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The biggest league in the world, the English Premier League attracts some of the best players in world football.
With some of the biggest clubs in Europe taking part in the Premier League, as well as with the financial muscle that the league is able to flex, some of the world's best players and managers want to experience the Premier League at least once.
Recent seasons have seen midfielders dominate the discussion in the league. The signing of Bruno Fernandes by Manchester United, as well as the continued excellence of Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, have played a crucial role in this development.
We look at the:
5 best midfielders in the Premier League this season (2020/21)
#5 Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Leicester City have been an impressive outfit under the management of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfred Ndidi has been a crucial part of their good performances this season.
Long linked with some of the top clubs in Europe, Ndidi has been an ever-present in the Foxes midfield since his arrival. The 24-year old joined Leicester City from Genk in January 2017 for a fee of around £16 million, and if he does leave the club in the summer, Leicester City will make a huge profit on their investment.
A defensive behemoth, the Nigeria international is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. A strong tackler, Ndidi provides able protection to the Leicester City backline, and his rare absences due to injury or suspension further amplify his importance to the balance of the side.
Ndidi has made 171 appearances in all competitions for Leicester City. Manchester United, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea are all said to be interested in the midfielder.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne was the best player in the Premier League last season and he continues to be a key cog in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City paid £68.5 million to acquire the Belgium international from Wolfsburg in 2015. De Bruyne's earlier stint with Chelsea had not gone according to plan, and the midfielder had enjoyed one good season with Wolfsburg when Manchester City decided to buy him.
However, he has been sensational for the Cityzens. Renowned for his passing, crossing and creativity, the 29-year old has firmly established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League. His technical skills and attacking capabilities have been a boon to Guardiola's side.
De Bruyne has made 259 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring 66 goals and providing 106 assists. This season, the former Genk man has made 24 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists.
Also Read: 5 players who need to leave Real Madrid to build their careers
#3 Mason Mount (Chelsea)
During the start of his Chelsea career, then-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was often criticized for picking Mason Mount, and the youngster divided opinion.
These days though, Mount is seen as an essential part of Chelsea's best XI, and it is a credit to the England international for ignoring the initial criticism to climb to the top. A product of the famed Chelsea academy, Mount's talent was unquestionable, with loan spells at Vitesse and Derby County highlighting his ability.
There were doubts as to whether he could perform at the top level, and he has answered emphatically. A versatile player, Mount has been utilized in a variety of positions by Lampard and later Thomas Tuchel. The 22-year old's performance level has not dropped despite changes in position.
A creative, hard-working player, Mount has made 33 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing five assists. He looks set to play a key role for England at the Euros this summer.
#2 Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gundogan has never truly been in the spotlight as much as he has this season for Manchester City.
An elegant player during his Borussia Dortmund days, Gundogan joined Manchester City from the Bundesliga giants in 2016 for a fee of £24 million. A technically gifted and intelligent player, the Germany international was unlucky with injuries during his first season at Manchester City, but has since then become a consistent performer for the club.
Gundogan has been Manchester City's top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, which has been a surprise for many given that the 30-year old is not renowned for his goalscoring.
The former Nurnberg man has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist. It remains to be seen whether Gundogan's role will remain the same next season as well.
#1 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes' arrival and subsequent impact at Manchester United has been compared to that of Eric Cantona.
A struggling Manchester United signed Fernandes in January 2020 for a fee of £49.5 million from Sporting CP, and the impact was immediate. The Portugal international added creativity, goals, drive and an insatiable need to win from midfield. He is now seen as the talisman of Manchester United.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found it hard to give Fernandes a rest, given his impactful performances. The midfielder's leadership ability has come to the fore as well, and he is clearly an influential figure in the Manchester United dressing room.
The 26-year old has made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists. The next aim for Fernandes and Manchester United will be to win a trophy.
Also Read: 5 biggest mistakes made by Jose Mourinho in his managerial career
