As we near the end of 2025, it’s time to dish out some stats awards for the calendar year.
Without further ado, it’s The Squawka Stats Alternative POTY Awards!
Here we run through the Take-on Kings of the Year of those to have attempted at least 50 take ons in the Premier League in 2025.
This article includes the following players:
- 10. Mateus Fernandes: Southampton / West Ham
- 9. Luis Diaz: Liverpool
- 8. Yankuba Minteh: Brighton
- 7. Aaron Wan-Bissaka: West Ham
- 6. Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool
- 5. Michael Kayode: Brentford
- 4. Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal
- 3. Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace / Arsenal
- 2. Jeremy Doku: Manchester City
- 1. Jacob Murphy: Newcastle
Stars from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all make the top 10.
10. Mateus Fernandes: Southampton / West Ham
- Take-on success rate: 54.29%
Mateus Fernandes proved a fine signing for Southampton last summer. Many expected the Portuguese midfielder to remain in the Premier League following Saints’ relegation, and the premonition came to pass. West Ham may be struggling this season but Fernandes has excelled for the Hammers. And he’s proven an effective driving force in midfield having returned a take-on success rate of 54.29% this year.
9. Luis Diaz: Liverpool
- Take-on success rate: 55%
Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich over the summer and they dearly miss the Colombian. The winger, who is thriving with FC Hollywood, was instrumental in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph. Indeed, he tore opponents apart won the left flank having mustered a take-on success rate of 55% in 2025.
8. Yankuba Minteh: Brighton
- Take-on success rate: 56.49%
Yankuba Minteh moved to Brighton last summer and has established himself as a key man under Fabian Hurzeler. The 21-year-old’s overall attacking output may be sub-par. He’s provided just eight assists and scored seven goals following his move to Brighton, after all. However, Minteh routinely chances his luck against markers, and more often than not comes up trumps, as evident by a take-on success rate of 56.49% over the last 12 months.
7. Aaron Wan-Bissaka: West Ham
- Take-on success rate: 57.5%
The second West Ham player, and first defender to make the cut, the Hammers are missing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is on AFCON duty with DR Congo. The former Manchester United man gets forward well down the right for West Ham. This is highlighted by a notable take-on success rate of 57.5%.
6. Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool
- Take-on success rate: 57.89%
The second Liverpool player – past or present – to feature in the top 10. Ryan Gravenberch has established himself as a key man for the Reds, both on and off the ball. While he just misses out on a spot in the top five, Gravenberch still boasts a notable take-on success rate of 57.89% this year.
5. Michael Kayode: Brentford
- Take-on success rate: 59.38%
Michael Kayode has proven a fine addition for Brentford. The right-back joined the Bees on loan in January and has established himself as one of the most effective full-backs in the division. While the 21-year-old’s throw-in exploits have caught the eye, the Italian’s ability to beat a man is a core reason behind his early success in England. A take-on success rate of 59.38% is testament to his dribbling ability.
4. Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal
- Take-on success rate: 60%
While he’s struggling for game time, Ethan Nwaneri has shone when given the chance for Arsenal. The teenager, who put pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates earlier in the season, has maximised his limited time on the pitch. The young Gunners star boasts the fourth best take-on success rate (60%) this calendar year.
3. Eberechi Eze: Crystal Palace / Arsenal
- Take-on success rate: 61.20%
Remaining at the Emirates, Eberechi Eze became a hero at Arsenal when he bagged a hat-trick in the North London Derby last month. The England international, who rejected Tottenham in favour of Arsenal, is a take-on wizard, evident in a success rate of 61.20% in 2025.
2. Jeremy Doku: Manchester City
- Take-on success rate: 61.33%
Jeremy Doku may have completed more take ons (111) in 2025, but his success rate of 61.33% is just short of top spot. The Manchester City wideman is one of Pep Guardiola’s star men on the final third, with the ability to ease past an opponent a stand out trait.
1. Jacob Murphy: Newcastle
- Take-on success rate: 61.76%
The Take-on King of the Year is Newcastle star Jacob Murphy. The Magpies may have spent big for Anthony Elanga over the summer yet Eddie Howe continuously turn to Murphy. And it’s for good reason, too, with 30-year-old boasting the best take-on success rate (61.76%) in the Premier League in 2025.
