The English Premier League is renowned for its high-octane action, attracting top talent from around the globe. Among these international stars, many Portuguese players have made their mark on England’s top-flight football league. Portuguese football fans have more reason than any other to watch Premier League football.
As the Premier League has grown in stature and more and more great players worldwide have flocked to it, the Portuguese have stood out for their technical ability, tenacity and success. This article will delve into the careers and contributions of the five best Portuguese players plying their trade in the English top flight right now.
Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has been nothing short of sensational since he arrived at Manchester United in January 2020. His technical skills, vision on the pitch, and knack for scoring goals have quickly made him an indispensable part of first Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s then Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Since joining United, Fernandes has won multiple Player of The Month awards and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2020/21. His creativity and goal-scoring ability have made him a consistent shining beacon in Manchester United’s midfield, despite the club’s up-and-down fortunes during that time.
Bernardo Silva - Manchester City
Bernardo Silva is another standout Portuguese player who has been hugely instrumental to Pep Guardiola’s successful reign at Manchester City.
Silva has been a key figure in City’s unprecedented run of four successive Premier League title triumphs, not to mention the historic treble-winning season of Champions League, EPL title and FA Cup in 2022/23, contributing with numerous goals and assists. Known for his dribbling skills and versatility to play anywhere across midfield or attack, and even left-back, Silva continues to be a vital cog in City’s well-oiled machine.
Diogo Jota - Liverpool
Diogo Jota moved from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Liverpool in September 2020 and quickly established himself as a potent attacking threat under Jurgen Klopp’s management.
Despite injury setbacks at Anfield, Jota has managed impressive goal tallies both domestically and in the Champions League, with many stating he is the club’s best finisher behind Mohamed Salah. His speed, agility, and clinical finishing have added another dimension to Liverpool’s formidable attack.
Rúben Dias - Manchester City
Rúben Dias joined Manchester City from Benfica in September 2020 and has since become a cornerstone of their defence.
In his debut season, Dias was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season. His leadership qualities and defensive prowess have helped solidify City’s backline, making them one of the toughest defences to breach in the league.
João Cancelo - Manchester City
João Cancelo is another Portuguese star who has flourished under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, in recent years the two seem to have had somewhat of a falling out, with Cancelo subsequently spending time on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
However, he is still technically a City player and one who has contributed a lot to the club’s recent success. Since joining from Juventus in 2019, Cancelo has won two Premier League titles with Man City. Known for his attacking instincts as a full-back, Cancelo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an asset for any team.
These five Portuguese players are not just among the best their country has produced but also rank among some of the finest talents currently playing in the Premier League. Their performances continue to delight football fans and stir pride within their Portuguese followers.
