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Center-midfield - Andre Gomes (Everton)
The second Portuguese player on this list, Andre Gomes also made his way through the ranks at Benfica's youth academy, joining Valencia on a one-year loan deal in 2014, and making the move permanent a year later.
In his two years at Valencia, Gomes established himself as a world-class midfielder, dropping deep to collect the ball and organizing the side with consummate ease. Valencia's open and expansive style of play allowed him to make piercing runs into opposition territory, dismantling the opposition's formations with devastating effect.
His passing ability caught the eye of FC Barcelona, and he was signed by Luis Enrique in 2016 to ease the workload on an ageing Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
All did not go as planned for Gomes at the Nou Camp, as he was unable to adapt to Barcelona's style of play and their movement on and off the ball in tight spaces.
Consequently, the Portuguese joined Everton in 2018 on a season-long loan spell, and was impressive in the Toffees' midfield, taking up central positions in the field and dictating play. Gomes signed a five-year contract with Everton in 2019.
Center-Midfield - Ever Banega (Sevilla)
Completing our double-pivot in the centre of midfield is Ever Banega, who spent his youth career at Boca Juniors, playing in multiple positions in the midfield.
His versatility and work-rate allowed him to take up both defensive and offensive responsibilities, and he secured a move to Valencia in 2008.
A packed midfield at the club meant that Banega moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in search of greener pastures. He returned to club the following year to take his place in the first team and was a considerable presence in midfield till his departure to Seville in 2014.
Banega went on to become a mainstay in Sevilla's midfield under Unai Emery, guiding them to an unprecedented Europa League triumph. He also played for Inter Milan for a couple of seasons, but was not happy with his bit-part role and returned to Sevilla in 2017.
Banega has been a stalwart for both his club sides and Argentina over the years and edges out the likes of Andres Guardado to take his place in this side.
