'%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)
In modern football, players are far more multi-dimensional than what was the case a decade ago and managers hold versatility in high-regard. Much like the full-back position that has evolved over the years, the job of an average midfielder is far more complicated in the current day.
The idea of an attacking midfielder or a #10 is slowly becoming a thing of the past, with the top European clubs moving away from one-dimensional players in favour of the ones who give you the best of both worlds.
The most startling example of attacking midfielders falling out of favour is the career paths of Mesut Ozil, Philippe Coutinho and James Rodriguez over the past couple of seasons. Widely regarded as the best players in the world in that position, the trio have endured torrid times due to the demands of modern football and have fallen out of favour at their respective clubs.
In stark contrast, the likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, amongst others, have enjoyed a stunning rise to the top. Quality box-to-box midfielders are a scarcity amongst the top clubs in world football currently, as their matchwinning abilities on both ends of the pitch cant be taken for granted.
On that note, here are the five best players in the position as things stand.
#5 Jordan Henderson | Liverpool
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson enjoyed his best-ever season as a professional footballer and spearheaded the Reds to their first Premier League title in over 30 years. The Englishman was at the heart of Jurgen Klopp's midfield and impressed with his ability on both ends of the pitch.
A tenacious midfielder with tactical intelligence and a respectable passing range, Henderson was a force to be reckoned with in the Liverpool midfield. The 30-year-old has always been a reliable figure in mopping from the centre of the park and also contributed with four goals and five assists in the Premier League.
The former Sunderland man is not the most exciting choice on paper but his all-round ability makes him an indispensable member of Klopp's star-studded side.
#4 Paul Pogba | Manchester United
Based on the 2019-20 season, it would be unfair to include Paul Pogba in the list of best box-to-box midfielders in the world. However, in the grand scheme of things, it could be argued that the Frenchman is the most complete player in the position based on his skill-set.
Blessed with an excellent passing range and shooting ability, Pogba is a terrific athlete and has served as the engine room of the midfielder for Manchester United and the French national team. The 27-year-old is amongst the most talented midfielders in world football currently and has shown flashes of his brilliance in his topsy-turvy spell at Old Trafford.
Since returning from an injury post lockdown, Pogba has been a regular feature of the Manchester United side and will look to spearhead his team to Europe League glory this month.
Also Read: 5 best right-backs in world football at the moment
#3 Leon Goretzka | Bayern Munich
A vital cog of Bayern Munich's midfield, Leon Gortetzka overcame a slow start to his career at the Allianz Arena to nail down a starting spot under Hansi Flick. With Joshua Kimmich partnering him in a 4-2-3-1, Goretzka has predominantly served in a withdrawn role but it goes without saying that he is a box-to-box midfielder by trade.
Having impressed in that role for Schalke and the German national team, the 25-year-old has notched up eight goals and ten assists in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.
Goretzka has been so impressive that at times, a midfielder as technically gifted as Thiago Alcantara has been left on the bench to accommodate him in the side. The German international has come of age and delivered mature performances this season and will look to carry on his form in the Champions League knockout stages.
#2 Gini Wijnaldum | Liverpool
Another Liverpool player on the list, Gini Wijnaldum has been a reliable player for the Reds since signing in the summer of 2016. The Dutchman is a terrific box-to-box athlete and his versatility has seen him flourish in several positions in the centre of the park for Jurgen Klopp's men.
While he plays in a slightly withdrawn role for Liverpool and covers for the full-backs bombing up and down the pitch, Wijnaldum is usually deployed as a creative midfielder for the Netherlands.
In the past 12 months, the 29-year-old has delivered eye-catching displays for club and country in different positions, proving that he is amongst the most complete footballers around.
With just a year left on his current deal, Liverpool will be hoping to tie down one of their most dependable players to a long-term contract in the coming weeks.
#1 Luka Modric | Real Madrid
Luka Modric has set the standard in the position over the years and continues to play a key role for Real Madrid. The Croatian midfielder is entering the twilight years of his career but is still a valuable member of Zinedine Zidane's side, having spearheaded them to a stunning La Liga triumph earlier this year.
Modric is one of the most technically gifted players of his generation and has backed up his ability with his work-rate and warrior-like attitude over the years. The 35-year-old featured 40 times for Real Madrid in the 2019-20 season and also chipped in with five goals and eight assists, as he rolled back the years and produced the goods for his side.
The former Tottenham midfielder is edging closer to retirement but his contributions to the game in the modern era will be remembered for a long time. Modric is often viewed as the benchmark when it comes to players in his position and the fact that he has a Ballon d'Or to his name is another example of highly-regarded he is.
Also Read: 5 replacements for Toni Kroos at Real Madrid
