The Premiership has continued to gain a bigger profile across recent years with the introduction of full-time football and increased investment.
Transfermarkt assign a market value to every top-flight player in Northern Ireland, which they say is “calculated by taking into account various pricing models and isn’t considered the same as a transfer fee. The goal is not to predict a price but an expected value of a player in a free market”.
We can use their findings to see who they view as the Irish League’s most valuable players. Here’s their top 25!
NOTE: Market values and data provided by Transfermarkt.
9. Matthew Fitzpatrick (Linfield)
Fitzpatrick was named in the NIFWA Team of the Year, was nominated for Player of the Year and took home a raft of personal accolades at Linfield's end of season ceremony for his role in their Premiership title triumph. Photo: Andrew McCarroll
10. Jordan Jenkins (Glentoran)
Jenkins enjoyed the best season of his career so far last term, scoring 12 Premiership goals and won Goal of the Season for his strike against Cliftonville. Photo: David Maginnis
11. Dan Gyollai (Glentoran)
The best goalkeeper in the Irish League last season, Gyollai kept 13 clean sheets in the Premiership and signed a new contract to remain at Glentoran earlier this year. Photo: Andrew McCarroll
12. Steven Scott (Dungannon Swifts)
Another player who was key in Dungannon's historic season, full-back Scott is still only 20 but has already racked up over 100 senior appearances and has signed a new contract to remain at Stangmore Park. Photo: David Maginnis