More often than not, games are won or lost in midfield. Control the middle of the park, and you will most likely control the encounter and earn victory.
Those operating in that position are most capable of influencing play or breaking it down. A variety of players can thrive in midfield from the technically gifted playmakers to the defensive-minded enforcers.
Given the main qualities of a midfielder, picking out the best is no easy task.
However, it’s been 12 months since we last released our Tiered Rankings and here from Tier 4 to Tier 1, in ascending order we examine eight of the best midfielders in the world right now.
The players have been measured by their form over the last year with talent, reputation and statistics – thanks to Wyscout, WhoScored.com plus Opta – used as a guide.
TIER 4
Luis Alberto (Lazio)
Luis Alberto may be one of the most underrated players in the game and given his performances for Lazio this season, that’s difficult to comprehend.
While Ciro Immobile has fired his way to the forefront of the Capocannoniere race, the Spanish playmaker has pulled the strings behind him with 12 assists, the most in Serie A.
He also leads the way with three key passes per game and his creativity has driven the Biancocelesti to second in the table, a point behind Juventus.
The 27-year-old has many strengths but it’s his incisive through balls and weight of passes that sets him apart. From central midfield, Alberto has been Lazio’s orchestrator, putting them within reach of glory.
Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad)
After a couple of promising loan spells abroad, Martin Odegaard’s current stint at Real Sociedad confirms he’s finally living up to his hype as a 16-year-old and may be ready to star for Real Madrid.
With four goals and five assists in La Liga, the Norwegian has been crucial to the Basque side’s league campaign, putting them in contention for a Champions League spot.
The young playmaker has averaged 2.3 key passes per game which is only bettered by Lionel Messi’s 2.5.
Odegaard’s style is tied to his exceptional close control, influencing the way he dribbles, manoeuvres in tight spaces or takes his first touch.
With vision, a burst of acceleration and a wand of a left foot, he’s maturing into a world-beater.
TIER 3
Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
Zinedine Zidane is Georginio Wijnaldum’s favourite player and the reason he wears the number five shirt.
While the two aren’t exactly comparable, the Dutchman does boast a blend of strength and swagger on the ball that his idol was renowned for.
But while the legendary Frenchman’s style and panache demanded that a team be built around him, the all-action Wijnaldum plays for the collective.
At Liverpool, that means transitioning the ball from defence to attack quickly and seamlessly, evidenced by his 92.81 per cent accuracy of passes into the final third – the best in the league.
Such is his intelligence on the pitch that Jurgen Klopp didn’t hesitate to name him the player he could see becoming a manager.
Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
German media describe Kai Havertz as an Alleskönner – a player who can do everything.
He’s such a versatile player and so comfortable operating different spaces that he’s impossible to pick up. Meanwhile, his dribbling and close control coupled with his ability on either side makes him incredibly elusive.
Havertz has excellent vision and technique which drew comparisons to Mesut Ozil but over time the 20-year-old has flourished even outside an attacking midfield role. He remains dangerous from central midfield, the flank or even as a false nine.
With 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions this season, Havertz has shown the intelligence, elegance and composure of a footballing genius.
His status as one of the most coveted talents in the game is entirely justified.
TIER 2
Marco Verratti (PSG)
In terms of dominating possession, Marco Verratti is uncontested across Europe’s top five leagues this season with 94.95 passes per 90 minutes.
He also ranks fifth in Ligue 1 for deep completions [48] and third for progressive passes per 90 minutes [13.34], speaking volumes of his ability to play forward and through the lines.
With an extensive passing range, superb dribbling and close control, Verratti is among the best playmakers in the game.
His ability to hold on to possession under pressure in tight spaces is second to none and the mark of a world-class player.
Given his talent, his lack of goals is mildly disappointing though. He’s yet to score in all competitions this season and only managed a solitary strike last term.
Casemiro (Real Madrid)
It’s no coincidence that once Casemiro established himself in Real Madrid’s first XI, they went on to conquer Europe with a hat-trick of Champions League titles.
Zinedine Zidane valued the balance he brought to a midfield also featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco.
With strength, intelligence, mobility and work ethic, the defensive midfielder compliments those around him.
He’s become an indispensable figure for Los Blancos with his name now on the team sheet even ahead of Modric and Kroos.
Casemiro is an elite ball-winner, registering 285 defensive duels this season – the third highest across the top five leagues and best among midfielders.
TIER 1
Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
He tends to fly under the radar with an understated style and modest goal involvement but as far as deep-lying playmakers go, it’s difficult to look past Thiago Alcantara.
Bayern Munich continues to reign supreme in the Bundesliga and the Spaniard is the one who makes them tick. His 82.63 passes per 90 minutes leads the German league.
Thiago dictates play with a phenomenal passing range, drawing comparisons with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Xavi and Paul Scholes in his role as a Regista.
With superb technique, vision and awareness, he seems to have more time on the ball than other players. His dribbling is an added advantage, allowing him to progress the ball himself as well.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Lionel Messi is the only player Pep Guardiola holds in higher regard than Kevin De Bruyne and over the last 12 months we’ve seen why.
The Manchester City star is undoubtedly the most complete midfielder in the game today.
De Bruyne has already proved himself with successive Premier League titles and his 15 assists in England’s top flight this campaign is second to none across Europe’s top five leagues.
His xA [Expected Assists] of 11.81 also leads the way while the playmaker extraordinaire has grown his reputation as a set-piece specialist this season.
Not only is De Bruyne among the most gifted players around but he’s also one of the most intelligent and, at 28, he’s producing his best football.
