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Most midfielders are not expected to score goals. While different attributes are required for different roles, the goalscoring burden generally lies on attackers' shoulders.
However, there are certain midfielders who have made it a habit of regularly finding the net. Frank Lampard immediately comes to mind when one says "goalscoring midfielder". These days, midfielders are not as prolific, but still manage to contribute heavily in attack.
We look at the 5 best goalscoring midfielders in the Premier League this season (2021/22).
#5 Joe Willock (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United decided to spend their entire transfer budget on Joe Willock this summer.
Newcastle United's trust in Willock is understandable. The Englishman joined the club on loan in January this year from Arsenal and scored eight goals in just 14 appearances for the club. This included equalling club legend Alan Shearer's record of scoring in 7 consecutive games.
The Magpies spent nearly £27 million to sign him this summer. The 22-year old might not score at such a consistent level this season, but he has what it takes to become an integral member of the Newcastle United midfield.
#4 Tomas Soucek (West Ham United)
West Ham United have become a fun side to watch under the management of David Moyes.
The Hammers have made some smart signings since Moyes' arrival, with Tomas Soucek being one such player. The Czech Republic international initially joined the club on loan in January 2020. West Ham United signed him permanently that summer for nearly £15 million from Slavia Prague.
The 26-year old has been one of the better midfielders in the Premier League. Soucek has often been compared to Marouane Fellaini, with his physical ability and imposing midfield presence dovetailing well with his tendency to find the net often.
Socuek scored 10 goals and registered one assist in the 2020-21 Premier League season.
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#3 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Before last season, Ilkay Gundogan was not renowned for his goalscoring ability. Rather, he was known for his technical qualities and elegant midfield play.
Last season, Gundogan finished as Manchester City's top goalscorer in the Premier League as his club won the league title. The 30-year old made regular runs into the box and finished the season with 13 goals in the league. This is comfortably his highest tally in his professional career.
Gundogan joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for £24.3 million. He has since become an important and underrated member of the Manchester City midfield.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
One of the best players in world football, Kevin De Bruyne has lit up the Premier League with his world-class performances.
De Bruyne did not come cheap, with Manchester City paying Wolfsburg £68.4 million to sign him in 2015. The Belgium international has not disappointed though, and has consistently produced excellent performances for his club. The creative playmaker won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
De Bruyne has had some injury issues recently, but there has been no decline in his overall quality and form. The 30-year old is an essential player for both club and country.
#1 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League last season, Bruno Fernandes has completely transformed Manchester United.
Since joining the club in January 2020 from Sporting CP for nearly £57 million, Fernandes has barely put a foot wrong. Highly creative, Fernades is a dynamic and energetic presence in the Manchester United first XI who has made his name as a prolific goalscorer.
Fernandes won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award at Manchester United for the 2019-20 campaign, despite joining the club in February 2020. He repeated the feat by winning the award in 2020-21 for his outstanding performances.
The Portugal international is already a firm fan favourite. His transfer has been compared to that of the legendary Eric Cantona. Fernandes recently played an important role in ensuring club legend Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United.
Also Read: 10 highest-paid football players in the world (2021/22)
