When we talk about midfielders in soccer today, we’re referring to some of the most influential players on the field. Midfielders are the engine of any team, controlling the flow of the game, linking defense and attack, and often being the difference-makers. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best midfielders in soccer today, highlighting their skills and what makes them stand out.
What Makes a Great Midfielder?
Before going into the top midfielders in soccer today, it’s important to understand what makes a great midfielder. The role of a midfielder is often described as being the most versatile. They need to be excellent at passing, dribbling, defending, and reading the game. A great midfielder has the ability to control the tempo of the match, create scoring chances, and even score goals themselves. They can win back possession and provide the link between the defense and the attack.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
His football intelligence allows him to make decisive plays and set the tempo for his team. De Bruyne’s ability to deliver assists and score goals makes him a complete midfielder.
2. Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić is another standout midfielder. The Croatian has been a key player for Real Madrid for years and is known for his exceptional dribbling and passing. Modrić has an amazing ability to control the game, and he often dictates the pace of play with his vision and decision-making. He’s also a hard worker, capable of tracking back to defend when needed. Modrić’s talent has earned him numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or in 2018, showcasing just how important he is in the world of midfielders in soccer today.
3. N’Golo Kanté
Kanté is everywhere on the field, intercepting passes, winning tackles, and recovering possession for his team. His high energy and defensive intelligence make him a key asset to any team.
4. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has made a significant impact in the Premier League since joining Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder is known for his creativity, vision, and ability to score goals from midfield. Fernandes can create chances from nothing, delivering precise passes to set up teammates. He’s also a goal threat himself, often scoring from long range or converting penalties. His leadership on the field and ability to change the course of a game have made him one of the top midfielders in soccer today.
5. Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder who plays for Barcelona, is another top player in the world of midfielders in soccer today. Known for his smooth dribbling and composure under pressure, de Jong is excellent at dictating the pace of the game. He’s a player who is able to glide past defenders with ease and is also skilled in winning the ball back for his team. His passing and vision are top-notch, making him an ideal playmaker for Barcelona.
6. Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich, the German international who plays for Bayern Munich, is one of the most well-rounded midfielders in soccer today. Kimmich is known for his tactical intelligence and versatility. Whether playing as a defensive midfielder or further up the pitch, he consistently delivers top performances. Kimmich has great passing accuracy, and his ability to read the game allows him to control the tempo. His defensive contributions are just as important as his attacking ones, making him a key player for both club and country.
7. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has had an up-and-down career, but when he’s at his best, he’s one of the most dominant midfielders in soccer today. The French midfielder has a great combination of strength, skill, and creativity. Pogba is capable of making a difference both in attack and defense. While consistency has sometimes been an issue, Pogba’s talent is undeniable.
8. Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller, while more commonly known for his attacking qualities, is also a key midfielder for Bayern Munich and the German national team. His ability to read the game and make runs into dangerous areas makes him one of the best playmakers in the world. Müller’s intelligence on the field allows him to create space for his teammates and is a crucial part of his team’s success. His knack for scoring goals, combined with his vision and passing ability, solidifies his spot among the best midfielders in soccer today.
9. Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti is an essential part of Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield. The Italian international is known for his dribbling, passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. Verratti is excellent at breaking up attacks and starting counterattacks, often displaying excellent vision and technique under pressure.
10. Declan Rice
Declan Rice, the English midfielder who plays for West Ham United, has been rising in prominence as one of the top midfielders in soccer today. Known for his defensive abilities, Rice has an excellent reading of the game, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He’s also capable of distributing the ball effectively and supporting the attack.
Conclusion
The midfielders in soccer today are incredibly diverse, with each player bringing unique skills and qualities to their teams. Whether controlling the tempo, breaking up attacks, or scoring goals, each of these midfielders plays a crucial role in the success of their teams.