'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#8 Tomas Soucek | West Ham United
Amidst the galore of massive big-money signings made by Premier League clubs, Tomas Soucek arrived at West Ham United as part of a low-profile deal. However, based on the impact he had, there is a very good case for this move being one of the smartest Premier League signings over the last couple of years. Soucek has been a transformative figure for the Hammers, adding a new dimension to their midfield.
The towering Czech Republic star has been a menace in the air and on the pitch, scoring goals, destroying attacks, and covering every blade of grass.
No player has won more aerial duels than his 228 (!) this season, while only two midfielders have bettered his tally of ten goals. With his incredible presence, energy and aerial dominance, Soucek was a colossal figure for West Ham in 2020-21.
#7 N'Golo Kante | Chelsea
Chelsea's diminutive midfield star N'Golo Kante has enjoyed a great run of form and has had a superb campaign for the Blues. Kante endured a fair few injury concerns last season but appeared to have put them behind him to deliver consistently for Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea. He's formed a great partnership with Jorginho in the middle, disrupting attacks and carrying the ball forward regularly.
While he began the campaign deeper in midfield, Kante was pushed higher up by Tuchel and has benefitted massively. The 30-year-old's tally of 62 interceptions is only bettered by Declan Rice, and Kante has also completed 76.3% of his dribbles, bettered only by four midfielders.
He has played fewer minutes than everyone else on this list bar Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan with 2146 (23.8 90s). However, he's been pivotal for Chelsea's upturn in form under Tuchel.
#6 Declan Rice | West Ham United
The other half of West Ham United's brilliant midfield duo, Declan Rice was already one of the most impressive players in the league. The Englishman's displays have steadily improved over the last couple of years. However, this season, the 22-year-old has truly taken things to the next level and has grown into a leader for the Hammers.
Taking over the captaincy mantle from Mark Noble, Rice has been phenomenal in the middle, playing as either a destroyer or a carrier based on the circumstances. He is one of the catalysts for West Ham's push for European football.
No midfielder has bettered his tally of 68 interceptions this season, while he also boasts of the highest dribble completion percentage in the league with 89.1. Rice, much like West Ham, has had a remarkable Premier League campaign.
#5 Rodrigo Hernandez | Manchester City
Manchester City's metronome in midfield, Rodri, is comfortably one of the best passers in the Premier League. The Spanish international is one of the key reasons for City's creative unit being able to venture further forward as he excels in mopping up for them deeper in midfield and screening his backline. Rodri was one of the most pivotal players during their resurgence midway through the season.
He might not have the most impressive defensive stats, but Rodri is, more often than not, in the right place at the right time. His athletic frame enables him to nudge people off the ball and recycle possession, turning defence into attack.
No midfielder in the league has won a higher percentage of aerial duels than Rodri's 76.5 this season, while he's also won 60 tackles, bettered by only four midfielders.
Also read: Ranking the 5 most likely destinations for Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane
