Top 5 English midfielders in football (2020/21)

England have several excellent midfielders
England have several excellent midfielders

The England national team has always been known for its array of gifted midfield superstars. While these midfielders were unable to succeed in their nation's colours, their achievements in the Premier League have now made them household names in England.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham have made their mark on the national team with memorable performances over the years. The English football team has always been an enigmatic presence on the national stage but has often failed to live up to the extraordinary expectations of its passionate followers.

England's 'golden generation' of midfielders were unable to win silverware, however, owing to a host of issues on and off the pitch. The current crop of English midfielders might not be as talented as their predecessors but can potentially bring England a trophy in the coming years.

England have worked on their squad depth over the past few years and are now reaping the benefits in international competitions. Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Leicester City have actively contributed to the national team's fortunes and have ensured that the England national team is blessed with an excellent set of midfield maestros.


#5 Declan Rice (West Ham)

Declan Rice is an important player for West Ham
Declan Rice is an important player for West Ham

Declan Rice is arguably West Ham's most important player at the moment. The English midfielder is a very effective presence in the London club's midfield and his ability to break up the opposition's attacks and pull the strings on the pitch makes him a valuable asset.

Rice has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and is likely to join Frank Lampard's squad in the coming months. The midfielder serves as an orchestrator for West Ham and is one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

West Ham have become heavily dependent on Declan Rice this season and are likely to name a hefty price for their star midfielder. Rice is 21 years old at the moment and is set to become an important player for England in the next few years.


#4 James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

James Ward-Prowse is a talented midfielder
James Ward-Prowse is a talented midfielder

Southampton's academy is famous for producing prodigious talents and is arguably one of the most proficient schools of football in England. James Ward-Prowse has been flying under the radar for several years now but his performances this season have deservedly given him the spotlight.

James Ward-Prowse has made a name for himself as a set-piece specialist at Southampton and has racked up four goals and four assists in the Premier League this season. The midfielder has been impressive for the Saints and will look to build on his progress over the past few months.

Ward-Prowse has been exceptional with his free-kicks and has thrived in the space behind Danny Ings and Che Adams this season. Southampton have finally brought the best out of their youth product and will look to upset a few big names this season.


Also Read: 10 best players in La Liga this year (2020)

#3 Mason Mount (Chelsea)

Mason Mount has been excellent for Chelsea
Mason Mount has been excellent for Chelsea

Mason Mount enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign last year with Chelsea and is now stamping his authority on Frank Lampard's side this season. The prodigious English midfielder has been a bright spark for Chelsea in the past few months and has produced impressive performances in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

The former Derby County midfielder has managed one goal and three assists in the Premier League this season and was also instrumental in England's UEFA Nations League campaign. Chelsea have several attacking players in their squad at the moment and star midfielder Mason Mount has managed to outshine most of the Blues' new signings.

The young English midfielder signed a five-year contract with Chelsea last season and is set to become his side's focal point as Lampard looks to complete the Blues' transition. Mason Mount has immense potential and could become one of the Premier League's best midfielders by the end of the decade.


#2 Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Jordan Henderson has been an inspirational figure
Jordan Henderson has been an inspirational figure

Jordan Henderson is arguably the most effective leader in the Premier League at the moment. The former Sunderland midfielder has brought Liverpool unforeseen success over the past two years and his mere presence on the pitch often transforms his team into a near-unstoppable juggernaut.

Henderson has also worked on technical aspects of his game under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp and has grown into an astute defensive midfielder. The Liverpool captain brings a similar energy to the England national team and has the ability to orchestrate his side's movements over the course of the game.

Jurgen Klopp's reign at Liverpool as been marked by a remarkably high press and Jordan Henderson's commendable work-rate is a key cog in his team's success. Henderson has displayed a steep learning curve during his time at Liverpool and is likely to end his career as a bonafide Anfield legend.


#1 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)

Jack Grealish has enjoyed an excellent season
Jack Grealish has enjoyed an excellent season

Jack Grealish was the only player standing between Aston Villa and the relegation zone last season. The supremely talented English midfielder singlehandedly dragged Aston Villa out of the relegation zone and his side has been a resurgent force in the Premier League this season.

Grealish is deservedly the talk of the town in the Premier League this season and has silenced his sceptics with a string of breathtaking performances. With five goals and seven assists in the Premier League, Jack Grealish has already begun to fulfil his potential and can become one of England's most important players leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Grealish has always been considered one of England's brightest talents and is now beginning to make waves in the Premier League with his intelligence and dribbling prowess. With their inspirational captain in the form of his life, Aston Villa may well pick up a few more big scalps this season.


Honourable Mentions: James Maddison, Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips


Also Read: 10 best forwards in the Premier League this year (2020)

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