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The midfield is considered an important area on the football pitch, there crucial encounters are won or lost. It determines strength and adds balance to a team. It is instrumental in determining the results of several key matches in modern day football.
There are several important positions in midfield which are taken by specialist players who try to influence the game via their positions. With tectonic shifts in football due to modern day technology, the importance of midfielders in the game has increased to a large extent, hence they are recognised for the value they provide the team.
There have been teams like Barcelona who revolutionised football with their tiki-taka philosophy, gaining dominance via the midfield. This philosophy also helped Spain win 2 European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Managers need to constantly evaluate their midfields in order to make the team competitive. Lets have a look at 3 teams in the world who have the best midfields at the moment.
#3 Real Madrid
The presence of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric make Real Madrid’s midfield world-class. Despite Real Madrid’s recent poor form and their managerial turmoil, it is impossible to exclude the midfield-pair from this slideshow.
Being excellent passers, the pair are also creative players who look to create goal-scoring chances for their strikers via the excellent vision they possess. They also have the ability to shoot from distance, are excellent in taking set-pieces for the team, and are brilliant in intercepting the ball due to their alertness and ability to read the game.
The additional presence of Casemiro as a central defensive midfielder provides cover to the Real Madrid defense in order to protect them from the opposition’s counter-attacks. Hence, he brings balance to Real Madrid with his defensive skill-set and passing ability.
The midfield trio have won Real Madrid 3 consecutive Champions League titles, proving they excel in big matches.
#2 Chelsea
Chelsea has probably the best midfield in the Premier League this season. The midfield trio of Chelsea consisting of Jorginho, Kante, and Kovacic have been in phenomenal form, and are one of the reasons for Chelsea’s improved performance this season.
Jorginho is the heart of the midfield, and has the role of keeping possession for the team and rotating the ball from one flank to another. He is also responsible for intercepting the ball from the opposition, and creating counter-attacks for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s new manager Sarri has given Kante more freedom to join the Chelsea attack, and create chances for them. With his tremendous pace, Kante also has the ability to track back in time, helping Chelsea’s defense during the opposition’s counter-attacks.
Kovacic on the other hand, is responsible for playing through balls to the Chelsea attackers, creating goal-scoring opportunities for Hazard and co. He is deputed with a more attacking role for Chelsea.
The presence of Ross Barkley on the bench gives a more attacking option for Chelsea in their midfield, and hence is brought on when Chelsea need a goal.
#1 Barcelona
Barcelona has perhaps the best midfield in the world this season. They have dominated in midfield this season due to their famous possession philosophy. With the signing of Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal in the summer, Barca has added depth and bolstered their midfield.
The flexibility of players like Sergio Roberto and Phillipe Coutinho gives them an edge over other teams in the midfield area. The presence of dependable, calm, and composed Sergio Busquets in central defensive midfield, gives them an advantage over other teams.
He alongside Ivan Rakitic control the match for Barcelona by retaining possession and also creating chances. They are also responsible for shielding the vulnerable defense of Barcelona, especially when Barcelona have lost possession, or when the opposition is counter-attacking.
Barcelona has a world-class midfield, capable of beating any top side in the world.
