Ranking the Premier League's 50 best players: 50-41

With the Premier League set to return on June 17, theScore will be counting down English football's top 50 players as voted by our editors. We'll reveal 10 stars every day until the top 10 are unveiled on June 14.

50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

50. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

It's not easy carrying the entire attacking burden on your shoulders, but that's precisely what Zaha has been doing at Crystal Palace. The Ivorian winger is one of the most talented dribblers in the Premier League. He may not have the most eye-catching raw stats this season, but his skill and creativity create openings for teammates, especially as the opposition often focuses their efforts exclusively on slowing him down. Just ask Jordan Ayew, who has Zaha to thank for his resurgence this season.

49. Ederson (Manchester City)

It's becoming increasingly difficult to analyze and assess goalkeepers in an era when data is readily available for outfield players but significantly harder to interpret for those who make their living between the sticks. Perhaps it's unsurprising, then, that one of the (few) goalkeepers on our list is more than simply a shot-stopper. Manchester City stalwart Ederson fancies himself another outfield player, from his sweeper-keeper skills to his ability to initiate attacks with his incredible passing range.

48. Danny Ings (Southampton)

When Ings isn't injured, he scores goals. It's really that simple. The ex-Liverpool forward has been the singular scoring force for Southampton this season, bagging 15 tallies to put himself into the Golden Boot conversation. After suffering serious knee injuries that threatened to derail his career, the Englishman has remained fit this year and is one of the main reasons why the Saints were able to pull themselves out of the relegation fight.

47. Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)

Chelsea's transfer ban was a blessing in disguise for Kovacic. The Croatian's first season on loan at Stamford Bridge was adequate but hardly a development on the flashes he showed at Inter. Chelsea were then banned from making new signings, Kovacic was offered permanent terms, and incoming manager Frank Lampard began employing the World Cup finalist in a deeper role than predecessor Maurizio Sarri. The results have been stellar.

46. Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)

Arsenal forward Lacazette's expertise is often overshadowed when compared to that of teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Lacazette is an adept passer whose trickery on the ball befuddles markers and creates channels for teammates to profit from. While this season may not statistically compare as well to the previous two, the Frenchman's area of focus has broadened from that of an early-career goal poacher to a well-rounded whiz.

45. Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

There's nothing glamorous about Azpilicueta. Perhaps that's why the versatile and industrious 30-year-old is often overlooked. A loyal Chelsea servant now courting club legend status as captain, Azpilicueta has been one of the Blues' best this season, playing both full-back positions and in central defense, all while displaying no discernible weaknesses. The Spaniard is also a vital veteran presence for the league's second-youngest starting XI.

44. James Maddison (Leicester City)

Some eyebrows were raised when Leicester City forked out £25 million for Maddison after one impressive Championship campaign with Norwich City. However, he's been one of the Premier League's most consistent creative players since his 2018 move. The 23-year-old has been deployed in a slightly deeper role under Brendan Rodgers this season but is second only to Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne in successful key passes.

43. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fernandes was a godsend for Manchester United prior to the Premier League shutdown. The crafty Portuguese midfielder, signed in January from Sporting CP in a deal that could reportedly hit €80 million with various bonuses, made an immediate impact at Old Trafford, scoring twice and recording three assists in five league matches. The prospect of him joining forces with a fit-again Paul Pogba - and whoever the Red Devils sign this summer to bolster their attack - should make United fans giddy.

42. Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)

Chelsea's transfer ban and the presence of former youth-team boss Jody Morris as Frank Lampard's assistant created the perfect environment for youngsters to get chances in the senior ranks. Abraham certainly seized his opportunity. The striker has the natural attributes to succeed - strength, good footwork, and an eye for goal - but he's also impressed Chelsea's coaching staff with his determination to improve his game. That's a frightening proposition for rival clubs.

41. Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)

Alli was heralded as one of England's finest players over his first couple of seasons in the Premier League, but that form - especially his 18-goal haul from the 2016-17 term - seems a long time ago. Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho must explore ways for his team to liberate the midfielder, giving Alli license to infiltrate space between the lines and attempt ambitious passes into Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.