10 best midfielders in world football this season (2020-21)

Toni Kroos, N'Golo Kante and Bruno Fernandes
Toni Kroos, N'Golo Kante and Bruno Fernandes

#7 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One
Real Madrid v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg One

Real Madrid have had a rather forgettable season. They have gone trophyless for the first time in 11 years and Zinedine Zidane has now left the manager's role. But to be fair, Real Madrid came close to being champions in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

While they lost the La Liga title on the final day of the season, they were knocked out in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Chelsea. So despite going trophyless, Real Madrid did produce some excellent displays and their midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were excellent yet again.

Kroos produced some mesmerizing displays this season with his performance against Liverpool in the first-leg of their quarter-final tie perhaps the best of the lot. The German international's incredible passing range and chemistry with Modric was on show and watching them at work was a treat for the most part.

In 42 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, Kroos scored three goals and provided 12 assists. He continues to run the show for Real Madrid and will be key to Germany's chances in the upcoming Euros.

#6 Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)

Atletico de Madrid v Athletic Club - La Liga Santander
Atletico de Madrid v Athletic Club - La Liga Santander

Marcos Llorente was one of the chief architects behind Atletico Madrid's triumphant La Liga campaign. Diego Simeone has truly transformed Llorente into one of the best attacking midfielders in the league and the Rojiblancos are reaping the rewards for it.

Though he thrives in an advanced role, Llorente is always keen to help out at the back. His defensive contributions have earned him a lot of praise in addition to his obvious attacking prowess.

Llorente finished the season with 13 goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. He is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world right now.

#5 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

FC Bayern Munich v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One
FC Bayern Munich v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Quarter Final: Leg One

Over the course of the 2020-21 season, Thomas Muller proved yet again why he is one of the best in the business in and around the final third. For a striker to keep stacking up numbers like Robert Lewandowski does, he needs support of elite quality and that's exactly what Thomas Muller provides him with at Bayern Munich.

Muller topped the Bundesliga charts for key passes, assists and goal-creating actions. In addition to his playmaking skills, Muller also has a keen eye for goal and he often alleviates the goalscoring burden on Lewandowski by finding the back of the net.

Muller scored 15 goals and provided 24 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this term.

#4 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Manchester City v Everton - Premier League
Manchester City v Everton - Premier League

Kevin De Bruyne had to deal with multiple injury issues throughout the season. Whenever he has played, though, he has shown that he is arguably the finest playmaker in the game right now.

De Bruyne is the kind of midfielder whom midfielders would love to have behind them. His passing range is incredible and he can score screamers with either foot. The Belgian international was key to Manchester City's dominant display this season and it's a pity he couldn't cap off a wonderful season by winning the Champions League.

Kevin De Bruyne scored 10 goals and provided 18 assists from 40 matches across all competitions this season. He also won the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup.

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