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.
17. Rhyss Campbell (Coleraine)
Campbell enjoyed a solid first season at Coleraine after joining from Dungannon Swifts, scoring nine Premiership goals. Photo: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press
18. Kealan Dillon (Dungannon Swifts)
Dillon has been superb for Dungannon since joining from Warrenpoint Town and forms part of a superb midfield alongside the likes of Gael Bigirimana, Leo Alves and James Knowles. He also has an eye for a spectacular goal, scoring four times last season alongside providing five assists. Photo: DESMOND LOUGHERY
19. David Fisher (Glentoran)
Glentoran's David Fisher scored 11 league goals in his first Irish League campaign and netted five times last season. He signed a new long-term deal with the Glens earlier this year. Photo: David Maginnis
20. Chris McKee (Linfield)
Former Rangers youngster McKee scored seven league goals for Linfield last season and was also named captain on a couple of occasions towards the end of the campaign. Photo: Andrew McCarroll