VAN GERWEN: “I MISS ONE GOOD PLAYER”

By Aaron Nijjar 

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN believes the Premier League eight-man lineup “could have been stronger” and that Michael Smith should not have been dropped.  

‘The Green Machine’ 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.  

‘Bully Boy’ and Peter Wright were both axed from last year’s roster after they were replaced by Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey.  

World No. 3 Van Gerwen praised the PDC’s selection process while highlighting Smith’s absence.  

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.”  

He added: “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 triumphed over Van Gerwen in the thrilling 2023 World Championship final but was excluded from this year’s Premier League by the PDC after his ranking points fell.  

Now ranked 18th in the Order of Merit, the talented St Helens ace is also battling arthritis in his throwing hand.