Football News: Top 10 Central Midfielders

Image from: freelargeimages.com

Top 10 Central Midfielders

This was the most difficult list of all, players such as Kevin De Bruyne often play in central midfield, even though it is not their main position really. I decided I was going to consider players only in what I considered their best position, which ruled out Saul and De Bruyne, as they are better in other areas of the pitch. Though both would surely have to be in there otherwise.

10. Houssem Aouar - Olympique Lyonnais

Lyon are not having the best of seasons but Aouar has been one of the few highlights of the season for their fans. Just 21 years old, he has a very bright future ahead of him, if he can keep his feet on the ground.

9. Arthur - Barcelona

While not on the level of the great Andres Iniesta or his midfield partner Xavi, Arthur is always impressive in Barca's midfield. Their best performances always seem to come when he is playing and I do not believe that is a coincidence.

8. Abdoulaye Doucoure - Watford

In recent years Doucoure has been head and shoulders above his teammates in the Watford team, this season his role has been slightly changed, giving him much more freedom to get forward and it has made him look an even better player. Doucoure's pace and power have always aided him in snuffing out danger, now they are also bringing him goal scoring chances on a regular basis.

7. John Fleck - Sheffield United

Fleck has improved every season I have seen him, but this season he has come on in leaps and bounds. If Scotland do not build their team around him, then they are making a huge mistake. Fleck is almost a complete midfielder, stamina, range of passing and the vision to spot them, lovely left foot, skill and excellent workrate are all there. The key to his game is his passion though, everything is done at 100%, like his career depends on it.

6. Joao Moutinho - Wolverhampton Wanderers

His performances have belied his years. The Portugesa may be getting old, in football terms, but Moutinho has been an example over the course of the season in keeping fit and playing at a high intensity for a large number of games. Added to that, his quality is exceptional.

5. N'Golo Kante - Chelsea

For a while he was undoubtedly the best central midfielder in the world, but Chelsea's continuing insistence on misusing his talents have meant he is no longer playing at the same level. Still a top class player, just no longer the best in the world.

4. Nicolo Barella - Inter Milan

One of the key players for Inter this season, his influence on their team has been increasing as he gains experience. It is easy to see why Premier League clubs have been sniffing around him all season.

3. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Lazio

I was going to write that he was back to his best, but I think it is fair to say that he is probably playing his best football now and that he has eclipsed his previous best. It is easy to see why so many clubs wanted to sign him in recent years, he has skill, strength and the size to make him a threat in the air on top of that.

2. Jordan Henderson - Liverpool

At one time the butt of people's jokes, as his distinctive running style drew unfair criticism. The last two seasons has seen him overcome the disdain some people viewed him in and made it clear just how good a player he actually is. This season he has been the driving force, once more, behind Liverpool's title push. He is more than just a player, he is a leader too and that is invaluable in the modern game, which has very few true captains left in the game.

1. Marco Veratti - Paris Saint-Germain

If anything, you have to say the Italian is just too good for the league he plays in and it has been to his detriment that he plays there. It is only really in Europe that you can see the genuine quality he has, added to a good brain and workrate.

Written by Tris Burke April 03 2020 13:57:54