Revealed: Who topped Aston Villa's 2025-26 season player ratings

Unai Emery’s team matched the achievement of Brian Little’s 30 years earlier by finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning a trophy, in a remarkable campaign full of fluctuating performances and countless unforgettable moments.

Over the course of the campaign, the Express & Star has rated the players out of 10 on a match-by-match basis. Here are the top 10 performers:

John McGinn - 6.85

This was the season which surely confirmed the Scot’s status as a Villa legend. Rarely has McGinn ever felt more important to the cause than over the past nine months. It was his winning goal against Bologna which belatedly got the campaign up and running and there were several other moments where it felt he was putting the team on his shoulders. Scored 10 goals for the first time as a Villa player.

Matty Cash - 6.7

The right-back was the only player who seemed to be in any kind of form as Villa struggled through the opening weeks of the season. When team-mates eventually recovered their levels, he maintained his. Scored the club’s first goal in the Premier League against Sunderland and hit a memorable winner against Manchester City. At a time when some were beginning to question his place in the team, it felt like his game went up another level. A fine all-round campaign.

Boubacar Kamara - 6.55

Another player who, like Konsa, can be depended upon to deliver consistent performances. Was excellent during a run of 12 wins in 13 Premier League matches, which saw Emery’s team surge into the title race. It is impossible not to wonder just what might have happened had he not suffered a season-ending injury.

Ezri Konsa - 6.5

The England international is high on this list every season, such is the consistency of his performances. Endured something of a nightmare start when he was sent-off on the opening day of the campaign against Newcastle but from there it was pretty much business as usual, barring a bit of a wobble around March. One of the best defenders in Europe.

Victor Lindelof - 6.5

A signing which went under the radar, compared to his fellow deadline day arrivals Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho. Yet by the end of the season, it was the Sweden international who comfortably proved Villa’s best acquisition. Excellent during a run of matches through December and January when Torres and Tyrone Mings were both lost to injury. Superb in midfield too, during the season’s final stretch.

Pau Torres - 6.45

After an inconsistent second season at the club, this year was a real return to form for the Spanish defender. His return to the starting XI in September helped spark Villa’s season to life. Though there remain question marks, on occasion, over his physicality, he stood up to the challenge far better this term. His quality on the ball, meanwhile, has never been in question.

Emi Buendia - 6.4

One of the great stories of the season, the playmaker played a key role in Villa’s success both in the Premier League and Europe, having looked almost certain to be heading out the door last summer. Buendia remaining on board proved the old saying some of the best deals you do are the ones you don’t. Made 54 appearances and scored 11 goals, including one for the ages in the 3-0 Europa League final win over Freiburg.

Amadou Onana - 6.3

A real step forward for the £50million record signing in his second season at the club. Played a big role in home wins over Manchester City and Arsenal, to name just a couple and typically rated highly when on the pitch. The caveat to that is the number of times he is sidelined through injury.

Morgan Rogers - 6.3

While the Halesowen-born star perhaps lacked the consistency of the previous season, this could hardly be called a bad campaign for a player who overcame his first real loss for form since joining Villa. He ended the season with 14 goals in all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League. Started every top flight match until being left out on the final day at Manchester City, when success had already been secured.

Emi Martinez - 6.2

A curious season for the goalkeeper, which began with him appearing on the brink of an exit. Quickly shrugged off any embarrassment over his failed move to Manchester United and while there were some notable mistakes, there were also plenty of big performances and saves along the way. Finished the season strongly, with the big occasions seeming to bring out his best.

Ollie Watkins - 6.1

Just about makes the top-10 due to a first seven months of the season where, outside a burst around Christmas, he largely looked a shadow of his former self. Suddenly sparked to life in March, finishing the season in probably the best form of his career, scoring 11 in the final 12 matches. Displayed huge strength of character to come back and underline his importance to the team.