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#3 Nicolo Barella - Inter Milan
Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is currently one of the best midfielders in Italy and has garnered interest from a multitude of European giants. In Conte's system at Inter Milan, Nicolo Barella plays as what is traditionally known as a mezzala destra or the right centre-midfielder.
Barella is known for his strength and endurance but he is also quite good with the ball at his feet. He drops back to cover for his wing-back and also joins the attack and makes himself an option in the final third whenever Inter Milan break.
The 24-year-old has six assists and three goals for Inter Milan across all competitions. One of the best things about Barella's game, in addition to his tenacity and the bite that he shows, is his dribbling ability. He loves taking players on and beating them and it's a skill that's crucial for box-to-box midfielders.
#2 Leon Goretzka - Bayern Munich
Leon Goretzka has transformed into a world-class box-to-box midfielder at Bayern Munich. His physical transformation has definitely aided his process and after being used in a wide variety of roles, Goretzka has finally become the heartbeat of the Bayern Munich midfield.
Goretzka recovers possession a lot in midfield and is relentlessly hounding attackers hoping to dispossess them. He has improved so many aspects of his game over the past two years that he can thrive in any role in midfield but it's quite clear to us that he works best when he bombs up and down the pitch and helps out on both sides of the pitch.
Goretzka has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists for both club and country across all competitions this term and is all set to hit his peak now.
#1 Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City
Ilkay Gundogan is one of the most technically accomplished midfielders of his generation. However, his career has been blighted by injuries and it looks like his days at Manchester City were also coming to an end. But he has flipped the script and gone on to become one of their most important players this season.
What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his technical ability. Gundogan has been an unlikely goalscoring outlet for Manchester City as well. Gundogan has scored a whopping 16 goals for Manchester City across all competitions and has two assists as well.
Gundogan has been an absolute revelation this season and is currently the best box-to-box midfielder in the world.
