5 most expensive central midfielders in the world

#3 Arthur Melo (Juventus) | €72 million

Real Madrid CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga

Arguably the most controversial move of last summer was when midfielders Arthur Melo and Miralem Pjanic switched clubs; Arthur joined Juventus and Pjanic moved to Barcelona.

There was uproar when the move was announced. Arthur was seen as an important cog in Barcelona's midfield and swapping him for a 31-year old Pjanic was not seen as an ideal move. Nearly a season later, it would be fair to say that both players have disappointed at their respective new clubs.

The Brazil international has had little impact at Juventus this season. Andrea Pirlo's side have endured a poor campaign and Arthur has struggled to get going. The 24-year-old midfielder has made 31 appearances in all competitions, providing one assist.

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#2 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) | €86 million

FC Barcelona v Sevilla: Copa del Rey Semi Final Second Leg

One of the best young midfielders in world football, Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona's present and future.

The Netherlands international made his name at Ajax during the 2018/19 season, helping the Dutch giants reach the Champions League semi-finals. An excellent passer and dribbler with phenomenal technical skills as well as an innate ability to read the game, De Jong has everything in his arsenal to become one of the very best in the world.

🎂2⃣4⃣🎂🇳🇱 Happy birthday, Frenkie de Jong 🎈#HBD | @OnsOranje | @DeJongFrenkie21 pic.twitter.com/k3uzdy7Vi4

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) May 12, 2021

The 24-year old midfielder can also drop deep to play as a centre-back if needed, a role he often fulfilled during his time at Ajax. He has made 92 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists.

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#1 Paul Pogba (Manchester United) | €105 million

Manchester United v Burnley - Premier League

Paul Pogba's second spell at Manchester United has divided opinion. Pogba's ability is world-class, but questions have been raised over his temperament and attitude.

While most of it can be filtered out, there is no denying that the midfielder can do better on a more consistent basis. The France international, at his best, is one of the best midfielders in the world, but inconsistent performances and off-the-field statements have made him easy prey for the media and critics.

🏟️ Most goals for Man Utd at Old Trafford since Marcus Rashford’s debut in Feb 2016:5️⃣0️⃣ MARCUS RASHFORD3️⃣9️⃣ Anthony Martial2️⃣0️⃣ Romelu Lukaku1️⃣9️⃣ Mason Greenwood1️⃣9️⃣ Paul Pogba#MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/b6pPt3K1Tq

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 13, 2021

Pogba is a superb passer and an intelligent player who is physically-gifted and capable of playing in a variety of midfield positions. The 28-year old midfielder has made 204 appearances across two spells for Manchester United, scoring 38 goals and providing 42 assists.

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