Best Midfielders in the World - Top 10 Greatest (Updated 2023)
by Maivizhi A
Updated Apr 07, 2023
Best Midfielders in the World 2023
Midfielders have played a vital role in the history of football. They are often considered the engine room of a team and are responsible for controlling the flow of the game, creating scoring opportunities, and providing a shield for the defense. Midfielders are considered the backbone of a football team as they play a vital role in both attacking and defensive phases of the game. They are the link between the defence and the attack, and are responsible for maintaining the team's shape and balance. In attack, midfielders are responsible for creating and dictating the tempo of the game, controlling possession, and creating scoring opportunities for their forwards. They are often the ones who initiate attacks by providing accurate passes and making intelligent runs into space. In defense, midfielders help to break up the opposition's attacks, intercepting passes, and making crucial tackles. They also provide cover for the defense when necessary and support the team in winning back possession.
Additionally, midfielders often serve as the team's leaders and playmakers, dictating the rhythm of the game and organizing the team's strategy. Their ability to read the game and make quick, informed decisions under pressure is crucial to a team's success. Throughout football history, midfielders have played an essential role in some of the sport's most successful teams, including the legendary midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets for Barcelona, Roy Keane for Manchester United, Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid, and many others.
Top 10 Best Midfielders in the World
Here is the Top 10 Best Midfielders in the World
S.No
Best Midfielders
Team
1
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City
2
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool
3
Luka Modric
Real Madrid
4
Toni Kroos
Real Madrid
5
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich
6
Jude Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund
7
Casemiro
Manchester United
8
Rodri
Manchester City
9
Pedri
Barcelona
10
Gavi
Barcelona
Let us see each one of the Midfielders in detail.
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne, who was ranked as the third best player in the world at last year's Ballon d'Or, is a midfield maestro known for his incredible goal contributions and playmaking abilities. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, the Belgian has amassed over 200 goal contributions across various competitions. With two Premier League Player of the Season awards and a Playmaker of the Season award under his belt, De Bruyne has also excelled in the Bundesliga. With a potent shot, impeccable passing, and superb crossing skills, De Bruyne is a complete attacking midfielder.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
It can be debated whether Mohamed Salah is a midfielder or a forward, but for the purpose of this list, we'll accept his categorization as a midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League. Despite Liverpool's recent struggles, there's no denying Salah's impressive track record. Over the last four years, he has consistently ranked among the top 10 in Ballon d'Or voting, and he has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times. Salah was also instrumental in Liverpool's recent triumphs, including their 2019/20 Premier League title and their 2018/19 Champions League victory.
3. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Although Luka Modric is nearing the end of his playing career, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remains a top performer in midfield due to his exceptional passing skills. Since joining Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, Modric has been a vital player for Los Blancos and has won five Champions League titles with the club. Additionally, Modric has made an impact on the international stage, leading Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and playing a significant part in their run to the semi-finals in Qatar.
4. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
At number four is Toni Kroos, who along with the next player on the list, has formed a crucial double pivot that has helped Real Madrid dominate in La Liga and the Champions League since the mid-2010s. While he may not score many goals and is often overlooked, Kroos's value lies in his creativity and his ability to keep the team's play flowing smoothly in midfield. Having won major titles with his former club Bayern Munich, Kroos was also a part of Germany's victorious squad at the 2014 World Cup - the most prestigious honor in international football.
5. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich, the unheralded defensive midfielder, has proven himself to be one of the best in the game. Signed by Bayern Munich for a mere €7 million in 2015, he has since won 11 major trophies, including the 2019/20 Champions League. Kimmich's aggressive off-the-ball play and expert ball-winning skills are complemented by his slick possession and attacking contributions, making him a true asset to his team.
6. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Jude Bellingham's transfer to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 was once ridiculed, but now it seems that the joke's on us as the 19-year-old midfielder is a force to be reckoned with. Bellingham plays like a complete package as he possesses the qualities of a number six in terms of making challenges, as well as having the running capabilities of a number eight, and the creativity of a number 10. He has made a name for himself on the global stage following a starring role for England at the 2022 World Cup, but followers of the Bundesliga already knew of his immense talent.
7. Casemiro (Manchester United)
Manchester United's signing of Casemiro from the Bernabeu last summer was met with some skepticism, but the 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder has proved to be an astute addition to the team. While he may not possess the same technical ability as some of his peers, Casemiro's intelligence and ability to do the dirty work in midfield have been invaluable for the team's success. With 69 caps for Brazil and a host of club honors including five Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies, Casemiro's impressive track record speaks for itself.
8. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri is the backbone of Manchester City's attack, ensuring everything runs smoothly with his impressive defensive skills. As a defensive midfielder, he does everything required, from interceptions to tackles and setting up creative players, flawlessly executing Pep Guardiola's game plan. Additionally, he occasionally contributes with a goal. Having already won two Premier League titles, there is no doubt that he will continue to add to his trophy cabinet in the future.
9. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri was acquired by Barcelona from Las Palmas for a meager €5 million in 2019, but now, he is valued at least 20 times that amount, which is a testament to the scouting acumen of the Barca team. At the tender age of 20, Pedri has already secured individual accolades such as the 2021 Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, and he's sure to amass team trophies in the future. With 21 goal contributions before his 100th appearance for Barcelona, Pedri is renowned for his rapid footwork, agility, and forward-thinking passes, all of which establish him as one of the best young talents in the world.
10. Gavi (Barcelona)
While you were probably doing something different when you were 18, last year, Gavi was already making waves in the football world by winning the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy awards, which are given to the best player under 21. As a rising star at Barcelona, Gavi has already made his mark on the Spanish national team and is often compared to Nou Camp legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta due to his exceptional dribbling, vision, passing, and ability to change the pace of the game.
Who is the Best Midfielder of All Time?
Kevin De Bruyne is considered the top midfielder in the world and is widely acknowledged as the best player in his position. It is commonly stated that a team's midfield is the foundation on which it is built, with the best midfielders making a manager's job easier in terms of both scoring and defending. While there are numerous types of midfielders that make comparisons challenging, we have compiled a list of the top 10 midfielders in the world who typically impact the game in either the central or attacking third of the field. De Bruyne is known for his passing ability, vision, and creativity on the field. He can play in a variety of midfield positions and is equally comfortable playing as a deep-lying playmaker, a central midfielder, or an attacking midfielder. He has won numerous individual awards and has been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice.
De Bruyne is also a key player for the Belgian national team and has helped them reach the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Overall, he is considered one of the best footballers in the world and is widely regarded as the best midfielder in the game today.
Conclusion
Midfielders are the backbone of a football team, responsible for controlling the flow of the game, creating scoring opportunities, and providing cover for the defense. They serve as the team's leaders and playmakers, dictating the rhythm of the game and organizing the team's strategy. The list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2023 features Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Joshua Kimmich, Jude Bellingham, Casemiro, Rodri, Pedri, and Gavi. Each midfielder brings unique skills to the pitch, and their contributions to their respective teams cannot be overstated. These midfielders have proven themselves as top performers and have consistently played at the highest level, earning them a place among the best midfielders in the world.
Best Midfielders in the World 2023 - FAQs
Kevin De Bruyne is known for his incredible goal contributions and playmaking abilities, with over 200 goal contributions since joining Manchester City in 2015.
Mohamed Salah has consistently ranked among the top 10 in Ballon d'Or voting over the last four years, and he has won the Premier League Golden Boot three times.
There is some debate over whether Mohamed Salah should be categorized as a midfielder or a forward, but for the purpose of this list, he is included as a midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League.
A great midfielder needs to have excellent technical abilities, such as passing, dribbling, and shooting, as well as a high level of tactical awareness.
Midfielders are responsible for controlling the flow of the game, creating scoring opportunities, and providing a shield for the defense.