Top players in the 2024/25 list of Premier League captains
The Premier League is full of great players, but every team needs a man who can stand above the rest and lead his team to glory. Being a club captain is no easy task, requiring dedication, passion, composure and a certain amount of natural ability. To be chosen as a club captain, you don’t necessarily have to be the best player at your club. However, some of the captains in this division are definitely among the best in the Premier League. Some may simply be the longest-serving players at their respective clubs and have been rewarded for their loyalty by being given the armband, while others are new to the role but still excel. With all that in mind, here are the 10 list of Premier league captains for the 2024/25 season, ranked from worst to best by Kingsoccertips.
List of Premier league captains 2024/25
10. Lewis Dunk – Brighton
In recent years, except for the 2023-24 season, Brighton has had a significant improvement in performance. Despite going through many changes of coaches, the team still maintains an attractive, vibrant style of play that always attracts the attention of fans. Brighton’s style of play is mainly built on a solid foundation in defense, where the players always show solidity and discipline. In that defense system, Lewis Dunk is an important and always reliable name, contributing significantly to the overall success of the team.
Lewis Dunk has become an indispensable pillar of Brighton and has really stood out in recent years. He is not only the leader of the defense but also contributes greatly to the team’s achievements, helping Brighton advance to European tournaments and improve its position in the Premier League rankings. Dunk has now played 11 seasons for the England national team, a remarkable achievement considering he graduated from Brighton’s academy in 2013. Since then, he has established himself as a regular for both club and country.
9. Jamie Vardy – Leicester City
When you think of a player like Jamie Vardy, you can’t help but feel the magic in his story. Coming from the lower leagues at Fleetwood Town in 2012, few would have imagined that he would go on to become one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history. Despite being underrated in the lower leagues, his move to Leicester City was a huge turning point in Vardy’s career, helping him rise from relative obscurity to Premier League stardom. Things changed from there, and the rest is history for a man who turned an impossible dream into reality.
With 196 goals, a host of trophies including Premier League and FA Cup winners’ medals, and England caps, Vardy has proven himself to be one of the icons of English football. After Leicester City suffered a relegation season, he went on to lead the team back to the Premier League in an impressive fashion, winning the Championship. Even at 37, Vardy remains Leicester’s biggest threat in attack, proving his irreplaceable role in the club’s squad. His legacy is not just his goals, but also his strong inspiration to young players, proving that no dream is too big.
8. Seamus Coleman – Everton
If Lewis Dunk’s 11 years at Brighton were impressive, then Seamus Coleman’s 15 years at Everton are no less admirable. Since joining from the Irish League, Coleman has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s finest right-backs. With a simple yet solid style of play, he has become the epitome of a classic full-back, one who works hard to protect his team’s goal. Coleman’s contributions to Everton have not only been his defensive skills, but his dedication and commitment to the game at all times.
Over the course of 15 years, Coleman has become a symbol of reliability and consistency at Goodison Park, a key figure whether the team is struggling or thriving. He is not just a player, but a leader, a shining example to his teammates. However, judging by the past three years, it can be seen that Coleman has not maintained his peak form as before, especially when he is no longer on the pitch in the 2024/25 season. This has caused him to suffer a loss in the rankings compared to before, although his contributions to Everton have always been undeniable.
7. Kyle Walker – Manchester City
Throughout his Premier League career, Kyle Walker has been one of Manchester City’s most consistent and important players. Not only has he been a solid defender, he has also brought a sharpness to the attack with his pace and technique, qualities that have not changed over time. The Englishman has not only made his mark on the pitch but has also gone down in the club’s history with an impressive record and trophy cabinet, proving his outstanding career in the Premier League.
The 2024/25 season marks a major turning point in Walker’s career as he was appointed Manchester City captain by Pep Guardiola, alongside notable vice-captains such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan. However, despite his important role, captain Walker faces a tough challenge as he oversees Manchester City’s worst form in the Guardiola era. The team’s poor form has led to criticism not only of the squad but also of himself. However, Walker’s leadership in the dressing room is undeniable, although he may not be the best leader among his fellow vice-captains.
6. Martin Odegaard – the arsenal
Arsenal have now risen to the top of the Premier League, and their progress in recent seasons has been largely built around one player in particular – Martin Ødegaard. Despite being just 25, Ødegaard has become one of the youngest captains in the league, second only to Reece James. However, he has not only led Arsenal with his words, but also with his calm, confident demeanor and impressive performances on the pitch.
Ødegaard is a quiet captain, leading by example, playing a key role in dictating play and contributing greatly to Arsenal’s attacks. His influence on the pitch is undeniable, but the biggest challenge for Ødegaard right now is his leadership ability to help Arsenal win major trophies. Despite his strong progress, the big question remains whether he can lead the Gunners to the Premier League title or future cup triumphs.
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5. Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United
When rumours first began circulating that Bruno Guimarães would leave Newcastle United, his surprise appointment as club captain in August 2024 came as a surprise to many. Reports of a potential move to Manchester City added to the surprise, but if being captain was the reason the Brazilian midfielder decided to stay at St. James’ Park, then it was a brilliant appointment by Newcastle.
Since joining the club in January 2022, Guimarães has become an integral part of Eddie Howe’s squad. Of the big-money signings Newcastle have made since their takeover, none have had a greater impact on the club’s success than Guimarães. He is a powerful player, with natural leadership and a toughness that can be felt in any situation. Not only is Guimarães talented on the ball, he is also articulate, inspirational and tenacious, all great qualities of a leader. With these abilities and qualities, he is undoubtedly a world-class talent, which only strengthens his value at Newcastle.
4. Son Heung-min – Tottenham Hotspur
Heung-min Son is now approaching a decade with Tottenham Hotspur and has scored 167 goals, placing him among the top five scorers in the club’s history. This summer, Son faces a major challenge as he was appointed as Spurs’ new captain, following the decline of Hugo Lloris and the departure of Harry Kane. However, Son has not only proven his talent on the pitch but has also thrived in his leadership role off it.
Son is a player who is not afraid to face the media, even in difficult times. Whether the team is going through a difficult period or a good one, he always demands his teammates to do their best and has publicly stated his determination to bring success to Tottenham. Like Martin Ødegaard, Son’s biggest challenge will be his leadership ability to help the team win trophies. However, he has one big advantage over the young Norwegian captain: his ability to score goals. Son is not only a spiritual leader but also a key goalscorer, which could bring important results for Spurs next season.
3. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is one of the rare captains on this list who has actually led his team to major honours. The Manchester United man has now won both the League Cup and the FA Cup as captain, so in terms of trophies, he is the most impressive captain on this list. However, this also makes one wonder why he is not at the top of the list, especially given Fernandes’ success and influence at Manchester United.
The problem is, while Fernandes is incredibly talented and arguably one of the best midfielders on the planet, he can sometimes be inconsistent. On his best days, he can be the one to pull a team to new heights, as he did in the recent FA Cup final, when he produced moments of magic and lifted the team. However, at other times, Fernandes can become unfocused and even lackluster in matches. It is this lack of consistency that keeps him from being at the top of the list of best captains, despite his proven leadership and important trophy-winning performances.
2. John McGinn – Aston Villa
Although John McGinn has yet to win a major trophy with Aston Villa, he still tops this list thanks to his passion, dedication and relentless fighting spirit. McGinn is an old-school captain who is always ready to give his all on the pitch and is not afraid to offer words of encouragement when needed. He is always the first to rally his teammates, set the standard and inspire the team.
In addition to his role as captain, McGinn was also a key factor in Villa’s promotion back to the Premier League in 2019. His dedication and leadership helped the team overcome difficult times to return to the top flight. Furthermore, McGinn has now continued to show his talent by scoring for Aston Villa in the Champions League, affirming his indispensable influence. With those contributions, you couldn’t ask for much more from a player like McGinn.
1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk only officially became Liverpool captain in the summer of 2023, but in fact he has been a key figure in the team for many years now. The presence of this Dutch player is extremely important for Liverpool, because when he is absent, the team clearly feels the absence and finds it difficult to maintain top form. Van Dijk is not only a pillar in the defense but also the leader of the team’s spirit and tactics, helping Liverpool maintain a competitive position in the big arenas.
Although in Jürgen Klopp’s final season, Liverpool only won the Carabao Cup after a disappointing Premier League season, Van Dijk has continued to motivate his teammates to improve under the guidance of Arne Slot. Thanks to his leadership and influence, Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table. If this form continues, it is very likely that Van Dijk will be the one to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season, completing a successful season for both himself and the team.
General Conclusion
In the 2024/25 Premier League season, every team has a talented captain, with individuals excelling not only in their technical ability but also in their leadership. From players like Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk to other stars like Son Heung-min and Bruno Fernandes, each has made a significant contribution to the team’s success. However, the role of captain is not simply about leading on the pitch, but also being a shining example for the team. Following the list of Premier League captains gives fans an insight into the diversity of leadership styles of these players.
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