5 greatest central midfield trios of the 21st century

#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.

---

#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.

🔝 Your favourite midfield trio?#UCL

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 9, 2021

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.

---

#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.

Xavi 🇪🇸Iniesta 🇪🇸Busquets 🇪🇸Who was the most important player in Barcelona's legendary midfield trio? 😍 pic.twitter.com/HNcshZilQt

— Goal (@goal) May 3, 2020

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.

---