The Best Midfielders in the World Currently (Ranked)

As the modern game of football evolves, the role of a midfielder has also changed tremendously. The midfielders aren’t limited only to simple passes and covering spaces but are the backbone of both defensive and attacking transitions. A good midfielder can change the face of the game with his incredible vision, tactical awareness, and defensive ability.

From Rodri’s ball retention to Jude Bellingham’s attacking prowess, these players have demonstrated the diversity and depth of the modern game midfielder. Not only they have achieved individual recognition but has been pivotal figures in their team’s success. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best midfielders in the world right now:

Ranking Factors

When it comes to ranking the best midfielders in the world, we have focused on longevity, performance in high-pressure games, last season’s form, and contributions to team success. Some might not have scored goals in double digits and some might not have produced impressive assists but they played a pivotal role in their team’s success.

Performing Under Pressure

One of the main reasons that separates great players from good players is their ability to perform in high-stakes games for their teams. Often under immense pressure players break down but those who deliver in these games are defined as best in their position.

Consistency and Last Season’s Form

In order to refine our list, consistency has been crucial. Each player’s last season form has also been taken into account, as maintaining peak performance across seasons is difficult. To identify the most reliable and impactful midfielders in today’s game, we have taken this into consideration.

After evaluating these factors- consistency, clutch performances, and last season forms. We have crafted a definitive list of the Best Midfielders in the World.

Also Read: Top 10 best strikers in the world 2024 – Updated

10. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich & Germany)

• Strengths: Dribbling, agility, goal-scoring, creativity
• Playing Style: Agile attacking midfielder with a flair for dribbling and creating chances

Jamal Musiala is one of the fast-rising players in Bayern Munich due to his outstanding dribbling and fast player movement. Playing as an outright right-attacking midfielder most of the time, his mastery of close body control originated from his very nimble feet. His creative ability and excellent thinking pattern gives him the tact of a playmaker since he can penetrate through the defences of the opposing team with a well-calculated pass.

Musiala has also been scoring goals for the team and also always gets in front of the opponent’s goal area. Fans love his burst of speed and the way he gets past his marker, he looks more composed in front of goal as well. The Munich midfielder is forming the new wing for his club, and he has the potential to go further. Jamal is one of the best midfielders in the world 2024.

9. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

• Strengths: Creativity, goal-scoring, set-piece expertise, leadership
• Playing Style: Advanced playmaker with a strong attacking focus

Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best goal-scoring midfielder in the world at the moment. Manchester United has benefited a lot from his goal contributions; he has scored goals from a distance and most of the time he scores when team needs the most. He has also been a good example on the field- especially due to his hard work.

The Portuguese international is a crucial player for his club and country as he takes advantage of the opponent’s defences through his through balls and fast short passes. His goal-scoring and assists from set pieces alone give an extra option to United’s attacking arsenal. Although Man United struggled in recent times, but his performance rarely dipped apart from a couple of off games.

8. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal & Norway)

• Strengths: Vision, playmaking, technical skill, leadership
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with a focus on intricate passing and control

Martin Odegaard’s physical and mental skills and excellent view of the game have been contributing massively to Arsenal’s midfield. In Arsenal’s organization, the Norwegian international has shown himself to be a creative player with excellent passing and decision-making skills as the team’s captain. He has excellent technical ability to maneuver through narrow areas due to his footballing intelligence and freeing up the defense.

Through dribbling and control, Odegaard can beat opponents through crowded midfields and defense. The Arsenal captain brings inspiration to the team with his leadership. His direct involvement is not only limited to playmaking since he is usually one of the prime movers during pressing in an Arsenal sense. Odegaard is considered one of the best central midfielders in the world.

7. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid & France)

• Strengths: Defensive awareness, passing, aerial ability, composure
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with strong tackling and distribution skills

Aurelien Tchouameni has become one of the pillars of Real Madrid within short time. He is strong in terms of his tackling, intercepting skills, and ability to disrupt play in front of the defense. The technical ability of the 24-year-old prospect has been evident and he has been able to execute accurate passes at the center stage under pressure and immediately move from the back line to the forward line showing his attacking prowess.

Tchouameni is also considered an aerial threat standing tall at 6’2”, and that makes him excel in headers and bring a physical aspect to Madrid’s midfield. Despite being a youngster, he looks so mature and that is seen in the way he moves on the field, and that makes him important to Madrid. They have seen him play for his club and the French national team to become among the best defensive midfielders in Europe. Tchouameni is one of the best midfielders in the world right now.

Also Read: Top 5 Goalscorers in Football 2024

6. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)

• Strengths: Pace, energy, long-range shooting, versatility
• Playing Style: Energetic box-to-box midfielder with a penchant for powerful shots

Succinctly, positioning, speed, and power have bestowed on Federico Valverde’s unique spot in Real Madrid. Being admired for his relentless action and long shoot with the ball, Valverde has been very useful when it comes to defence and charging. He also possesses good long-distance shooting power, which creates another source of a goal and sometimes spectacular goals from the free-kick box area. Valverde is one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Valverde is very alike in both tactical roles of central and wide midfielder, which makes him very versatile for teams to use.  His tackling and marking are also important, he sometimes drops deep to help the backline, which keeps Madrid well-disciplined in defense. This ability has made him an essential player for both club and country depending on Valverde. The midfielder’s contributions are equally valued which has helped Madrid in winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

5. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

• Strengths: Defensive coverage, passing, leadership, physicality
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with robust tackling and strong ball distribution

The transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal has been a game-changer. On the defensive side, Rice has the great mentality of a defender, which makes him perfect to be placed as a sweeper cover because he has a whole back line in front of him. His physical presence and the way he tackles make him come out successful in several duels, effectively closing down the opponents’ plays and providing accurate crisp passes.

The re-emergence of Arsenal has been greatly precipitated by Rice’s role on the pitch. His appreciable vocal ability and dominance in the central region offer other players assurance out on the field. The Englishman’s performance against major Premier League opponents shows piercing abilities in high-stress situations where he regains the ball and organizes a proper build-up. Rice is gradually developing into one of the English top defensive midfielders while still developing at the Arsenal Football Club. Declan Rice as quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

4. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City & Portugal)

• Strengths: Dribbling, versatility, work rate, close control
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker with high stamina and excellent ball control

Bernardo Silva’s stamina and great ball control put him on the squad of any team. Being able to play anywhere between the midfield and winger positions including the central attacking midfield position, Silva offers technique and brain to the team’s operations. He seems to possess good ball control and speed in the tactics to avoid getting marked by defenders and inventiveness to come up with dribble for teammates. Bernardo Silva is one of the most profound and best midfielders in the world.

That is why one has to mention Silva’s stamina and physical play, which can be considered to be an essential aspect of Silva’s game. The Portuguese star forever pesters the opponents, regains the ball, and quickly enjoys an attacking segment. He can play in several positions with ease and has been a preferred player by the City manager Pep Guardiola. Most importantly, Silva is the man who can remain cool and play great when Man City most needs a boost to win a crucial game.

3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City & Belgium)

• Strengths: Passing range, creativity, crossing ability, goal-scoring threat
• Playing Style: Visionary playmaker with an emphasis on long-range passing and creativity

Kevin De Bruyne has always been the reigning creative playmaker for Manchester City, making stupendous passes every time in the middle of the park. De Bruyne is notable for his excellent performance from deep and wide segments to put through teammates for potential scoring moments. This creativity helps him to act as a central or wide player and constantly move into the spaces where the opponent’s defence is somewhat porous. The Man City creative wizard is one of the best central midfielders in the world.

The Belgium midfielder is a lethal weapon from a distance, due to powerful strikes and pin-point accurate shots. It cannot be said enough how much City’s attacking plays hinge on him; he provides the assists and keeps the opponent under pressure. De Bruyne has occasionally left the pitch with some knocks but he is a key figure in City’s domination in the English Premier League as well as the UEFA Champions League.

2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

• Strengths: Box-to-box presence, attacking runs, dribbling, versatility
• Playing Style: Dynamic box-to-box midfielder with a flair for the dramatic

Jude Bellingham has been one of the most electrifying midfielders in world football in recent times. Since joining Real Madrid, he has thrived in several different positions, scored crucial goals, and created opportunities with his attacking mentality. Jude is also one of the highest-paid midfielders in the world. The English midfielder’s ability to make late runs into the box and finish with composure is reminiscent of some of the best attacking midfielders in history. His combination of athleticism with technique helps him frequently outpace opponents and make incisive dribbles that disrupt defenses. Jude Bellingham has shown why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world.

The former Dortmund midfielder has versatility which allows him to function in multiple roles from a playmaker to a goal-scoring midfielder. His knack for timing runs makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his defensive commitment ensures he contributes in all phases of play. Jude Bellingham has quickly become a fan favorite at Real Madrid showing a bright future as he continues to grow his influence in both club and international football.

1. Rodri (Manchester City & Spain)

• Strengths: Vision, tactical intelligence, ball retention, defensive acumen
• Playing Style: Defensive midfielder with an emphasis on control and distribution

If there is a complete midfielder currently with both attacking and defensive acumen then it is Rodri. The Manchester City star player, Rodri recently won the 2024 Ballon d’Or for his achievements and success with his country and his club. It’s rare to see a defensive midfielder getting so much fame and value in today’s fast-paced game where fans appreciate wingers and forwards more. But Rodri proved everyone wrong with his skills and technical abilities at the heart of the Man City midfield.

The Spanish midfielder is known for his intelligence which allows him to anticipate opponents’ moves, intercept passes, and dominate possession. Even during high-stakes moments, his calm nature helps him under pressure. Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders and one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Rodri helped Man City to their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy last year, and this year they won a treble after falling short in the UEFA Champions League. With the Spain national team, he won the UEFA European Championship, where he stamped his authority with his ability to influence high-pressure matches and create a spark in the midfield. Although he expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to his injury he had a tremendous season with both the country and club.

Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Footballers of All Time

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