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Midfielders are the ones who run the game. They can control the flow of attacks or break up opposition play. All the top teams in the world have amazing midfielders who dictate the style of play. They are crucial for any team's success and the game is often won by the team which wins the midfield battle
Predictably, midfielders from Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Real Madrid dominate this list. Some well established names make this list, while there are a couple of lesser known players as well who have had a brilliant year in 2020.
Without much ado, let us take a look at:
The 10 best midfielders in 2020
#10 Fabinho - Liverpool
One of the best defensive midfielders in the game, Fabinho played a crucial part in Liverpool's stunning Premier League title triumph last season. The Brazilian midfielder has been one of Jurgen Klopp's most trusted players and his ability to be in the right position at the right time has helped Liverpool transform themselves into one of the best club sides in world football at the moment.
Blessed with excellent positioning and tackling skills, Fabinho also has an uncanny knack of breaking down opposition backlines with his intelligent passing. Currently playing as a centre-back because of Virgil van Dijk's long term injury, Fabinho will be looking to carry forward his good form from 2020 into 2021 as well.
Liverpool have missed the Brazilian's presence in midfield this season and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to play Fabinho in his customary holding midfielder position as soon as Liverpool's injury issues are resolved.
#9 Nicolo Barella - Inter Milan
Nicolo Barella is one of the most promising midfielders in the world right now. The Inter Milan youngster has been one of Antonio Conte's most trusted players and has been consistently good right throughout 2020.
Still only 23, the Italian attacking midfielder always seems to find the right pass and has struck up an excellent understanding with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.
Always getting into dangerous positions, Barella grabbed some crucial goals and assists last year. Antonio Conte will need Barella to be at his best if Inter are to win the Serie A title this season.
#8 Luka Modric - Real Madrid
Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Luka Modric has continued to enthrall us with his stunning performances at the heart of Real Madrid's midfield. The midfield magician had an inconsistent start to 2020, but in recent months, he has shown why he is one of the greatest midfielders of this generation.
The Real Madrid superstar has been at his silky best this season and is still one of the first names on Zidane's team sheet despite being 35-years-old. Blessed with incredible vision and passing skills, Modric has kept things ticking over for Real Madrid at the centre of his park with his intelligent distribution of the ball.
With Real Madrid recovering after a shaky start to the season, Modric will be confident of adding more trophies and accolades to his already storied career.
#7 Casemiro - Real Madrid
One of the most underrated midfielders in the football world right now, Casemiro has been ever reliable for Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. A holding midfielder capable of reading opposition play brilliantly, Casemiro is arguably Real Madrid's most important player.
The 28-year-old adds muscle to the graceful midfield play of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and was one of Real Madrid's best players last season when they won the LaLiga title.
Tenacious off the ball and skilful on it, Casemiro will have a huge role to play once again this season for Real Madrid.
#6 Mikel Merino - Real Sociedad
Mikel Merino has been one of the most consistent performers of 2020. The Real Sociedad midfielder has taken his game to the next level this year and his impressive club performances have made him an integral part of the Spanish national team as well.
Calm and composed on the ball, the 24-year-old Spanish international is capable of playing both in the holding midfielder and central midfielder positions. His ability to read play and find the right pass is valued highly by both his club and national team.
Mikel Merino could become one of Spain's most important players in the coming years.
#5 Jordan Henderson - Liverpool
The captain who finally lifted the Premier League trophy for Liverpool, Jordan Henderson has been an inspirational leader for the Reds with his combative performances.
The English midfielder's ability to read the game and organise his side's midfield and defense is almost unparalleled. One of Jurgen Klopp's most trusted lieutenants, Jordan Henderson adds steel and skill in equal measure to Liverpool's hardworking midfield.
Capable of breaking up play and setting up attacks, Henderson will be hoping to guide Liverpool to more victories and titles in the 2020/21 season.
Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich
One of the most complete footballers in the world, Joshua Kimmich has taken up Thiago Alcantara's 'number 6' role with aplomb for Bayern Munich. The German international has been in fine form for Hansi Flick's men and is one of the first names on the team sheet for The Bavarians.
The 25-year-old German international, who is also capable of playing right-back, has been one of Bayern Munich's most consistent performers in the last few years.
Having finally made a comeback from a knee injury he sustained during the start of this season, Kimmich will be determined to make up for lost time and dictate play for the treble winners once again in 2021.
#3 Thiago Alcantara - Bayern Munich/Liverpool
Although Thiago has been injured for the majority of his spell at Liverpool, he claims the #3 spot on this list on the back of his stunning performances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League last season.
The 29-year-old Spaniard was arguably the best midfielder in the Champions League last season and his amazing performances even earned him a place in the 11 man FIFA Best Men's Player of the Year award shortlist.
With the talented Spaniard edging ever closer to a return, Liverpool fans will be eagerly waiting to see some Thiago magic on the pitch in 2021.
#2 Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes has undoubtedly been Manchester United's greatest signing in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era. The Portuguese superstar has put in some talismanic performances for the Red Devils and has started this season in blistering form.
Having scored 10 goals and assisted a further 6 already in the Premier League this season, Bruno Fernandes has almost singlehandedly kept Manchester United relevant in the Premier League title race.
Capable of scoring stunning goals and setting up teammates with equal ease, Fernandes will be hoping to continue his good form and inspire Manchester United to a trophy in the 2020/21 season.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City
Arguably Manchester City's most important player, Kevin De Bruyne continues to be at the heart of everything good for Pep Guardiola's side. While the Belgian has fallen away slightly this season, there is no denying the class and talent the 29-year-old superstar possesses.
De Bruyne already has 7 assists in the Premier League campaign this year and it only seems like a matter of time before he hits top form once again in this campaign.
Supremely skilled on the ball and blessed with incredible striking ability with both feet, Kevin De Bruyne has undoubtedly been the best midfielder in 2020.
Honurable mentions: Toni Kroos, Leon Goretzka, Hakan Calahnoglu, Papu Gomez
