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#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 With Joshua Kimmich partnering him in a 4-2-3-1, Goretzka has predominantly served in a withdrawn role but it goes without saying that he is a box-to-box midfielder by trade.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While he plays in a slightly withdrawn role for Liverpool and covers for the full-backs bombing up and down the pitch, Wijnaldum is usually deployed as a creative midfielder for the Netherlands.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.
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