a teammate into the space that has been vacated.

Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans combines accurate short passing with excellent long-range distribution.

He can move possession between the lines, switch play and deliver accurately from deeper midfield. His ability to strike the ball cleanly with either foot gives him an unusually broad passing range.

Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz remains one of the Premier League’s most technically accomplished attacking midfielders.

His passing is most dangerous around the penalty area, where he can combine quickly, disguise through-balls and identify movements that many players would miss.

His early 2026/27 creative numbers are relatively modest compared with the current leaders, but his overall ability ensures he remains part of the conversation.

What Makes a Great Passer?

The best passers do much more than complete a high percentage of their attempts.

Several qualities must be considered:

• Accuracy: Delivering the ball to the intended teammate consistently.
• Vision: Recognising passing opportunities before they become obvious.
• Weight of pass: Applying the correct speed to help the receiving player.
• Range: Passing accurately over short, medium and long distances.
• Progression: Moving possession towards the opposition’s goal.
• Creativity: Producing passes that lead to shots and clear opportunities.
• Disguise: Preventing defenders from anticipating the intended destination.
• Timing: Releasing the ball at the moment when a teammate has the greatest advantage.
• Press resistance: Retaining the ability to pass accurately when opponents are nearby.
• Decision-making: Understanding when to attempt a difficult pass and when to retain possession.

A player who completes 95 per cent of their passes may be performing an important role, but that figure alone does not make them the best passer. The location, difficulty and purpose of each delivery matter.

Why Pass Completion Can Be Misleading

Pass-completion percentage is one of football’s most commonly used statistics, but it requires context.

Centre-backs generally record high completion rates because many of their passes involve short exchanges with teammates in defensive areas. Creative players attempt more deliveries into crowded parts of the pitch, where the likelihood of failure is greater.

A player attempting regular through-balls may complete fewer passes than someone circulating possession near the halfway line. However, one successful through-ball could create a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Team style also affects the numbers. Manchester City players tend to complete large numbers of passes because their team controls possession. Players representing counterattacking sides may see less of the ball but attempt a higher proportion of direct, progressive deliveries.

The best assessment combines completion percentage with progression, chance creation, difficulty and end product.

The Difference Between Passing and Creativity

Passing ability and creativity overlap, but they are not identical.

A defensive midfielder may be an outstanding passer because they retain possession, switch play and progress the ball reliably. That does not necessarily make them the team’s primary creator.

A creative midfielder is judged more heavily on key passes, expected assists and chances created. They normally operate closer to goal and accept a greater risk of losing possession.

Anderson and Rice offer progression and control. Fernandes, Ødegaard and Cherki specialise more heavily in producing the decisive final delivery. Szoboszlai and Xhaka combine elements of both roles through their range and set-piece ability.

This ranking attempts to recognise both types rather than reducing passing quality to one statistical category.

Why Previous-Season Data Matters

The opening weeks of a season can produce unusual statistical leaders.

A player may create several chances in one match and immediately rise to the top of a per-90 table. Another may produce excellent performances without registering an assist because teammates fail to convert the opportunities created.

Using 2025/26 data provides a more dependable sample. Fernandes’ 21 assists and Cherki’s 12 demonstrate sustained creative influence, while the passing volumes of Van Dijk, Anderson, Rice and Szoboszlai reveal consistent involvement over a complete campaign.

The early 2026/27 figures can then identify players whose previous form is continuing, as well as those making a significant improvement.

Who Is the Best Passer in the Premier League in 2026/27?

Bruno Fernandes remains the best overall passer in the Premier League.

His 2025/26 numbers provide the strongest full-season evidence. He led the division with 21 assists, recorded the highest expected-assist total and finished far ahead of the competition for key passes.

Ødegaard has made the strongest creative start to 2026/27, while Cherki continues to demonstrate exceptional imagination and two-footed ability. Szoboszlai is arguably the best long passer among the league’s attacking midfielders, and Rice offers the most complete balance between control and progression.

The answer depends partly on the type of passing being assessed. Dias and Van Dijk dominate possession from defence, Anderson circulates the ball through midfield, and Fernandes creates opportunities at a rate few players can match.

When range, creativity, difficulty and end product are considered together, Fernandes has the strongest claim.

Final Thoughts

The Premier League’s best passers perform a wide variety of roles.

Fernandes and Ødegaard specialise in unlocking defences. Cherki uses imagination and two-footed technique, while Szoboszlai stretches opponents with powerful long-range deliveries. Rice and Anderson provide control and progression, and Palmer creates danger around the penalty area.

The early statistics have also highlighted the influence of experienced players such as Groß and Xhaka, alongside the emergence of McAtee as a productive young creator.

Passing cannot be judged through totals or accuracy alone. The best passers understand how to control the speed, direction and structure of a match. They do not simply find teammates. They place those teammates in positions from which something meaningful can happen.