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Midfielders are arguably the hardest-working players in a team, as they provide a key link between attack and defense.
Like other positions on the field, there are various types of midfielders like box-to-box, central, defensive, attacking, and so on. The middle of the park is where games are often decided, so it is paramount that teams contending for titles have quality personnel in this key area of the field.
Over the years, a plethora of talented midfielders have graced the game and have been key to their teams winning big titles. On that note, here's a look at the five best midfielders aged 30 and above:
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#5 Luka Modric
Luka Modric may be 35, but he continues to produce performances for club and country that belies his age.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has been a standout performer for Real Madrid during a near decade-long stint at the Spanish giants. A mainstay in the Merengues' midfield, Modric has won two La Liga and four Champions League titles with Madrid.
Modric, who has played nearly 400 games for Madrid, has never been a prolific goalscorer. But he makes his presence felt on the field by making assists and orchestrating plays for his team from the middle of the park.
He has also played 140 games for Croatia, taking his team to the title match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Following the departure of Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi, Modric is one of the handful of experienced outfield players left in La Liga.
#4 Toni Kroos
Like his club team-mate Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, despite being on the wrong side of 30, is a mainstay in the middle third of the pitch for Real Madrid.
During his seven-season stay at Madrid, the midfield metronome has racked up a century of goal contributions (22 goals, 82 assists) in over 300 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Though he doesn't score too many goals, when he does, they are usually in big matches, like his free-kick against Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona earlier this year.
The two-time La Liga and four-time Champions League winner, considered one of the best in his position, is renowned for his vision, passing prowess, and creativity.
Usually deployed in a deep midfield role, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner has also been a standout performer for Germany, making 36 goal contributions (17 goals and 19 assists) in over 100 appearances.
#3 N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante is one of the finest defensive midfielders in the game today. The Frenchman burst onto the scene at Leicester City, playing a key role in the Foxes' unlikely Premier League triumph in 2015-16.
The 30-year-old was immediately snapped up by Chelsea, with whom he has won a Premier League, Champions League title, Europa League, and FA Cup title.
Kante, who has been a solid presence in defensive midfield for the Blues, put on a masterclass in last season's Champions League final against Manchester City.
Kante, who has made over 200 appearances across competitions for Chelsea, has also impressed for France, making 50 appearances and winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
#2 Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum was a key player in the resurgence of Liverpool as a force to be reckoned with under Jurgen Klopp.
An ever-present in the middle third of the pitch for the Reds, the Dutchman notched up 22 goals and 16 assists in almost 250 games. But his contribution to the team's cause was much more than goal contributions alone.
The 30-year-old did not hog as much of the limelight as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, or Sadio Mane. But Wijnaldum was one of the leaders and unsung stars at Liverpool and has also excelled for the Netherlands.
After leaving Anfield on a free transfer this summer, Wijnaldum has joined French giants PSG.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the game at the moment. The Manchester City and Belgium midfield metronome has produced consistently impressive performances for club and country.
The 30-year-old is the crown jewel in Pep Guardiola's expensively assembled Manchester City team.
The assist king has racked up a century of assists across competitions for the Sky Blues and played a key role in their three Premier League wins in the last four years.
De Bruyne has also been a star performer for Belgium, scoring once and assisting twice in the Red Devils' campaign at Euro 2020, which ended in the quarter-finals against eventual champions Italy.
