Best Midfielders in the World - Key Attributes and Top Players

How to become the best midfielder?

Here are some of the key factors that contribute to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world:

• Technical Ability - The top midfielders are extremely comfortable and confident on the ball. They have excellent close control, dribbling skills, passing range, and shooting technique. Mastering the technical aspects of the game is crucial.
• Vision and Game Intelligence - Great midfield players see passes and space on the field that others don't. They make great decisions about when to dribble, pass, or shoot. Their reading of the game allows them to control matches.
• Work Rate - Midfielders cover huge amounts of ground each match. The best midfielders have immense stamina and energy to contribute at both ends of the pitch for 90 minutes. They also press and chase relentlessly when not in possession.
• Tackling and Interceptions - Especially for defensive midfielders, being able to win back possession through clean tackles and interceptions is a key skill. Positioning and defensive awareness help top midfielders regularly regain the ball.
• Leadership and Communication - Midfield generals like Kroos and Modric organize and dictate games through their leadership, positioning, and communication. Their experience helps them command the area and team around them.
• Creativity and Eye for Goal - The best midfielders provide regular goals and assists. They can craft and unlock defenses with their passing, take long shots, or make late runs into the box. This attacking output separates the elite.

Mastering these well-rounded attributes allows midfielders to control games, contribute to attack and defense, and influence contests more than any other position. Developing this diverse skillset enables players to reach the pinnacle of the midfield ranks. Watch all live soccer streams today to see how top midfielders control their matches.

Who are the Best Midfielders in the World?

The Belgian superstar is Manchester City's chief creative force and is amongst the world's best-attacking midfielders. De Bruyne is a complete modern midfielder - excellent technically, intelligent with his movement and positioning, lethal from range, and a phenomenal deliverer of crosses, through balls and set pieces.

Last season the 31-year-old scored 15 Premier League goals and provided 7 assists as Manchester City claimed another title. De Bruyne was the PFA Player's Player of the Year and is one of the best soccer players in the world right now. There is simply no weakness in his game.

The German international is arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football right now. Kimmich currently plays for Bayern Munich and the German national team. He is renowned for his tactical intelligence, positional discipline, ball-winning ability, and progressive passing range.

Still only 27 years old, Kimmich enjoyed another stellar season in 2021/22. He helped Bayern win their 10th consecutive Bundesliga title while also leading Germany to qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Kimmich's stats from last season demonstrate his well-rounded midfield capabilities - he made 35 league appearances, scored 3 goals, provided 12 assists, and averaged 55 passes per game with a completion rate of 89%.

The Portuguese playmaker has been a revelation since joining Manchester United in January 2020. Fernandes is an elite creative force who also chips in with plenty of goals from his advanced midfield role. Last season he top-scored for United with 10 goals in the Premier League whilst also contributing 6 assists.

Fernandes is excellent at finding space between the lines to receive possession and hurt opponents with his incisive passing, vision, and set-piece delivery. He also carries a significant goal threat cutting in from wider areas or arriving late into the box. Fernandes will be a key figure if Portugal are to enjoy a successful World Cup campaign.

Now in his 10th season with Real Madrid, Toni Kroos remains one of the elite central midfielders in the game. The German playmaker dictates matches with his outstanding range of passing, vision, and reading of the game.

Kroos was instrumental as Real Madrid won the La Liga and Champions League titles last season. Despite turning 33 in January, Kroos started 52 matches across all competitions showcasing remarkable durability and fitness levels. His ability to control matches through crisp passing and clever movement puts Kroos amongst the greatest midfielders of his generation.

At 37 years old, Modric remains a world-class performer for Real Madrid and captains the Croatian national team. He is blessed with supreme technique, close control, passing range, and reading of the game. Modric was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or trophy in 2018 and continues to excel despite his advancing years.

Alongside Kroos, Modric was pivotal to Real Madrid's phenomenal success last season. He made 45 appearances across all competitions and produced some vintage midfield masterclasses. Modric's enduring quality means he will spearhead Croatia's bid for World Cup glory in what will likely be his final major tournament.

The Italian playmaker is a vital component in both the Paris Saint-Germain and national team midfielder. Verratti is an artist with the ball at his feet, capable of gliding past challenges or executing defense-splitting passes. He also provides tenacious ball-winning quality and positional discipline in front of his defense.

Last season the 29-year-old excelled as PSG retained the French league title and Verratti was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. His talents will be required this winter if Italy is to enjoy a successful World Cup defense in Qatar. When fit and firing, there are few better controllers of midfield than Marco Verratti.

Despite only turning 19 in June, Bellingham already looks set to become one of the best midfielders on the planet. He joined German club Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2020 and immediately became a regular starter. Bellingham contributes all over the pitch with his energy, tenacious tackling, driving runs from midfield, and eye for goal.

Last season he was Dortmund's second top scorer with 6 goals and also provided 13 assists across all competitions. Bellingham is expected to be a central figure in England's midfield at the upcoming World Cup. His maturity and well-rounded game belie his age - the sky truly is the limit for this generational talent.

Now into his 17th season with Barcelona, Busquets has been a pillar of the Spanish national team midfield for over a decade. Widely regarded among the great defensive midfielders of his generation, Busquets exudes class, intelligence, and positional mastery.

Despite turning 34 in July, Busquets started 32 La Liga matches last campaign as Barcelona qualified for the Champions League. With over 140 caps for Spain, Busquets will aim to bow out in style at his last World Cup this winter. When he eventually retires, Busquets will go down as one of the most accomplished holding midfielders to have graced the game.

The Portuguese midfielder has been a revelation since joining Manchester City from Monaco in 2017. Originally a winger, Silva has adapted seamlessly into an elite multifunctional midfielder. He epitomizes the energy, fluency, and tactical flexibility demanded in Pep Guardiola's system.

Silva showcased his outstanding quality last season with 13 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. Comfortable playing centrally or out wide, Silva's work rate and technical quality make him indispensable for club and country. Aged 28 and in his prime, Silva will relish the opportunity to impress at his first World Cup.

Conclusion

This analysis highlights the sheer array of world-class midfield talent currently on display in the game. The very best midfielders are intelligent readers of the game, positionally astute, technically excellent, energetic, and offer significant goal and assist output. Players like Kimmich, De Bruyne, Kroos, and Modric seem capable of controlling matches on their own.

Exciting young talents such as Bellingham and Silva look set to dominate the midfield landscape for years to come. The 2022 World Cup will provide the perfect stage for the world's elite midfielders to showcase their talents. No matter your midfield preference - be it destroyers, creators, box-to-box dynamos, or deep-lying playmakers - there are plenty of options to enjoy. Their combination of skill, creativity, and athleticism makes the very best midfielders a captivating spectacle.

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