‘A player I love to watch’: Spurs talisman says Carrick has someone in his ranks who ‘plays without fear’

James Maddison has hailed Bruno Fernandes as the best Premier League player on the back of last season.

2025/2026 saw Manchester United’s skipper break the all-time Premier League assist record, surpassing previous holders Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne by notching 21 across the term.

What did Maddison have to say about Fernandes?

(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

When put on the spot regarding the best player in the top flight, Maddison told Sky Sports’ Saturday Social: “I’m going to base it on last season, and I’m going to say Bruno Fernandes.

“He has so many qualities. He plays without fear; no matter how many times he loses the ball, he always wants to have the ball and try things.

“He’s always decisive, always available; he’s a player I love to watch.”

The 31-year-old has indeed been United’s talisman since he signed for the club back in January 2020.

He has racked up a remarkable 111 goals and 109 assists in the 336 appearances he’s made across all competitions, with 74 goals and 73 assists coming in his 236 league appearances.

How Fernandes is faring as of late

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Amidst United’s turbulent start to 2026/2027, Fernandes has still established himself atop the charts for a number of impressive feats, those being the most goals and assists of any player, most distance covered, most chances created and the highest-rated player, as per FotMob.

However, his actual goal return has taken a hit in recent weeks, as he has gone the last four league outings without contributing, despite starting and playing the full 90 minutes in each match.

Fernandes will be desperate to put an end to his unwanted streak tomorrow afternoon, when the Reds travel to Elland Road to lock horns with arch-rivals Leeds United in a 2pm kick-off.

Then, it’s another Champions League test, with an away clash against Como on the horizon next Wednesday evening.