MICHAEL VAN GERWEN hit out at the Premier League line-up and insisted it “could have been stronger”.
Mighty Mike, 35, then revealed who he would have given the nod to for the eight-player tournament.
Michael van Gerwen would have named a different eight-man list for the 2025 Premier League[/caption]
Van Gerwen – a seven-time Premier League winner – kicked off the new 2025 campaign by beating Luke Littler in their quarter-final.
The Dutchman then lost to Luke Humphries before the 2024 world champ downed Chris Dobey 6-1 in a one-sided final.
Dobey and Stephen Bunting joined the line-up this year in place of Michael Smith and Peter Wright.
World No6, No7 and No8 – Jonny Clayton, Dave Chisnall and Damon Heta – all missed out on a spot despite their high rankings.
And Van Gerwen was not afraid to air his views.
Speaking to BetMGM, MVG said: “It’s an incredibly difficult decision for the PDC to choose the line-up – I think they did well.
“It’s quite strong but it could have been a little bit stronger.
“I miss one good player – Michael Smith.
“But outside that, it’s eight really good darts players and that’s what people want to see.
“Moving forward we want to create an atmosphere, too.
“It’s important to be a good player but it’s also how you come on stage and the show you put on. That’s all part of it.
“It’s very hard for the PDC to pick the line-up, but I still think they did well.”
Smith beat Van Gerwen in the epic 2023 World Championship final but was dropped by the PDC for this year’s Premier League as his ranking points dropped off.
He is now down at 18 in the Order of Merit and is struggling with arthritis in his throwing hand.
Bully Boy said: “I’ve had it for a few years now. It was always when it was winter so I thought it was just the cold affecting it.
“But it just keeps getting worse and worse. My wrist will start swelling up and the constant pain where I can’t bend it so it is getting a bit difficult.”
On his Premier League snub, he added: “The biggest thing now is obviously being left out of the Premier League.
“That was the kick up the backside I needed. Especially after winning the worlds and then not doing what [2024 champion] Luke Humphries did – just going and keeping winning.
“I kind of took time away. I just wanted to enjoy myself as a world champion.
“And I think that has been my hindrance. Being left out the Premier League, it’s time to work hard again.”
Michael Smith was among the big names left out[/caption]
