5 best midfield trios in Europe right now (2021)

#3 Real Madrid

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Real Madrid are at the top of the La Liga table and are eight points ahead of second-placed Sevilla. Carlo Ancelotti has been able to bring out the best in some of these Real Madrid superstars and they've been reaping the benefits of hard work.

Los Blancos' iconic midfield trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric continue to wreak havoc in Europe. Kroos and Modric are two of the most technically proficient midfielders on the planet. Both have exemplary passing range and are two of the tidiest customers in midfield with the ball at their feet.

Modric is more of a ball carrier than Kroos. The German international makes up for his lack of pace with his tactical intelligence. However, it is important to note that Modric is now 36 and Kroos is 31. Real Madrid have an aging core at the end of the day but this midfield works without hitches because of one more man.

Brazilian international Casemiro sits behind Kroos and Modric and provides cover for his defence. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and is a belligerent presence in the center of the park. Casemiro doesn't shy away from tackles and is Real Madrid's most important player when their opposition breaks on the counter.

The 29-year-old can also score some worldies from range. The iconic Real Madrid trio have won three successive Champions League titles and are still going strong.

#2 Bayern Munich

FC Bayern München v VfL Bochum - Bundesliga

Bayern Munich have one of the most stable midfield trios in the game right now. Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller are three of the very best at what they do.

Kimmich is a deep-lying playmaker who is also an excellent destroyer of attacks in midfield. He is an extremely intelligent player who is also technically adept. Kimmich helps win the ball back in midfield, his distribution is exemplary and he is arguably the best deep-lying playmaker in the world right now.

Leon Goretzka is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Bundesliga. He bombs up and down the pitch and is a physically dominant presence in midfield. Goretzka is also a threat from set-pieces thanks to his aerial ability. His game is also quite well-rounded and he is the perfect foil for Kimmich.

Thomas Muller operates ahead of Goretzka and Kimmich and the veteran attacking midfielder continues to be outstanding at his job. Muller's movement in and around the final third, coupled with his deft touches and slick passing, make him a nightmare for opposition defenders.

#1 Manchester City

Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League

Having been a great technical midfielder himself, Pep Guardiola knows exactly what kind of players he wants in the center of the park. His teams are usually populated with players who are extremely good with the ball at their feet. The same goes for his midfielders.

Manchester City have had to play most of the 2021-22 season so far without their main man Kevin De Bruyne. While most teams would miss a player of De Bruyne's caliber quite dearly, Manchester City seem to be doing just fine without him.

Rodri can be phenomenal at the base of midfield on his day. With Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva offering an adequate amount of support, Rodri cleans things up in midfield with ease. His distribution is also top notch and it helps Manchester City get on the front foot immediately after they've won possession.

Ilkay Gundogan's passing and movement tied with his experience make him a great asset. The German international is also renowned for his ability to attack the box and chip in with crucial goals.

Bernardo Silva has been playing some of the best football of his career this season. He has never looked as confident on the ball and it is now fair to say that he is a worthy successor to Manchester City legend David Silva.