5 greatest central midfield trios of the 21st century

Some of the best sides in Europe in recent years have been constructed around a solid midfield trio. Pep Guardiola's Barcelona are arguably the most famous side to have played with a midfield triangle, while Zinedine Zidane has achieved incredible success at Real Madrid by playing three men in midfield.

A midfield partnership flourishes when there are varying skill-sets. Some of the best midfield trios in the world have a combination of defensive and offensive attributes, which provide balance to the side.

We look at the:

5 best central midfield trios of the 21st century

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#5 Arturo Vidal-Andrea Pirlo-Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal impressed for Antonio Conte's Juventus

Antonio Conte's appointment as Juventus manager in 2011 ushered in an era of domestic dominance for the Old Lady, with success built on their midfield.

Arturo Vidal joined Juventus that same season for a fee of £11.25 million, while Andrea Pirlo was a free transfer and Claudio Marchisio a product of the academy. The trio combined to form an effective base for Conte to build his side around, with all three midfielders boasting varied skill-sets.

Pirlo was the passer, Vidal was renowned for his combativeness and Marchisio was the attacking presence in midfield with excellent technical qualities. Juventus would win three straight league titles under the management of Conte, with all three midfielders regulars in the first XI.

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#4 Steven Gerrard-Xabi Alonso-Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)

Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso

Three of the best midfielders of the modern generation played together for Liverpool and nearly won Liverpool the league title in 2009.

The best midfield trios tend to be extremely balanced. As with the Juventus trio mentioned above, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano were all extremely gifted but in different ways. Gerrard was the star of the side, a product of the Liverpool academy whose attacking talents made him a potent threat against any side in Europe.

Mascherano, who would later play as a centre-back for Barcelona, was a rugged defensive midfielder with an aggressive style of play. And finally, Alonso was the the passer from deep, a technically-sound player capable of controlling the tempo of a game.

The 2008/09 Liverpool squad were very close to becoming Premier League champions, ultimately finishing four points behind winners Manchester United.

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#3 Frank Lampard-Claude Makelele-Michael Essien (Chelsea)

Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele in action for Chelsea

Jose Mourinho was the talk of the town after Chelsea won the Premier League title in 2005, his first season as manager of the club.

The next season, the arrival of Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien from Lyon for a fee of £34 million further strengthened their position. Essien would form a fearsome midfield partnership with Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele, as Mourinho's Chelsea won the Premier League once again.

Makelele's influence in the defensive midfielder position is well-known, with the role now named the Makelele Role. Lampard was a prolific goalscorer, while Essien was capable of contributing both defensively and offensively.

The Ghana international was a reliable footballer who at his peak was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

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#2 Toni Kroos-Casemiro-Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have been key to Real Madrid's success in recent years

Arguably the best midfield trio in world football right now, Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric are currently three of the best midfielders in the world.

Real Madrid attained peak dominance in Europe when they won three consecutive Champions League titles under the management of Zinedine Zidane. While the majority of the focus was on Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the midfield of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric who quietly ran the show.

Casemiro is now regarded by many as the best defensive midfielder in world football, while Kroos and Modric's qualities are well-renowned. With both Kroos and Modric now in their 30s, it remains to be seen how Real Madrid will replace them when the time comes.

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#1 Xavi-Sergio Busquets-Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets were key for Pep Guardiola's Barcelona

Pep Guardiola's Barcelona are seen as one of the greatest footballing sides in history, and the credit for much of the side's incredible success is down to the midfield trio of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.

All three were products of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy. While Xavi and Iniesta were established members of the first XI, Busquets was promoted to the senior side by Guardiola, who had managed him during his spell as Barcelona B manager.

Busquets would soon become the best defensive midfielder in the world, while Xavi and Iniesta's ability to control the midfield with their passing was unparalleled. With Lionel Messi leading the line, Guardiola's Barcelona became a feared side.

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