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#3 Fabinho - Liverpool
19-time English league champions Liverpool are enjoying a decent campaign in 2021-22. Their title challenge looks a bit complicated, thanks to Manchester City’s blistering run, but their players seem to be at operating at an impressive level.
Fabinho, who occupies the defensive midfield role for the Reds, has been particularly impressive, emerging as their top-performing midfield star.
The former Monaco man operated as a centre-back for the majority of last season and put in some respectable performances. Thankfully, Jurgen Klopp did not stick with his original plan and has reinstated him in the middle of the park.
Since then, Fabinho has not only been a rock-solid anchor for the Merseysiders, but has also popped up with some crucial goals.
The Brazilian enjoys the thrill of scoring and already has three goals to his name in the Premier League this season. Interestingly, two of the Brazil international’s three goals have come in the last two top-flight games.
#2 Declan Rice - West Ham United
23-year-old Declan Rice is one of the most sought-after players in Europe right now. The West Ham United midfielder is smart and quick and seems to have a knack for making decisive contributions.
The captain of the London club has featured in all but one Premier League game this season, producing impressive showings in all of them.
The Hammers have emerged as a surprise contender in the Premier League top-four race this season, and Rice’s distribution has played a part in that. He dictates the tempo of the game like no other and has often popped up with key goal contributions.
The England international has one goal and four assists to his name this season, which is mighty impressive for a player in his position.
#1 Rodri - Manchester City
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League this season, and by a country mile.
In Pep Guardiola’s system, the former Atletico Madrid player has found his best self and is on course to win his second consecutive Premier League title.
Like most midfielders on our list, Rodri is an excellent distributor, knows how to intercept passes, and has a natural knack for sniffing out danger.
What makes the Spaniard unique is his utter and complete understanding of space. By calculating the space available to his opponents, the former Villarreal man cuts out passing lanes and forces them to give the ball away.
Apart from being a complete package at the base of midfield, Rodri has also scored a few times in the Premier League.
In 19 English top-flight appearances, the 25-year-old has scored three goals and provided an assist. His last first-division goal came in January itself, in City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on matchday 21.
