The 10 best central midfielders in the world right now | OneFootball

Central midfield might be the most difficult position on the pitch. The very best can defend, run endlessly, and make things happen in the final third. Whether it’s finding a defence-splitting pass, or intercepting one to snuff out danger, those in the engine room must do it all.

In our profiling of the top 10 players in each position, we’ve categorised our midfielders into defensive, central and attacking groups. Here we appreciate the middlemen, with the top 10 central midfielders in world football right now.

10. Luka Modric – Real Madrid

That Luka Modric is approaching his 40th birthday and is still a crucial cog at Real Madrid is all you need to know about the Croatian’s class. Sure, Modric might not feature as regularly as he once did, but he’s still able to stamp his authority of games when in the side.

This season he’s scored five times and laid on six assists, showing that class – particularly creative class – is very much permanent. A glorious Golazo against Girona was a reminder of his evergreen excellence. One of the greatest midfielders of all time.

9. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain

Fabian Ruiz was an under-appreciated part of Paris Saint-Germain’s side last summer. After a summer in the limelight with Spain, he’s returned to the French capital with a spring in his step. Ruiz was outstanding as Spain won Euro 2024. Unfortunate to be overlooked for the Player of the Tournament award, he shone with his box-to-box brilliance. He appears to be at the peak of his powers right now.

8. Gavi – Barcelona

Gavi’s rapid rise at Barcelona stalled after an ACL injury last season but the precociously gifted Spaniard is on his way back to prominence. The 20-year-old has all the hallmarks of a La Masia graduate with his ability to keep the ball on a string, though offers a little more bite than iconic predecessors Xavi and Andres Iniesta. There’s no doubt he’ll be a big part of Barcelona’s future.

7. Declan Rice – Arsenal

Declan Rice was once pigeon-holed as a ball-winning number six but a £105m move to Arsenal has seen the shackles taken off.

The England international has earned the nickname ‘Horse’ for his galloping runs forward, with Mikel Arteta adamant his best use is as a powerful marauding number eight. He’s also emerged as a set-piece specialist for an Arsenal side that thrive from dead balls. Rice is far more well-rounded than he was once given credit for.

6. Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool

Brighton have become masters of unearthing gems and picked up Alexis Mac Allister from Argentinos Juniors for a nominal fee. He won the World Cup with Argentina while still at the Amex Stadium, before confirming his world-class status after a move to Liverpool.

An irreplaceable figure for Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot, Mac Allister’s mix of vision and technical ability have made him the hub of the side at Anfield.

5. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain

A driving force of a new-look Paris Saint-Germain, Vitinha has got better and better in the French capital. Across the last two seasons, he’s risen from talented youngster to genuine game-changer, stamping his mark on some huge occasions.

Metronomic during PSG’s recent Champions League elimination of Liverpool, Vitinha’s ability to find space and progress the ball have made him a fulcrum of the French champions and Portuguese national side.

4. Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan

Want a midfielder who can do it all? Nicolo Barella is your man.

Barella is all-action and the driving force of the Inter Milan midfield. Capable of taking games by the scruff of the neck, his lung-busting drives forward are a feature of the Nerazzurri’s game. He’s scored three times and provided six assists this season, while he ranks fourth in Serie A for chances created.

3. Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United

Bruno Guimaraes and Newcastle United have been a match made in heaven.

The Brazilian boasts everything an adoring Geordie crowd wants from their players. He’s tenacious, passionate and elite in possession. Above all, he cares as a tearful reaction to the club’s Carabao Cup success proved.

Providing a team that can compete for bigger prizes is now a must for the Magpies, with Guimaraes a talent that would arguably improve any side in the world.

2. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

When Real Madrid have a problem, Federico Valverde is often on hand to fix it. Whether at right-back, right-wing or in his preferred home in the engine room, the Uruguayan is one of the best.

Valverde is no jack-of-all-trades but rather a master of many. His energy is infectious and his passion more so, while he’s added glorious goals to a résumé that makes the 26-year-old one of the most complete players in the game. The definition of a fan’s favourite.

1. Pedri – Barcelona

Pedri’s battle back from injury issues to his current form is one of the feel-good stories of the season. Sure, it might be Barcelona propaganda in some parts, but it’s hard to think of another player who has inspired as many social media montages after almost every game he’s played this season.

The highlight reels of another Pedri performance have been a regular offering on the internet, with the silky Spaniard sneaking into the Ballon d’Or conversation. His ability to carry, create and evade pressure is a joy to watch, with Pedri pivotal in Barcelona’s bid to reclaim Spanish supremacy under Hansi Flick this season.

Read – The 10 best signings in Europe’s top five leagues this season

See more – The 10 best centre-backs in the world right now

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok