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The Premier League is brimming with talented footballers in every position on the pitch, especially midfield. While attackers may take all the plaudits when it comes to goals, midfielders have a much larger impact. They are expected to start attacking moves, set up their forwards, and also help out in defense. On his day, a good midfielder can turn a match on its head.
Premier League midfielders have always been inventive
The players on this list have one thing in common - they aren’t ones to shy away from being adventurous. With teams strengthening their defensive lines, the only way to breach enemy lines is through threading a sublime pass. Midfielders largely have to fulfill this responsibility, which may lead to a few misplaced passes.
Coaches will always encourage such positive play even though it may come at a price. After all, this is the only way players will learn and rectify their errors. On that note, here are five midfielders who have lost possession the most in the Premier League this season.
#5 Emile Smith Rowe - 23
After an abysmal start to the Premier League season, Arsenal have finally found their feet. The Gunners have been putting in impressive performances week after week and are currently fourth in the league. Arsenal also boast a young and vibrant squad that includes 21-year-old Emile Smith Rowe, who has galvanized the side.
Smith Rowe has been one of the Gunners’ best players this season and is their leading goal scorer with eight Premier League goals. The 21-year-old has also provided two assists. However, his exuberance has also led to him losing possession in the middle of the park which he has done 23 times so far.
Smith Rowe has often tried risky passes that haven’t always been effective. With the impact he has created, a few of his mistakes can be forgiven. The young Englishman will learn the more he plays and become even better.
Manager Mikel Arteta has often heaped praise on Smith Rowe and believes he has improved Arsenal’s attacking threat this season.
#4 Martin Odegaard - 24
Martin Odegaard joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid during last season’s January transfer window. The Norwegian was the creative outlet needed at Arsenal, and he was signed permanently in August. Odegaard initially didn’t make quite the impact, but he has been splendid this season.
Odegaard’s performances in recent games have been eye-catching. The 22-year-old has also been nominated for the December Premier League player of the month.
However, he has lost possession 24 times this season. The Norwegian looks to split the opposition defense with his eye-of-the needle passes. Such passes come with a high degree of risk, and not all of them have worked in his favor.
Odegaard has four goals and three assists in 18 appearances in the Premier League this season. The Gunners have been desperate for a creative midfielder ever since Mesut Ozil departed in 2021. Although these are still early days, Odegaard has filled that void to some extent. His vision is certainly comparable to that of the German’s.
#3 Bruno Fernandes - 27
Having arrived in the Premier League from Benfica in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes was Manchester United’s star man last season. Fernandes took over the midfield and completely transformed the Red Devils.
He was largely responsible for the late resurgence that saw them finish second last season. He scored 18 goals while assisting 11 in 37 appearances in the league.
However, Fernandes has lost the ball 27 times this season. Like many others on the list, the Portuguese has a knack for trying audacious passes. In recent times, a lack of communication and general disruption in team chemistry has led to haphazard passes. He has been below his usual standards so far, with five goals and three assists in 18 Premier League appearances.
Some critics feel the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo has affected Fernandes' performances, as most of the build-up play is centered around CR7.
Manchester United have had a woeful season so far and a lack of quality is evident. Fans will hope Fernandes can recreate the impact he had last season.
#2 Mason Mount - 30
Mason Mount has had a phenomenal start to his career with Chelsea. Mount won the Champions League last season and also grabbed the 19th spot in the Ballon d’Or 2021. The 22-year-old has shone for Chelsea this season with seven goals and five assists in 18 appearances in the league.
Chelsea have had poor results of late, winning just two out of their last seven Premier League games. However, Mount’s individual performances have been excellent. He has been nominated for the Premier League player of the month as well as the goal of the month award for December.
Mount has lost possession 30 times in the Premier League this season, but that is the risk that comes with playing in an attacking role. The creative aspect of the Englishman has been a blessing at times for the Blues. His versatility in Chelsea’s attack has made Tuchel’s task a lot easier.
#1 Conor Gallagher - 31
Conor Gallagher has taken the Premier League by storm ever since he secured a loan deal at Crystal Palace from Chelsea this season. Gallagher’s midfield performances at Palace will have the Blues scrambling to get him back at Stamford Bridge.
One of the many talented wonderkids in the Premier League, Gallagher has six goals and three assists this season. Gallagher's blistering form was noticed by Gareth Southgate, who handed him his England debut against San Marino in September.
His performances have also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are reportedly interested in bringing him to the Parc des Princes.
At just 21, he has taken responsibility in midfield and become the catalyst for Palace. Gallagher has often had to single-handedly drive Palace forward, which has led to him losing the ball 31 times. While his future remains unclear, Palace fans will be grateful for the impact he has had at their club.
