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Box-to-box midfielders are dynamic and versatile players who excel in both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game. Positioned in the heart of the midfield, they possess the ability to cover large distances on the field, contributing on both ends of the pitch.
These midfielders exhibit great stamina, combining tireless running with intelligent positioning to support their team in attack and quickly recover possession in defense.
Box-to-box midfielders are adept at making driving runs, carrying the ball forward and initiating attacking moves, while also displaying defensive discipline and tackling skills to thwart opposition attacks.
Their all-round abilities make them vital components of any team, providing a crucial link between the defense and attack and adding energy and dynamism to the midfield. Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe this season.
#5 Gavi (Barcelona)
The wiry and combative Gavi is a box-to-box midfielder who is known for his high work rate, dribbling skills, passing ability and vision. He is also a good tackler and can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Gavi is a dynamic midfielder who can play in a variety of midfield roles, but he is most effective as a box-to-box midfielder. Still only 18 years old, Gavi has a very bright future ahead of him and is already a huge fan-favorite at Camp Nou.
In 46 appearances in all competitions so far this season, Gavi has scored two goals and provided six assists.
#4 Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Federico Valverde has had a very good 2022-23 season for Real Madrid. He made 54 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists. He has slowly but surely made himself an unavoidable part of this Real Madrid side.
The Uruguayan midfielder can also play in multiple positions and is often deployed down the right wing. As a box-to-box midfielder, he is renowned for his work rate, athleticism, defensive abilities and ball-progression skills.
Of late, he has also added goals to his repertoire and has burgeoned into one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti.
#3 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
After all the drama and speculation last summer regarding his future, Frenkie de Jong decided to stay put at Barcelona and cement his place in the starting lineup. He has done a great job for the Catalans this season and the dynamic central midfielder's technical qualities are second to none in Spain.
De Jong is capable of weaving his way through crowded spaces with the elegance of a gazelle and he is also a very creative presence in midfield. The Dutchman also possesses an excellent reading of the game and is very good at making interceptions.
De Jong contributes well on either side of the pitch and has played a crucial role in Barcelona's triumphant La Liga campaign this term. In 40 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona so far this season, De Jong has scored two goals and provided three assists.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gundogan had a very good 2022-23 season for Manchester City. He made 48 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.
He captained City to Premier League glory and in what could be his final season at the club, the Germany international could lead them to a continental treble.
Gundogan started the season slowly, but he found his form in the second half of the season. He was particularly impressive as the Premier League title race became more intense towards the business end of the campaign, scoring four goals and providing an assist in his last two appearances against Leeds United and Everton.
While his exquisite technical qualities helped City make a difference in the final third, his astute game intelligence ensured they remained stoic in defensive transitions.
#1 Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Jude Bellingham is arguably the most sought-after box-to-box midfielder in the world right now. The young Englishman is a tireless worker who is always willing to put in a shift both offensively and defensively. He is constantly moving and running and he never seems to get tired.
Although primarily a box-to-box midfielder, he can play in a holding role or even pull strings in the final third as an attacking midfielder. Bellingham has excellent vision and passing range but it's his composure and mentality at such a young age that truly sets him apart.
Bellingham has been a standout performer for Borussia Dortmund this season and they could be on their way to winning the Bundesliga after a gap of 10 years. In 42 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit so far this season, the 19-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided seven assists.
He seems set to join Real Madrid at the end of the season after agreeing personal terms with them earlier this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.
