Jamie Carragher names the three players who will decide Premier League title race as Erling Haaland snubbed

Jamie Carragher has named three players who will decide the Premier League title race.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are all in contention to win the Premier League, with just two points separating the trio at the league’s summit.

And according to former Liverpool defender Carragher, each side has a player in their ranks that could help dictate where the title ends up.

According to Carragher, Virgil van Dijk’s presence is central to Liverpool's chances of winning a second league title under Jurgen Klopp. Meanwhile, £105million summer signing Declan Rice is said to be crucial should Arsenal go on to claim their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Carragher claimed that City’s hopes are not dependent on the usual suspects - Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne - but instead Phil Foden.

Writing in the Telegraph, Carragher said: “Liverpool want the quadruple. Manchester City seek another treble. Phil Foden, Virgil van Dijk and Declan Rice can secure themselves a double.

“One of the trio can be a Premier League champion and Player of the Year in 2024.

“The next two league match days will go a long way to influencing who wins, with City facing Liverpool and Arsenal in successive games.

Carragher claimed Foden was England best player (Getty)

“All three player of the year contenders are the main contributors driving their sides forward, the consistently outstanding performers in a high-level run of form which shows no sign of stopping.”

Carragher added: “The difference between City, Liverpool and Arsenal is this: take Van Dijk or Rice out of their side, and neither club would be contenders. City would still be thriving without Foden. That is a reflection of the depth of their squad rather than intended to downplay his brilliance.”

The former centre-back also dubbed Foden as De Bruyne’s natural successor and said: “I have long championed Foden. In terms of pure talent, he is England’s best player, and a break from tradition in terms of what he brings to his club and country.”

Topics: Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Virgil Van Dijk, Declan Rice, Phil Foden

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.