World Cup 2018: Top 10 midfielders based on passing accuracy

#3 Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)

Mateo Kovacic has been a better passer than teammate Luka Modric

A bolt from the blue, isn't it? Few would expect the Croatian midfielder to make this list, which is why seeing his name in the top three is a difficult fact to digest.

Mateo Kovacic has been a better passer than most of the elite midfielders, registering a passing accuracy of 89.7% while operating as a central or a defensive midfielder.

It's true that the Croatian has got a meagre amount of chances at club level because of the midfield trifecta of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro, but you have to appreciate the fact that whenever granted the chance, Kovacic has hardly disappointed.

Excelling in the art of holding the ball, he has put his dribbling and tackling abilities to a profound effect and influenced the games for his team. Kovacic has made 1.5 tackles per match this season. The Croatian is well-versed in providing accurate long balls as and when required, registering an average of 1.9 long passes per game.

Alongside Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic will form a trio worth keeping an eye on in the World Cup.