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10 Best Midfielders in the World: 2023 Edition

Who are the best midfielders in the world? The heart and soul of a team, midfielders are responsible for leading offensive game play and just as importantly, need to contribute defensively too. In addition to being as fit as a fiddle, midfielders need to pass, dribble and shoot. Lets take a look at the ten best midfielders in the world in 2023 with some surprising results.

10. Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Known for his exceptional free kick taking ability, Çalhanoğlu has played a much more reserved defensive midfield role compared to his central role from last season with Inter Milan.

With that said, Çalhanoğlu still is the attacking threat he began his career as and the Turkish international has still shown his ability in front of goal this campaign. He was a vital part in Inter’s incredible Champions League run last season and he’ll be hoping to do one better. 

9. James Maddison

Tottenham looks revitalised under manager Ange Postecoglou, with James Maddison playing a pivotal role in the middle of the park. Almost single-handedly Maddison has helped change the way the Spurs play with the way he distributes the ball, makes runs from deep and his creativity. The former Leicester midfielder continues to rack up the goals and assists this season and is climbing up the list of best midfielders in the world.  

8. Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich look much more cohesive as an attacking unit when Joshua Kimmich is on the pitch. The German midfielder is known for his capability in possession, with long passes, short passes, through balls and set pieces all part of his impressive repertoire.

With three assists already registered under his belt this season, Kimmich will be looking to carry his playmaking talent all the way through to the latter stages of the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

7. Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona rely heavily on Frenkie de Jong for their midfield dominance and it’s clear to see in his absence that no one else in their squad is capable of commanding the centre of the pitch.

Although his goal and assist stats don’t represent just how crucial his presence is in the Barcelona midfield, the Dutchman exhibits much needed composure, in combination with his ability to make piercing dribbles through the opposition half. 

6. Takefusa Kubo

Kubo has enjoyed a blistering start to La Liga this season and his attacking presence has been both a surprise and as a result of hard work. The Barcelona academy product and former Real Madrid star has played a prominent role at the heart of Real Sociedad’s attack.

Despite his small stature, the Japanese midfielder has made a habit of beating defenders with his pace and trickery, whilst also exhibiting a calmness on the ball when making through passes upfield.

5. Federico Valverde

Real Madrid has a talented crop with many of the world’s best midfielders and Federico Valverde is one of them. Taking over the starting role from the legendary Luka Modrić, the Uruguayan cemented his spot in the heart of midfield, providing relentless pressing energy and graft that few players in the sport can replicate.

Valverde is the epitome of a modern day midfielder who has the pace, can shoot, has an impressive work rate and can run for days.

4. Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United have endured a turbulent start to their league campaign, but team captain Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light with his solid attacking contributions.

The Portuguese international showed his impressive ability at scoring goals with an incredible first-time volley against Burnley earlier in the season. If Manchester United are to have any chance of a top four finish, Fernandes needs to fire. 

3. Martin Ødegaard

Arsenal’s Norwegian genius Martin Ødegaard is a former Real Madrid star showing just how much depth Madrid have in midfield. Since arriving at Arsenal he’s been orchestrating midfield proceedings with his silky passes and progressive play, leaving viewers in awe of his ability.

Ødegaard has really stepped up his performance levels after being named captain of the team in 2022. He continues to lead by example in the middle of the pitch through his relentless pressing, intelligent movement and excellent build up.

2. Jude Bellingham

Bellingham inherited Zinedine Zidane’s number five jersey for Real Madrid and is already living up to the massive expectations that were set on him. He’s got an ability to consistently find the net with his goals often decided games.

Despite his young age he’s shown a level of maturity far beyond his years. With his level of talent already, it’s scary to think just how incredible he can become as he’s already become one of La Liga’s best players, and one of the best midfielders in the world. 

1. Rodri

Rodri is one of the best Premier League players this season and is the best midfielder in the world. A stalwart of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team, Rodri has been given a licence to make penetrative runs into the opposition penalty area, where his timing has been excellent.

The Spaniard currently exemplifies an all-round midfielder capable of recycling possession from deep, positioning his body to make crucial interceptions and tackles as well as scoring goals at the top end of the pitch.

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