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The Premier League is home to arguably the best midfielders in the world. Many of these world-class players are not only adept at scoring or assisting, but they are also capable of conjuring something out of thin air.
The ability to create something out of nothing, to be aware of the positioning of every player on the pitch, is what we call vision.
A player with vision is usually an excellent reader of space, allowing him to thread pin-point through balls or occupy threatening areas up top. Vision also comes in handy at the other end of the pitch, as it allows for swift interceptions and accurate blocks.
Today, we will take a look at some Premier League midfielders who have demonstrated their game-reading skills over the course of the campaign. Their vision has often made a difference, allowing them to make a match-winning impact and win invaluable points for their respective teams.
Here are five midfielders with world-class vision in the English top-flight:
#5 Martin Odegaard - Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is one of the very few traditional attacking midfielders left in the Premier League.
The Norwegian is quick off his mark, has the ability to unlock tight defenses, and is not afraid of having a go at goal. Without Odegaard, the Gunners have looked clueless in attack and struggled to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.
After impressing during his loan spell in 2020-21, the 23-year-old Real Madrid prodigy moved to the Emirates Stadium permanently in the summer of 2021. He has served as an attacking midfielder, a second-striker, and even as a central midfielder, impressing in all three roles.
This season, Odegaard has featured in 19 games for Mikel Arteta’s side, registering four goals and three assists.
#4 Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes set the Premier League alight with his goals and tricks last season. He registered 18 goals and 13 assists in the English top-flight, emerging as one of the league’s brightest stars.
The Portugal international has struggled to replicate his previous-season exploits this term, but his vision remains as sharp as ever.
On his day, he can still dissect even the tightest defenses with his threaded through balls or catch the keeper out with a long-range effort.
Fortunately for United, Fernandes has looked like his old self in his last three league appearances, registering two goals and two assists.
Overall, the Manchester United no.18 has seven goals and five assists to his name in the league this season.
#3 Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City
Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League. The Belgian can not only pass better than most in the business but he also has a knack for scoring world-class long-rangers.
Unfortunately, he has had a tough time keeping injuries at bay, which has kept us from watching him weave magic on the pitch week in, week out.
Pep Guardiola’s star pupil, De Bruyne, could only feature in 25 Premier League games last season. He scored six times and provided 12 assists despite operating well below his best.
This term, the Belgium international has played 17 Premier League games for the reigning champions, netting six times and creating two more.
He missed two games due to an ankle injury, and the other three after testing positive for COVID-19.
#2 Conor Gallagher - Crystal Palace
21-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher has been the definition of versatility in the English top-division this season. He has played as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder, and even as a right midfielder, excelling in all three roles.
Gallagher has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading goalscoring midfielders, thanks to his movement and vision. Irrespective of his role, the Englishman loves to push ahead, occupy threatening areas, and put his boot through whenever possible.
He has seven goals and three assists in the league this season and looks poised to touch double-digits.
Currently on loan from Chelsea, Gallagher should return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Given the players the Blues already have at their disposal, his return is certain to give Thomas Tuchel a selection headache next season.
#1 Bernardo Silva - Manchester City
Competing for minutes with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva has surely done exceptionally well for himself this season.
He has been ever-present under Pep Guardiola, doing everything he can to keep making it into the first team.
From keeping the game flowing as a central midfielder to scoring crucial goals as a false nine, the Portuguese has done it all. His through balls have unlocked stubborn backlines, his game-reading has helped him sniff out the danger, and finally, his intelligent pressing has turned opponents helpless.
Silva has been a complete package for Manchester City this season, proving once again that he is one wildly underrated midfielder. The 27-year-old has registered seven goals and an assist in 22 Premier League games this season.
His most impressive performance came on matchday 15 when his brace helped the Citizens to a hard-fought 1-3 win away from home against Watford.
