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In modern football, there are various kinds of midfielders - holding midfielder, central midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, attacking midfielders and the No.10s. Midfield is arguably the most important position on a football pitch, as big matches and tight encounters are often decided by battles in this area of the pitch.
Each of the midfield positions requires a particular skillset and years of expertise, which only a few footballers can execute at an elite level. Box-to-box midfielders can play a massive role in the smooth transition from the defensive third to the opposition half.
They can effectively perform the dual role of a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, retrieving the ball for the team while also driving forward with it. On that note, here's a look at the five best box-to-box midfielders in world football currently.
#5 Jordan Henderson
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is one of the finest box-to-box midfielders of his generation, and is a tireless workhorse in the middle of the park.
Henderson is a solid presence in front of Liverpool’s backline, and can stifle opposition attacks time and time again. The Englishman is a physically formidable force with impeccable defensive awareness, but has added a lot more going forward in recent years.
The tenacious midfielder has shown a willingness to drive the ball forward in open spaces, which in turn creates more room for Liverpool’s attacking three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Henderson also possesses good passing range and vision to pick out a teammate in the final third.
The 2019-20 season was a testament to Henderson’s improvement in the opposition half. With plenty of penetrating passes and brave surges forward, the Englishman notched up four goals and five assists in 30 Premier League appearances.
#4 Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum will always be fondly remembered by the Reds faithful for his indispensable role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs in successive seasons.
The Dutch midfielder has often been overshadowed by Liverpool’s explosive front three and Raphael Van Dijk, but his contributions have been pivotal in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Wijnaldum functioned as the shield in front of Liverpool’s backline, and was also a dynamic ball carrier into the final third. Along with Jordan Henderson and James Milner, the Dutchman ensured a smooth transition of play from defence to attack. That created countless chances for Liverpool’s attacking trio.
Even though Liverpool underwhelmed in the 2020-21 campaign, Wijnaldum continued to impress. He absorbed some pressure off Liverpool’s makeshift defensive pairing of Ozan Kabak and Nathaniel Phillips in the absence of Van Dijk.
The 30-year-old recently joined PSG on a free transfer, and will likely bolster their midfield ranks. Wijnaldum will join forces with Marco Verratti in the middle of the park with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Mbappe in front of him. If he can recreate some of his best form, the Parisian forwards will have chances galore.
#3 Leon Goretzka
Leon Groetzka has established himself as one of the best midfielders in world football right now, featuring as a regular starter in Bayern Munich’s star-studded XI.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with Manchester United in the ongoing summer transfer window, and it is no surprise that top European clubs are keen on Goretzka’s signature.
The German is technically gifted and tactically astute, making him one of the most complete midfielders in the world game. Goretzka was hugely impressive during his five-year spell at Schalke, and has only grown from strength to strength since his move to Bayern Munich in 2018.
The prolific midfielder has already notched up 115 appearances in his relatively young Bayern Munich career. Goretzka has registered a direct involvement in 51 goals (25 goals, 26 assists), averaging a goal contribution every 2.25 games.
Goretzka most memorably played a pivotal role in the club’s 2019-20 Champions League triumph, where he formed a formidable midfield partnership with Joshua Kimmich.
#2 IIkay Gundogan
Another German international on our list is IIkay Gundogan, who has evolved into one of the premier goalscoring midfielders in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old endured a torrid time with recurring injuries in the early stages of his Manchester City career, but displayed glimpses of wizardry and brilliance in his limited time on the pitch.
However, over the past few seasons, Gundogan has effectively become injury-free, and with more minutes under his belt, the German has grown in confidence. Gundogan showcased some of his best football last season as he controlled and dictated play from the middle of the park.
The German is an excellent reader of the game, and is always aware of the right moments to surge forward. Gundogan enjoyed one of his best goalscoring seasons in the 2020-21 campaign, finding the back of the net 17 times in 46 appearances. He provided five assists, and also functioned as the defensive cover in Manchester City’s fluid system.
#1 Paul Pogba
The Frenchman is off to a flying start in the 2021-22 campaign, with five assists in his first two league appearances of the season.
At his peak, there is no better box-to-box midfielder than Paul Pogba, as he can single-handedly dominate the midfield battle. The Manchester United man is tactically astute, and one of the most physically formidable footballers on the continent.
Pogba has the ability to win the ball back from the opponents, and also possesses the raw pace and drive to carry the ball into the final third.
At the same time, the 28-year-old is blessed with an immense passing range and has the vision to pick out his teammates in dangerous positions. The FIFA World Cup winner also has a good eye for goal, with a contribution of 88 goals (38 goals, 50 assists) during his second spell at Old Trafford.
Many would rightly argue that Pogba has not lived up to the lofty €105 million price tag, but at this moment, the Frenchman looks like a million bucks.
