'%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,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAFAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgX/2gAIAQEAAAAAgv8A/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAhAAAAA7/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAgBAxAAAAA//8QAHxAAAQQCAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBAUAEhETJDJB/9oACAEBAAE/ALCNC0Kwai9SRRcLqE1XldCJNVX14LK2pJ+uium+3sbQkvjh9TP/xAAZEQABBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAAMEFCH/2gAIAQIBAT8AvSBbwl//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAAH/2gAIAQMBAT8AXG//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#8 Manuel Locatelli (Sassuolo)
Manuel Locatelli's emergence at AC Milan in 2017 coincided with the legendary Andrea Pirlo's retirement. Locatelli was widely considered the future of the AC Milan midfield but an unfortunate series of events in the following year resulted in his departure to fellow Serie A club Sassuolo.
The prodigious midfielder has done well to take the change of scenery into this stride and has developed into of Italy's most promising midfielders. Locatelli has thrived in Roberto De Zerbi's double pivot at Sassuolo and has excelled alongside veteran midfielder Francesco Magnanelli.
Sassuolo are currently in fourth place in the Serie A standings and will look for a top-four finish this season. The Neroverdi have a wonderful blend of youth and experience in their squad and could potentially pave the way for Locatelli's introduction to the UEFA Champions League.
#7 Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan)
Ismael Bennacer joined Arsenal as an 18-year-old midfielder but was unable to impress the Gunners. His stature at AC Milan now, however, will certainly leave the North London giants pondering over what might have been.
Bennacer has been at the heart of Stefano Pioli's revolution at AC Milan and has been one of the most consistent performers in the Serie A. The Algerian midfielder's tactical understanding of the game belies his age and his importance to AC Milan's resurgence in the Serie A is evident in his displays on the pitch.
Bennacer is primarily a defensive midfielder and can also double down as a deep-lying playmaker. The youngster's ability to facilitate his team's transition from defence to attack on the pitch makes him one of AC Milan's most valuable players.
#6 Franck Kessie (AC Milan)
Franck Kessie is one of the most complete midfielders in the Serie A at the moment. The Ivorian midfielder has started 12 games for AC Milan in the league this season and has been crucial to the Rossoneri's unbeaten streak under Stefano Pioli.
AC Milan have incredibly never lost a game in the Serie A when Kessie has found the back of the net. The Rossoneri have launched an audacious title bid this season and Kessie is likely to be its primary driving force.
With four goals, two assists, and a series of match-winning performances this season, Kessie has finally achieved the heights that was expected of him after his move to AC Milan. With Stefano Pioli at the helm, the Ivorian star may well win his first Serie A title this season.
#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
In Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio have one of the most well-rounded players in Europe. The Serbian midfielder combines his imposing physicality with an impeccable passing range and has become a talisman for his side this year.
The midfielder has started 11 games in the Serie A this season and has recorded three goals and four assists. Lazio were Serie A title contenders for a discernible period of time last season, and Milinkovic-Savic's performances have made the Biancocelesti a prominent force on the European front.
The midfielder has had his fair share of injury concerns this season but his performances for the club have made him one of the first names on the teamsheet alongside Ciro Immobile. Milinkovic-Savic has a bright future at Lazio and is one of the Serie A's most talented prospects.
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