Ranking the 10 best midfielders in the world

#7 Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)

Alcantara has suffered from injuries throughout his career

Had it not been for injuries, there’s a good chance that Thiago would be right at the top of this list. He was a favourite of Pep Guardiola, who first bought him into the side at Barcelona, and then took him with him when he moved to Bayern Munich in 2013. However, he has been held back by injuries in the last few years, and it has restricted his progress.

He is now entering his sixth season with Bayern Munich, but because of injuries, he has been limited to just 98 Bundesliga appearances. It is a shame, because from a young age, he had all the attributes to become the next Xavi. He is still only 27, so if he can stay free from injuries, he can still hit those heights. He is technically an excellent footballer, and the hope will be that he can finally fulfil that undoubted potential.