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We are just 3 weeks away from the beginning of the new season, and teams are in a hurry to sign new players. Midfielders have been a part of the some of the most high-profile moves of the summer with the likes of Rodri, Frenkie de Jong and Tanguy Ndombele being bought for more than €60 million each. The likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes have also been linked with big-money moves, and it is quite natural.
Midfielders form the engine of a football team and play a key role in the functioning of the team. They have to cover up for the defender's mistakes and produce clearances, tackles and interceptions to ensure that the team doesn't end up conceding a goal. At the same time, they also have to create chances, which will allow forwards to score goals.
On a few occasions, they do all the dirty work, but still don't receive the credit they deserve. There are many world-class midfielders in the world and here, we shall rank the top 10 midfielders in the world at present.
Also See : Durand Cup, Durand Cup Schedule, Durand Cup Points Table.
#10 Fabinho
Fabinho had a debut season to remember with Liverpool as he played a key role in helping the club win the Champions League and in the process end a 14-year drought. He was also instrumental in their 97 point haul in the Premier League, a points tally that nearly won them their first ever Premier League.
As a defensive midfielder, he was outstanding and delivered many world class performances. He combined well with Virgil van Dijk to keep Lionel Messi at the bay in the 2nd leg of the Champions League semifinal. He also filled in as a centre-back in the away leg against Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 clash.
He won 59 tackles in 28 Premier League appearances at a success% of 53. He also scored a goal and assisted twice in 41 games for Liverpool. The Brazilian will be have a key role to play on the field, if Liverpool are to end their search for an elusive Premier League title.
Stats via Whoscored and Transfermarkt
#9 Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong is a rising star and has already won many high-profile admirers. He is a defensive midfielder, but can also play as a centre-mid or even as a centre-back, if required. He enjoyed a memorable season with Ajax as he helped them to the domestic double. His performances led Ajax to a stunning run in the Champions League as they made it to the semifinals.
His performances against the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus were simply outstanding as he played a key role in helping his team defeat 2 heavyweights of modern-day football. He also earned a €75 million move to Barcelona in the winter transfer window, and is all set to play for Blaugrana in the upcoming season.
The Dutch youngster is excellent at passing the ball and can create scoring opportunities. He scored 4 goals and assisted 4 more in 52 games last season. He won 54 tackles in the Eredivise and had a success % of 66.
#8 Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic is a world-class midfielder and is capable of doing wonderful things, but for some reason isn't given the credit he deserves. He is a very important player for Juventus and under Maurizio Sarri, he might play in the 'Jorginho role'. He has primarily played as a defensive midfielder over the last 2-3 seasons, but has the ability adapt to other positions.
He scored 4 goals and assisted 8 in 44 games last season. The Bosnian won 41 tackles in the Serie A last season.
As a defensive mid, he ensures that the team doesn't leak goals and at the same time, he is the mastermind behind many of Juventus' forward raids. He generally initiates the attacks with his creativity and technical quality. The former Roma star is a set-piece specialist, and is considered to be one of the best free-kick takers on the planet.
#7 Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the world. The Croatian star had a remarkable season the last time around and was one of their best players behind Lionel Messi. He might not have the quality and magic that some of his counterparts possess, but he is as effective as anybody.
He delivered outrageously good performances against Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur last season, showing his ability to shine in crunch situations. He scored 5 goals and assisted 10 in 54 appearances last season. The former Sevilla man won 30 tackles in La Liga in the 2018/19 season, and it is quite surprising that his place in Barcelona's starting XI isn't guaranteed just because of de Jong's arrival.
The former Swiss youth player has leadership qualities as well and even took the armband on a couple of occasions last season.
#6 David Silva
David Silva is regarded as one of the greatest foreigners to have graced the Premier League and there are a lot of reasons behind that. He has been one of their key players along with Sergio Aguero and has played a gigantic role in transforming Manchester City into the heavyweights they are at present.
He generally functions as an attacking or central midfielder and has established himself as one of the most creative players in the world. His passing range and vision are remarkable, and when the ball is at his feet, he can pull off some sensational passes.
He scored 10 goals and assisted 14 in 50 appearances last season. He had 73 key passes in the Premier League as well. He also won the domestic treble with Manchester City last season. This will be his last season with the club, and the club would want to win an unprecedented quadruple to give their captain an emphatic send-off.
#5 Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets hasn't failed in leaving his imprint on the world of football and has created a legacy at Barcelona. He has remained loyal to the club throughout his career and has won 33 trophies in his glittering career. He was a part of the one of the greatest midfield trios of all time, when Andres Iniesta and Xavi were at the club.
He is the exact definition of a defensive midfielder as he hardly goes forward to contribute in goals. The World Cup winner is pretty much a 3rd centre-back, and just stays at the back. He has scored just one goal in the last 3 seasons with Barcelona, showing his willingness to stay at the back and ensure that opposition teams don't score. The Spanish international won 90 tackles in the La Liga last season with a success % of 65.
#4 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is someone who enjoys the limelight and is always in the thick of it. He is a highly talented player and can is capable of winning games for his team on a regular basis. If his mind is the right place and the manager gives him the freedom to play his natural game, he can be a nightmare for the opposition.
He might be a central midfielder, but he has the mindset of an attacking midfielder and he simple loves scoring and assisting goals. Even his stats prove that as he scored 16 goals and assisted 11 in 47 games last season, and those are high returns for a midfielder. However, he is no mug when it comes to defending as he won 47 tackles in the Premier League at a success rate of 64%.
As Manchester United look to get back to winning ways in the 2019/20 season, Pogba will have to play a key role for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.
#3 Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen is one of the most creative footballers in the world and can create chances out of virtually nothing. He has been outstanding for Tottenham Hotspur over the years and has delivered many memorable performances. He is generally deployed as an attacking midfielder, and it is because of him that the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son are able to score goals.
He scored 10 goals and assisted 17 last season in 51 appearances. The Danish star had 73 key passes last season, highlighting his creative talent. He also won 41 tackles in the Premier League at a success rate of 50%. He is amazing at taking set-pieces and isn't shy of shooting from outside the box.
The 27 year old has entered the last year of his contract and it isn't surprising that Spurs are looking to tie him down to a long-term contract.
#2 N'golo Kante
N'golo Kante is the arguably best defensive midfielder in the world and is quite dogged in his approach. He is generally someone who hangs back along with the centre-backs and guards his team's half. However, he showed his versatility last season, when Maurizio Sarri played him in a more central role and pushed him forward. He scored 5 goals and assisted 4 in 53 games, which aren't bad returns for a player not in his natural position.
The Frenchman won 75 tackles and had a success % of 63 in the Premier League. He simply loves tackling and has good pace to go with exceptional stamina. The former Leicester City player can stop opposition attacks with relative ease. He succeeded in winning the Europa League and also helped Chelsea secure a 3rd place finish.
Under Frank Lampard, he could return to his preferred role and with him in his favoured position, the entire team could become stronger.
#1 Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva had a terrific season with Manchester City and is definitely one of the best players in the Premier League. He can play in various positions and was utilized by Pep Guardiola in various positions.
He scored 1 goal and assisted thrice in 5 games at the Nations League, which helped him win the Player of the Tournament Award. He was sensational for Portugal and played a starring role in their triumphant UEFA Nations League campaign.
With Manchester City, he completed the domestic treble as he won the Premier League, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. He scored 13 goals and assisted a further 14 in 51 games. Bernardo managed to accumulate 71 key passes in the Premier League last season, and ensured that Manchester City didn't miss the injured Kevin de Bruyne's services
With 4 trophies, a Player of the Tournament award, and sheer impact on the field, his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or are also quite high, and hence, it isn't surprising that he is the best midfielder in the world.
