The festive period marks the point where the Premier League season begins to take shape, with clubs approaching the halfway stage of the campaign.

There has been no shortage of talking points. Arsenal sit top of the table at Christmas, newly promoted Sunderland have emerged as the surprise package, while Wolves have endured a torrid start and find themselves rooted to the bottom with just two points.

With the season entering a natural moment for reflection, looks back at the standout performers so far by naming a Premier League Team of the Season at the halfway point of the 2025/26 campaign.

Note: Selections are based on Flashscore’s internal ratings system. Players must have featured for a minimum of 760 minutes — roughly half of the available playing time. Selection prioritises overall rating rather than strict positional balance.

Premier League Team of the Season 2025/26 (So Far)

Goalkeeper

Robin Roefs (Sunderland) – 7.1

Robin Roefs has been a key figure in Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League, helping the Black Cats climb to sixth place.

The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper has already kept six clean sheets, while his save percentage of 77.6 per cent is bettered only by Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.

Defenders

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – 7.3
Marc Guehi continues to impress in what could be his final season at Crystal Palace, producing assured performances at both ends of the pitch.

The England international has scored twice this term, most recently netting a late winner in a 2–1 victory away at Fulham.

Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) – 7.4
Another defender reportedly attracting interest, Marcos Senesi has enjoyed a strong campaign for Bournemouth.

The Argentine ranks second only to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for defensive contributions, including clearances, interceptions, blocks and tackles.

Dan Ballard (Sunderland) – 7.4
A cornerstone of Sunderland’s defensive spine, Dan Ballard has been consistently solid and uncompromising at the back.

His standout moment came in November against former club Arsenal, when he opened the scoring in a hard-fought 2–2 draw.

Gabriel (Arsenal) – 7.5
Gabriel was imperious during Arsenal’s early-season surge before a hamstring injury disrupted his momentum during the November international break.

The Brazilian centre-back has kept seven clean sheets in 11 appearances as the Gunners surged to the top of the table.

Midfielders

Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 7.5
Manchester City and Phil Foden took time to hit top gear, but the midfielder’s form has sparkled heading into the festive period.

Foden has seven goals in 15 appearances, highlighted by back-to-back braces against Leeds and Fulham.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) – 7.4
Declan Rice has been the complete midfielder for Arsenal, contributing at both ends of the pitch.

Ever-present so far, the 26-year-old has scored twice and provided three assists while anchoring Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) – 7.2
Arguably the most influential piece of Sunderland’s impressive setup, Granit Xhaka has hit the ground running since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen.

His leadership and experience have been invaluable, complemented by a goal and four assists.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 7.5
Bruno Fernandes has once again been Manchester United’s creative heartbeat, even while operating in a deeper midfield role.

The Portuguese playmaker has registered 12 goal contributions, with his seven assists the most of any player in the league so far.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 7.3
Bukayo Saka has quietly gone about his work as Arsenal lead the table at Christmas.

His delivery from wide areas has been a constant threat and a crucial weapon in tight matches.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 7.4
Erling Haaland’s place in the side was never in doubt, thanks to his relentless scoring output.

The Norwegian striker has scored 19 goals in 17 appearances and shows no signs of slowing as City continue to chase down Arsenal in the title race.