Often considered the heartbeat of any side, the midfielder’s role can range from anchorman to playmaker, from target man, to defender, and everything in between. They provide a key link in the transition from defence to attack and can often be seen dropping back to support their teammates when a counter-attack is on the go.
Premier League midfielders are amongst the best in the world. The physicality of English football means that midfielders need to have a combination of excellent skills, footwork and strength in order to be effective. That being said, we’ve ranked five of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season.
5. James Maddison – Leicester City
Image source: dailymail.co.uk
James Maddison has played a massive role in Leicester’s rise in the Premier League. It hasn’t taken long for the Englishman to prove that he is one of the best playmakers in the league at the moment. Moreover, his ability with a dead-ball at his feet means that opponents rarely risk 50/50 tackles from 40 yards out.
If his style of play wasn’t enough to convince you, there are rumours that a number of top-six clubs have Maddison on their shortlist. Whether he leaves or not is still up in the air, but you’d think that playing for the Foxes might be better for his career than a move to a “bigger” club.
4. Wilfred Ndidi – Leicester City
Image source: transfertavern.com
In the past, Wilfred Ndidi’s name may not have been the first on the lips of many when asked about the most impactful midfielders in the Premier League, but that all changed after he was sidelined due to a knee injury.
During his time on the sidelines, the Foxes managed to secure just two out of a possible 15 points highlighting just how important the Nigerian is in the midfield. Not only does he have the ability to turn nothing into something, he has a massive impact on the players around him which was evident in the wins over Newcastle United (3-0), West Ham (4-1) and Aston Villa (4-0)
3. Jack Grealish – Aston Villa
Image source: fourfourtwo.co.za
“He’s a talented player who always creates something. An exceptional player.” These were the words used by City manager, Pep Guardiola when talking about Jack Grealish, and the praise couldn’t come from a more respected manager in the league at the moment.
From staring into the abyss and with many struggling to see how his football career would progress, Grealish has grown into his boots – so to speak – and has been a shining light in a struggling Aston Villa side this season.
Villa might be battling relegation this season, but the future for the English midfielder looks bright. There is no doubt that, should Villa get the drop, he will be snapped up by a Premier League club in the next transfer window. A national call-up also looks to be on the horizon for the Englishman.
2. Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
Image source: bournemouthecho.co.uk
What a season Liverpool, and Henderson in particular, have had so far. The Reds are within touching distance of ending a 30-year championship drought and it is in no small part due to the inspirational leadership of Jordan Henderson.
Hendo had big, big shoes to fill when he took over from legendary leader, Steven Gerrard, but he has grown into the role and has rightly earned a number of plaudits and looks to be in contention for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
1. Kevin de Bruyne
Image source: premierleague.com
Not only has De Bruyne been the best midfielder this season, he has arguably been the best player outright. The Belgian creator has simply been on another level, demonstrating a mesmerizing relationship between brain and ball, while conjuring up consistent pinpoint deliveries even the best of players would struggle to dream up.
Though Manchester City are seemingly unable to win the league, with Liverpool requiring at least two more wins, De Bruyne’s relative fitness – which seemed to be a major issue last term – has been encouraging for the former champions, who’ll no doubt come back strong next season.
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