'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Rodri | Manchester City
When Rodri's style of play catapulted him into the limelight at the Wanda Metropolitano, Pep Guardiola quickly came calling and the star has continued to impress at the Etihad Stadium. His massive work-rate and relentless ability to recycle possession for Cityzens while anticipating the game to thwart counter attacks has been world-class.
In nine Premier League games this season, the star has averaged 82 passes per game. His defensive work-rate in the Champions League has seen him make three tackles and two interceptions per game. Rodri was key to Manchester City's recent Premier League title win, as well as their back-to-back League Cups.
#2 Fabinho | Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have gone from being a top-six side to strong title contenders and European champions. While many of the accolades have gone to goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and marksman Mohamed Salah, Fabinho has been the battery in Liverpool's rise to the top. Since joining the side in 2018, the Brazilian international has guided the Reds to three major trophies.
Because of Liverpool's overlapping full-backs, Fabinho is left to hold down the defensive fort alongside the two centre-halves. His ability to read the game and anticipate passes usually means that the Reds regain and recycle possession more than most of their opponents. Fabinho has managed nearly four tackles and two interceptions per game in the Champions League this season.
#1 Jorginho | Chelsea
When Jorginho was shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or, it hardly came as a surprise to many. The star had guided Chelsea to European domination in the Champions League, and was part of the Italy side that won the Euro. Notably seen as the Blues' conductor, UEFA Men's Player of the Year Jorginho is a defensive midfield maestro who efficiently wins the ball and recycles possession from deep.
Last season, Jorginho ranked first in tackles and second in interceptions in the Champions League. He has continued in similar fashion this season, winning over three tackles and two interceptions per game. His presence in Italy's Euro win was evident as the star won nearly four interceptions per game across seven games. While he may not win the Ballon d'Or this November, his presence on the list is a clear testament to his brilliance in midfield.
