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La Liga is arguably the best league in world football at the moment. Premier League fans might argue this fact, the sheer talent and class on display in the Spanish League is mind-boggling. While the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Bale might grab all the attention, the midfielders in this League are the ones who actually run the matches with their clever passing and positioning skills.
Acting as a link between the attack and defence, midfielders are often the most important players in a side and there are some amazing midfielders currently plying their trade in La Liga. Predictably, this list is dominated by Real Madrid players.
Without much ado, let us take a look at the 5 best midfielders in La Liga at the moment:
#5 Casemiro
Arguably the most important player for Real Madrid's formation and tactics, Casemiro with his canny positioning, tackling and defensive skills has made the holding midfielder's role his own. In a team full of superstars, Casemiro's unglamorous role often goes unnoticed, but his importance to the team cannot be underestimated.
In fact, when Barcelona's Sergio Busquets was asked to name the best defensive midfielders in world football at the moment, he did not hesitate to include the Brazilian in the list.
"There are great midfielders in world football, and each one with their own style. No two players are the same," he told sc.qa during a visit to Qatar's Aspire Academy.
"In my position, I would mention Casemiro, who is doing very well, Bruno plays very well in Villarreal, Chelsea have played a great season with [N'Golo] Kante and [Nemanja] Matic."
The tenacious all action performances of Casemiron in midfield has been one of the main reasons for Real Madrid's stunning Champions League and La Liga double last season.
Oh, he can score some absolute worldies as well! Not a bad person to have in your team, eh?
#4 Asier Illaramendi
Real Sociedad had another impressive campaign in the 2016/17 season. Having finished an impressive 6th La Real will be playing in the Europa League next season. While the team as a whole has performed well, the star of the show is undoubtedly former Real Madrid star Asier Illaramendi.
The 27-year-old midfielder has really matured this season and his performances this season have shown time and again that he is one of the best (If not the best) defensive midfielders in world football at the moment. Illaramendi has been rewarded for his good performances throughout the season with a call-up to the Spain national squad.
Illaramendi is known for his reading of the game, positioning skills and interceptions. Over the course of this season, his passing range has also increased tremendously and the Basque-born midfielder plays a vital role in both defence and attack for his side.
The former Madrid player’s consistency can be seen from the fact that he has won an impressive 6 man of the match awards this season.
#3 Saul Niguez
One of the most talented young Spanish footballers in the world right now, Saul Niguez has been extremely consistent for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side this season. While the Rojiblancos were slightly below their best in La Liga, it is in the Champions League where Saul and Atletico wowed the world with their excellent and solid displays.
The versatile 22-year-old has played a number of positions with equal aplomb and class for Atletico Madrid this year. Be it in a defensive midfielder position, winger or even as a playmaker, Saul has been the go-to man for Simeone whenever the going has got tough.
The youngster was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but he recently signed a stunning 10-year-contract affirming his loyalty towards Los Rojiblancos. Atletico Madrid will be looking to build their team around the talented Spaniard.
Still only 22, Saul has the potential to become a legend like Andres Iniesta in the future.
#2 Luka Modric
Real Madrid owe much of their success to their midfield and Luka Modric has undoubtedly been the star performer for Los Blancos. Although the Croatian did not start the season in best of form, he really stepped it up in the business end of the season and played a vital role in Madrid's Champions League and La Liga triumph.
A fan favourite at the Bernabeu, Modric has earned the moniker 'Magician' for his wizard like displays on the pitch. Xabi Alonso was an expert in providing long passes and spraying the ball around while Angel Di Maria pulled the opposition players out of position through his direct running. Modric is a player who can do both and that is why he is absolutely integral to Real Madrid’s style of play.
One of the best midfielders in world football at the moment, Real Madrid will be hoping that their 31-year-old superstar has another stunning season for them in 2017/18.
There is a marked difference in how Real Madrid play with and without their Croatian superstar
#1 Toni Kroos
Probably Real Madrid’ s most consistent player this season, Toni Kroos has arguably taken his game to new heights ever since he made the switch to Madrid from Bayern Munich. Calm, composed and always assured on the ball, Kroos is the conductor in the midfield who pulls the strings for the Spanish giants.
One of the best players in La Liga this season, the German has an incredible 12 assists and a scarcely believable passing accuracy of 92%. Capable of picking out passes and spraying the ball across the field, the midfield maestro has been integral to Madrid’s impressive performances in the League and the Champions League.
Easily the best midfielder in La Liga (and the world) at the moment, Kroos has completely outshone some illustrious names like Andres Iniesta, Koke and Ivan Rakitic with his performances this season. Real Madrid will be hoping that the German pass master continues to perform at this very high level in the 2017/18 season.
Honourable mentions:
Koke, Isco and Bruno Soriano narrowly missed out while the legendary Andres Iniesta did not make this list as he made only 14 starts in La Liga last season and his 2016/17 campaign was blighted by injuries and bad form.
Do you think any other player should have been on this list? Let us know in the comments section.
