"Keep your eye on that lad, he’s going to be one hell of a player" - Phil Taylor picks out darters to be in next year's Premier League while disclosing update on Adrian Lewis

Phil Taylor was among the many well-known darts faces who attended the 2025 Target Launch, with him struggling to keep up to date with all of the new inovations in the game.

Speaking to Online Darts, The Power said: "It’s great to see all the new products. I mean, it’s very innovative—how they keep reinventing the wheel, that’s what it’s like. They keep pushing forward, bringing out new ideas. How they do it, I don’t know—I ain’t clever enough! But what Garry Plummer and his team do is second to none. I remember when I was still playing and Garry would say, “Try them, Phil.” From there to where it is now—it’s unbelievable.

"It’s lovely. It’s a different atmosphere because everyone’s relaxed—we’re not in competition. When you go to the Worlds or Blackpool, obviously you’re in competition and it’s like a big scrap. But here it’s relaxed, everybody’s enjoying it. Even Raymond’s had a smile on his face!"

At the World Series of Darts Finals, Michael van Gerwen returned to his best form by picking up his first major title in two years in Amsterdam, defeating the reigning champion Luke Littler in what seemed to be a return to form for the three-time World Champion. Taylor was not surprised at van Gerwen winning the event, but also mentioned Josh Rock and the talent he holds.

"No, not at all. Especially in Holland—he’s on home turf, so the crowd were very much on his side," he said. "Very loud, very vocal. A lot of whistling, which I detest—not fair on the other players, especially young Josh [Rock], who’s still learning his trade. But keep your eye on that lad. We had a good chat last night—once he gets through the whistling and booing and hits his doubles, he’s going to be one hell of a player. He is already, but he can get better.

When asked about the 2026 Premier League lineup, he had Rock firmly among his candidates, as he said: "I’d put him second place. My first three would be Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey. I also like Nathan Aspinall. They’re some of my favourite players."

Littler has taken the darting world by storm since reaching the 2024 World Championships final. He will return at the end of the year to defend his title, with the 16-time World Champion confident that he can go back-to-back.

"Definitely. He’s got a massive chance," Taylor said. "I’ve chatted with his mum and dad about what I used to do—do everything right. Don’t go out, don’t get colds or flu. Have your medication ready, because those two weeks are the biggest of your life. He can win a million pounds and retire if he invests it properly. So my advice: keep doing what you’re doing, but improve. Change something to make yourself even better.

When asked if Littler had any weaknesses, Taylor said: "Sometimes. Studying Luke, I’d say if he knows he can beat you, you’re in for a game. But if he has that little element of doubt, he’s not quite the same player. Same with Nathan Aspinall. Against players he thinks he can beat, he whitewashes them. If he thinks, “I’ve got a game here,” he doesn’t play as well—but still good, obviously."

Adrian Lewis has taken a hiatus from the sport over the last couple of years. The two-time world champion shared some memorable tussles with Taylor in the past, and even teamed up to win the World Cup three times for England, including their first triumph together in a memorable last-leg decider against Australia.

Taylor was glad to see his old comrade on the oche again, as he said: "Yeah, very much so. I like Adrian, I like his company, and I like seeing him back on the board."

When questioned if Lewis could get back to his old self, Taylor said: "He’s definitely got the talent. But age is creeping up. The youngsters can do five, six, seven hours of practice a day—that’s what you’ve got to do to compete. You’ve got to be 100% committed. And for Adrian, with a young family and his wife being ill, it’s very difficult for him to be 100% committed."