Premier League depth charts for most popular teams: Who is key?
The Premier League is well underway, but with the transfer window closed, where do players stand in their teams? How deep do the squads go?
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The Premier League season is five games in, and with the transfer window closed until Jan. 1, there will be no more incomings or outgoings (unless a free agent can be snapped up.)
As teams start to hit their stride and summer additions become accustomed to their surroundings, it's time to take a look at where the players stand with their respective squads.
Here are depth charts of the best options for the first XI and backup XI for the six most-followed clubs in the league. Of course, it's hard to predict who could be called upon as the fixtures pile up, but this should give you an idea of how strong each team is.
(Note: Each player appears in the main squad list once, even if he could fit into multiple spots. We have also included injured players, although those likely to be out for the season are noted separately.)
ARSENAL
Goalkeeper: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier Right back: Jurriën Timber, Ben White Left back: Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapié, Center back: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristhian Mosquera, Ezri Konsa Central midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Bruno Guimarães, Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly Attacking midfield/Forward: Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, Eberechi Eze, Martin Ødegaard, Striker: Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyökeres
Raya Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori Rice, Guimarães Saka, Ødegaard, Tzolis Havertz
Arsenal came out of the summer window having executed their plans well. Those who departed were moved out largely on the club's terms, while the arrivals were clearly targeted according to specific requirements. The only slightly ambiguous outcome is that with the additions of defender Konsa and midfielder Guimarães, the Premier League champions have strengthened a core that was already exceptionally strong; Arteta might have to call on his man-management skills to keep certain players happy.
Konsa adds depth to an already impressive defense in the wake of an injury to William Saliba, while Guimarães does the same to central midfield as Zubimendi and Merino struggled for form and fitness respectively.
In attack, the club went through a mini-revamp. Four first-team players left -- Gabriel Jesus (Barcelona), Leandro Trossard (Besiktas), Gabriel Martinelli (Al Hilal) and Ethan Nwaneri (loan, Dortmund) -- while only one, Tzolis, arrived. The Greece international has made an encouraging start and gives Arteta a different option from the left, with a superb right foot and set-piece expertise, and while Eze and Madueke can deputize there, Tzolis is the only specialist in the role. Using either of the former two on the left may also reduce the cover available elsewhere, particularly for the injury-prone Ødegaard. In that sense, the right side of the attack looks more complete than the left, with Saka backed up by Madueke and emerging teenager Dowman.
At center forward, it is not so much a case of accommodating new arrivals as managing the pecking order. One year after joining, Gyökeres has gone from being the No. 9 starter Arsenal bought him for to fighting to regain his place and looking to convince everyone he's not an expensive flop. Havertz's form in the opening weeks has made the striking selection easy for Arteta, and even if having two senior center forwards of contrasting profiles is a luxury, the question here is how long the Sweden star will tolerate his bit-part status.
CHELSEA
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina Right back: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Marco Palestra Left back: Jorrel Hato, Pep Chavarría Center back: Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Aaron Anselmino Central midfield: Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Jordan Henderson, Valentín Barco Attacking midfield/Forward: Morgan Rogers, Estêvão, Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens Striker: João Pedro, Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck
Martinez Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill Neto, Caicedo, James, Hato Palmer, Rogers João Pedro
As in previous years, Chelsea are still difficult to assess due to the sheer volume of their transfer activity, with 13 arrivals and 39 exits (22 on loan). Continuity is still missing and players have come and gone at such a rate that relatively few have been given the time to settle properly, establish a clear role or develop within a stable structure. True to this blueprint -- whether forced or by design -- this summer brought another considerable turnover, though there was at least one notable shift in approach.
The arrivals of 36-year-old midfielder Henderson and 35-year-old striker Welbeck represented a tweak to Chelsea's recent transfer policy. After several windows dominated by younger players, both England internationals brought the type of experience and dressing room presence many felt the Blues' squad had been lacking. Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez, 34, also brought experience and a quality upgrade between the posts.
But as much as it this newly-found pragmatism was needed, the early signs this season suggest that Chelsea are still in locked in what seems to be a perpetual rebuild under new coach Xabi Alonso.
At the back there are plenty of options, with full backs able to switch sides or even slot into Alonso's preferred back three. Yet the squad numbers haven't quite turned into solidity. While Chelsea can field several convincing-looking defensive line-ups on paper -- with Fofana and James the rare survivors from the Clearlake era -- the unit still lacks the cohesion (especially since Alonso brought in another new formation) of the Premier League's strongest sides. For all its talent and depth, the overriding impression is still one of a defense searching for stability rather than one that has reached its final shape.
Central midfield looks more vulnerable. The departures of Enzo Fernández (to Man City) and Andrey Santos (to Man United) have diminished the options around Caicedo, whose defensive influence remains difficult to replace. Lavia's continued fitness issues make that dependence even more precarious, while Henderson, for all his experience, is not the force he once was.
While there is no shortage of options up front, either, Alonso's requirement of tucking in his wide attackers to allow space in the attacking lanes for his wing backs presents some tactical challenges. Palmer and Rogers are world-class players, but the question is whether the 3-4-2-1 formation allows enough width for a pair that tends to prefer to start their diagonal movement close to the touchline. That said, there's plenty of quality in depth -- Quenda, Neto, Estevao -- to support Joao Pedro up front, though the challenge is finding the right formula.
LIVERPOOL
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman Right back: Ronald Araújo, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley Left back: Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas Center back: Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni Central midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo, James McConnell Attacking midfield/Forward: Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Víctor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa Striker: Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Lewis Koumas
Alisson Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez Szoboszlai, Mac Allister Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo Isak
Liverpool's biggest concern is not necessarily the quality of the squad, but its relative thinness. Just one injury in several spots could quickly cause a domino effect that affects the whole team's structure, and that begins in goal, especially when it comes to playing out from the back. Alisson is still one of the outstanding ball-playing goalkeepers in Europe, but while Mamardashvili was recruited as his long-term successor, he has yet to look like a truly convincing alternative. For a club competing on several fronts, that drop in quality from first to second choice might eventually present some unwanted issues.
In defense, signing another center back wouldn't have gone amiss, particularly given Van Dijk's age (35) and Joe Gomez's injury history. That said, €70 million summer arrival Jacquet and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo have alleviated those concerns to a certain degree. Both players have looked promising already and appear to be credible starting options. Iraola doesn't seem to rate Frimpong's defending and while Araujo deals well with the right-back role defensively, questions remain over whether he offers enough forward thrust while Bradley is still recovering from a serious knee injury.
Though the midfield is strong, another combative ball winner would have been more than welcome. Szoboszlai can operate deeper without weakening Liverpool, or at right back, but that versatility -- albeit useful -- poses another question: if Wirtz continues to struggle for consistency, who fills the No. 10 role when Szoboszlai is required further back? One positive consequence of the relatively small midfield selection is that the highly rated teenager Nyoni should see playing time.
Up front, France winger Barcola was a particularly useful attacking addition from PSG. His ability to operate from either flank or through the middle gives Iraola some peace of mind and reduces the dependence on any one wide player. The greater worry is at center forward, with Ekitike still some way from returning following his Achilles injury. Consequently, a serious workload will be placed on Isak as Liverpool's only established senior No. 9; signing another specialist striker would have made the squad more robust.
MANCHESTER CITY
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gerónimo Rulli, Marcus Bettinelli Right back: Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis Left back: Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Aït-Nouri Center back: Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi, Joško Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis Central midfield: Enzo Fernández, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Mateo Kovačić Attacking midfield/Forward: Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku, Iliman Ndiaye, Antoine Semenyo, Allan, Ryan McAidoo Striker: Erling Haaland, Floyd Samba
City's squad has undergone a remarkable overhaul over the past years (for which they may pay the price). Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are two world-class names to have departed, while only Haaland and Dias remain from the starting XI that won the Champions League final in 2022-23. This year, the team also had to contend with the exit of legendary manager Pep Guardiola. However, the early signs suggest that, under Guardiola's former assistant Enzo Maresca, the squad is younger, more athletic and, importantly, more balanced.
Center back is the one defensive area that looks slightly light. While Dias and Guéhi have quickly developed into a strong first-choice partnership, Khusanov -- who has already shown he can deputize without a huge drop on quality -- is the only back-up and another out-and-out center back may have been needed. Sure, Gvardiol can also move inside from left back when required, but the four major competitions (plus internationals) will put a lot of strain on defensive depth.
This summer the City midfield changed almost beyond recognition. With influential Rodri gone, City moved toward a double pivot, with Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson already looking a good match. The Fernandez provides ball-carrying and playmaking, while Anderson brings mobility, aggression, stamina and an ability to connect the play. The 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi presents another exciting option, but further up the pitch City have fewer of the floating, interchangeable attacking midfielders that became such a feature of the Guardiola years. For that reason, Maresca will probably have to get double figures in assists and goals from Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki to sustain a title challenge.
Up front, Haaland is the obvious reference point, and City's decision not to recruit an orthodox back-up striker does seem deliberate. But it's tricky to see what Maresca would do should the Norway international be absent for a lengthy spell.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton Right back: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui Left back: Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass Center back: Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven Central midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, Manuel Ugarte, Tyler Fletcher Attacking midfield/Forward: Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Shea Lacey, Mason Mount Striker: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee
While United's squad depth looks healthier than it has for some time, particularly in midfield and attack, there are still clear areas of vulnerability. In addition to just having one quality goalkeeper, the defense is arguably where the squad looks at its frailest. At center back, the club could do with another reliable, senior figure (with pace), and the lingering doubts over the full backs -- which also extends to the first-choice pair Dalot and Shaw -- are still there.
Indeed, those defensive uncertainties expose wider tactical problems as United are still vulnerable to transitions due to a lack of recovery speed in the center. The absence of a quality ball-playing center back (at least while the injury-prone De Ligt is out) also limits the build-up from deep.
On the positive side, the clearest improvement has come in central midfield. Baleba, Santos and Tielemans give new boss Michael Carrick several strong alternatives behind Fernandes. Baleba should make sure the club's disappointing sprint numbers increase, in addition to providing ball-winning and connection work between defense and attack; similarly, Santos injects industry, technical quality and runs into the box, while Tielemans was a smart addition and should see to improved creativity and goal threat from midfield. With young Mainoo as another option, this means four credible names to compete for two spots.
Still, as much as that midfield depth is important, United are still heavily dependent on Fernandes for the attacking role in midfield and there's no like-for-like replacement that comes anywhere near his attacking influence (especially since Mount has never really got going). The emergence of homegrown players such as Lacey and Fletcher is another positive for a side that haven't been spoiled for emerging academy graduates over the past few seasons.
Despite no new summer additions, the attack does look fairly balanced. There is explosive pace and presence in the box via Mbeumo and other diverse technical profiles -- Cunha is technically gifted; Sesko is a powerful, traditional No. 9 -- allow greater rotation and tactical flexibility. A resurgent Rashford would also prove a huge plus after he returned from loan at Barcelona.
The snag here, however, is mostly to do with variable performances and the fact several players signed over recent windows are yet to reproduce the level they showed at their previous clubs. Though hardly considered title contenders, despite finishing third last year, United do have a marginally deeper squad than in recent seasons and just need to show a better way to deal with opponents who sit behind the ball.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Goalkeepers: Antonín Kinsky, Martin Dúbravka, Brandon Austin Right-back: Pedro Porro, Archie Gray Left-back: Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie Centre-back: Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Ben Davies Central midfield: Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mateus Fernandes, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher, Dejan Kulusevski Attacking midfield/Forward: Sávio, Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Xavi Simons Striker: Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush
Kinsky Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson Tonali, Fernandes Kudus, Maddison, Savio Marmoush
Having spent more than £300 million over the summer after their flirtation with relegation last season, Tottenham have unquestionably refreshed the squad, though sit bottom of the league after five league games with no wins, and only two goals scored.
The defense had a proper makeover with Senesi, Van Hecke and Adarabioyo joining a squad that already contained Van de Ven and only lost Djed Spence, Cristian Romero and Luka Vuskovic. In terms of numbers and individual quality, the center back position now looks stronger and there is reason to expect the defensive record to improve. However, the issue at hand is more of a structural nature, with the center backs having to adjust to new coach Roberto De Zerbi's demanding, high-risk style of defending (on and off the ball).
While the midfield depth should be fine with Tonali and Fernandes, neither have hit the ground running despite being signed for a combined fee of £185 million. Tonali, at times looking slow and static, is still adapting and Fernandes has been tried in different roles without establishing a clear tactical remit. Nonetheless, the other options are more than decent and the return to full fitness of Maddison and Simons should improve the creativity between the lines. Meanwhile, if he returns to his pre-injury self, Kulusevski will provide additional threat either centrally or from wide areas.
The attack raises more questions, however, as Tottenham have drawn a blank in all but one league game so far. Marmoush has yet to fire, and for all his quality, there is the same positional puzzle that followed him at Manchester City: Is he ultimately a center forward, a No. 10 or a left winger? Sure, De Zerbi himself has already hinted that he can fill all those roles, but is he likely to be prolific in any of them? Dominic Solanke is available as a more orthodox No. 9, but the evidence so far hardly points to him suddenly transforming the Tottenham front line. Furthermore, Mathys Tel does not yet look a 15-goal-plus Premier League striker either.
Given the debacle around the future of Richarlison -- who fell out with De Zerbi and was left out of the Premier League squad but didn't move clubs -- signing another center forward would have made sense. There are also plenty of wide options, but Savio (£75 million, Manchester City) and Mykhailo Mudryk (loan, Chelsea) -- who De Zerbi has long rated highly -- have tended to come up with their best football in flashes rather than consistently (and Mudryk had not played a competitive game since November 2024, having been suspended for four years after failing a drug test.)
On paper, Spurs possess an intriguing attacking mixture of established internationals and high-end prospects, but the challenge for De Zerbi is finding a structure that allows the players to flourish at the same time and build some cohesion.
