There are different kinds of midfielders. Some are big and tough and good at defending. Others are energetic and run all over the field.
And then there are smaller ones who are good at creating opportunities.
The midfield in football is like the heart of the team. It’s where players do a bit of everything: stopping the other team, getting the ball back, taking chances, and scoring goals.
Deciding who the best midfielders are is hard, but we can look at how successful they’ve been over time, how well they’re playing now, and how they help their team both in club games and for their country.
People often say that the team that controls the midfield usually wins the game.
Whether it’s a midfielder who stops the other team, one who does a bit of everything, or one who scores goals, they often determine how a match goes.
But who’s the best among them?
We’re choosing not to include Luca Modric on this list, not because he’s not exceptional, but because he’s in a league of his own, and also because his illustrious career is winding down.
In this post, we’ll list the 10 best midfielders who have not only been good in the midfield but have also set new standards of how good a midfielder can be.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is widely seen as the best midfielder in the world right now.
He played a big part in Manchester City winning everything they could in the 2022-23 season. Now, in 2024, he wants to help them win the Premier League and the Champions League again.
People think he’s one of the greatest players of his time and one of the best midfielders globally. They often say he’s good at everything in football.
But he’s had some trouble with injuries lately. He couldn’t play for the first four months of this new season because of an injury. Still, it’s hard to find a midfielder better than him, especially when it comes to attacking.
De Bruyne doesn’t just make an impact at his club; he’s also really important for the Belgian national team. He’s played over 90 games for them and has done well in big tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros.
2. Jude Bellingham
At just 20 years old, Jude Bellingham is catching everyone’s attention, not just at Real Madrid, but across the football world, by showing extraordinary talent in midfield.
He quickly settled into life at Borussia Dortmund and impressed everyone with his skills, leading to many of Europe’s top clubs wanting to sign him.
Some people even consider him the best player in the world right now, and he’s ranked among the top 10 midfielders globally in 2024 by others. Bellingham’s ability to make great passes, tackle well, and intercept passes shows he’s a master in midfield.
What sets him apart is his versatility. He can play in different positions on the field and still excel, making him incredibly valuable to his team.
While there are debates about where he stands among the top midfielders, one thing is clear: Jude Bellingham’s talent and potential suggest he’s on a path to becoming a football legend.
Considering he has many years left in his career, and he’s not even in his prime yet, there’s a good chance he could even be in the running for the Ballon d’Or award someday.
3. Martin Ødegaard
Amid all the praise rightly given to players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal’s title push last season, it’s important not to overlook the remarkable contributions of the team’s captain.
Martin Odegaard’s tally of 15 goals in the Premier League, excluding penalties, set a new record for midfielders in the league’s history.
Considering the esteemed company he surpassed to achieve this feat, it’s even more impressive.
It’s astonishing to think that Odegaard is only 24 years old, considering he’s been in the football spotlight since his teenage years, when he joined Real Madrid.
While it took him some time to settle, the Norwegian star has truly found his rhythm in north London.
With Champions League football now on offer at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, expect Odegaard to prove to Europe just how exceptional he has become.
4. Bernardo Silva
Since joining Manchester City in 2017, Bernardo Silva has played in over 200 games and won many titles with the team.
He’s also a key player for the Portuguese national team, helping them win the Nation’s League. In the past six years, he’s played around 30 Premier League games each season for City.
Bernardo Silva is a versatile left-footed player with excellent technical skills. He can play in different positions, like on the wings, in midfield, or as an attacking midfielder.
He’s known for his speed, passing accuracy, dribbling, and defensive work. Despite being good at taking on defenders, he prefers to work with his team to create scoring opportunities.
SEE ALSO | 10 BEST DEFENDERS IN THE WORLD AS OF 2024
SEE ALSO | 20 BEST STRIKERS IN THE WORLD AS OF 2024
5. Rodri
Currently in excellent form, Rodri is making a strong case for being the world’s best midfielder.
When he joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid, many expected him to simply replace Fernandinho as a defensive midfielder, breaking up opposition attacks and passing to more creative teammates.
However, Rodri’s impact on the team has exceeded all expectations.
His mastery of the game is evident in every match he plays, placing him among the very best in the world.
As a defensive midfielder, Rodri possesses a remarkable combination of skills that make him invaluable both in advancing the ball and bolstering the defense.
His exceptional ball control, along with his ability to find space and deliver precise passes, embodies the finesse that Spanish midfielders have been known for over the past decade.
Moreover, it’s his improved physicality and defensive abilities that set him apart, creating a midfielder who not only dictates the tempo of the game but also protects and drives his team forward.
Rodri’s diverse skill set sets a new standard for what it means to be a complete midfielder in modern football.
6. Declan Rice
At the core of football, where the game’s intensity is at its peak, Declan Rice stands out as a key figure.
This acknowledgment comes from carefully studying his consistent excellence, current skill level, and significant contributions both for his club and his national team.
Among a diverse range of midfield talents, from strong defenders to energetic box-to-box players and creative playmakers, Rice’s name stands out prominently.
Rice is recognized as a vital piece of both Arsenal’s and England’s midfield, playing a crucial role in driving their ambitions forward.
While he may not have yet reached the top three, Declan Rice’s journey is characterized by steady progress and unmatched impact, firmly establishing him among the best midfielders in the game.
7. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has made an incredible impact at Manchester United, scoring 65 goals and providing 55 assists in just 189 games, despite not being a striker.
His ability to consistently produce results is remarkable, averaging more than ten goals per season since joining from Sporting CP. His standout season was in 2020/2021, where he scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in just 37 Premier League games.
Fernandes is known for his killer passes and his willingness to take risks to score goals. He has emerged as a leader for Manchester United and is considered one of the best players in the world based on his impressive statistics alone.
His passing skills, especially from set pieces, are highly praised, placing him among the top players globally, not just in the Premier League.
Fernandes is a dynamic and talented playmaker who can dictate the pace of the game, create scoring opportunities, and dribble past opponents.
For those seeking a midfielder who can score goals regularly in the modern game, Bruno Fernandes, at 29 years old, is the perfect choice.
8. Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has solidified his place among football’s elite midfielders with his exceptional performances for Barcelona.
During the 2022-23 La Liga season, he showcased his dominance with impressive stats: 55 chances created, 2206 accurate passes, and 32 successful tackles. These numbers reflect his tactical brilliance and ability to dictate the game’s tempo.
De Jong’s playing style combines tactical awareness, creativity, and precise control, which have been crucial to Barcelona’s success.
His talent for delivering crucial passes and his impressive dribbling skills make him a key player for both Barcelona and the Netherlands national team.
With his remarkable passing accuracy, astute positioning, and ability to read the game, Frenkie de Jong has rightfully earned his place as one of the best midfielders in the world.
9. Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos is a midfield maestro who can’t be given any space on the field. His precision with the ball has been a hallmark of his game for over a decade, making him a key part of the legendary midfield trio with Casemiro and Luka Modric at Real Madrid.
Despite approaching the later stages of his career, Kroos continues to mesmerize fans with his skill and vision on the field.
He has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success over the years, contributing significantly to their achievements.
Kroos is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and his legacy in the game is assured. He remains a standout performer in the central midfield position at the highest level of football.
10. Pedri
In 2024, Pedri is making waves in football, not just as a player but as a game-changer in midfield.
He’s good at moving the ball from defense to attack and creating opportunities that can turn a game around.
Pedri can play different roles in midfield: he can be a hardworking player who moves all over the field, a creative playmaker, or a deep-lying midfielder controlling the game. His skills are vital for both Barcelona and Spain.
ESPN even ranked him as the second most influential player under 21, showing how important he is. Despite being just 20 years old, Pedri has already scored goals for Barcelona and keeps making an impact.
His smooth dribbling and smart passing make him seem like he’s been trained at Barcelona’s academy for years. He’s not just the future of Barcelona’s midfield but also of Spain’s national team.
Other Best Midfielders In 2024
- Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona)
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
- Florian Wirtz (Bayern Leverkusen)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
- Vitinha (PSG)
- Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
- Piotr Zielinski (Napoli)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
- Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
- Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
- Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille).