Bruno Guimarães is ranked 5th among the best central midfielders in the world.

The beating core of a football team, central midfielders (CM) effortlessly close the defense-to– attack ratio. These are the adaptable players who can play both sides of the game, providing defensive cover and also significantly help to build up offensive actions.

Usually feeding the ball to the more advanced attackers to generate dangerous plays, central midfielders are charged with linking play with the ball at their feet. Usually dynamic, all-around players able to perform anywhere across the midfield.

Emphasizing their significance on the field, this article provides a closer understanding of the vital part central midfielders do. Their performances throughout the last season and the current campaign will determine their position, therefore offering a comprehensive view of the top CMs in 2024.

Why Is a Great Central Midfielder Great?
The essential link between the defensive backbone of a club and its offensive drive is central midfielders. Positioned to regularly acquire and distribute the ball, they strengthen the team’s structure and lead the attack following defensive possession recovery.

Their primary duties consist in controlling the game’s pace, arranging moves from defense to attack, maintaining possession, running precise passes, reading the game off the ball, and bolstering both defensive and offensive initiatives.

Whether they are box-to—-box midfielders, deep-lying playmakers, or holding players, these midfielders are indispensible on the pitch in all their several forms.

10. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusens)

Once fiery Premier League star Xabi Alonso has developed into Bayer Leverkusener’s midfield motor under his direction. Xhaka regularly gave outstanding performances, so playing a key part in their DFB-Pokal triumph and Bundesliga championship-winning season.

Only Bukayo Saka’s late equaliser and the following penalty shootout denied him, so he also came close to guiding Switzerland to the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Xhaka’s extraordinary season resulted in a Ballon d’Or nomination, a real monument to his comeback.

9. Hakan Æalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)

Before switching to city rivals Inter Milan, dead-ball expert Hakan çalhanoğlu was a major contributor at AC Milan. Emerging as one of Serie A’s best players for the 2021/22 season, the Turkish international hit the ground running at Inter.

Playing in an advanced midfield first, he eventually moved into a deeper post under Simone Inzaghi. Çalhanoğlu is still a goal threat and one of Europe’s most flexible midfield players despite the change of position.

8. Nicolo Barella, Inter Milan

Particularly when Nicolo Barella works in the right half-space, he is a force to be reckoned with. Under Antonio Conte, the vivacious Italian rose became well-known as Inter Milan toppled Juventus’s ten-year run in Serie A.

Barella is a pillar in Inter’s midfield because of his determination and will to seize control of games, therefore guaranteeing his presence for years to come.

7. Dominik Szoboszlai Liverpool

Dominik Szoboszlai enjoys producing great events and is among the top ball striking talents in the world. Still, the Hungarian playmaker is more than just a flashpoint.

Szoboszlai has vision and technical ability to unlock defenses, therefore combining grace with a competitive edge. His outstanding assist counts over his career highlight his great world-class midfielder potential.

6. Enzo Fernández ( Chelsea )

Enzo Fernandez has unquestionable talent. At Benfica and during Argentina’s victorious World Cup campaign, the Argentine displayed his great promise.

Already among the most costly midfielders in history, his reputation will only get more enhanced as he keeps adjusting to the Premier League.

5. Bruno Guimarães (Northcastle United)

Among Newcastle’s better additions in recent years has been Bruno Guimarães. Having joined Lyon in 2022 for £40 million, the Brazilian has become somewhat well-known as one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers in the game.

Apart from his great passing and inventiveness, Guimarães is a diligent defender, which makes him a vital part of Newcastle’s approach both on and off the ball.

4. Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool

For Brighton & Hove Albion, Alexis Mac Allister was a remarkable box-to—-box midfielder; yet, his move to Liverpool saw him adopt a more subdued role.

Though he is playing deeper, the Argentine World Cup champion has shown great adaptability. Although Mac Allister’s future at Anfield may see him go forward, his talent as a deeper playmaker is obvious for all to see.

3. ilkay gündoğan (Manchester City)

Having guided Manchester City to a treble, Ilkay Gündoğan’s 2022/23 season with the team was nothing short of legendary.

The German midfielder then joined Barcelona in the summer, where he immediately had five goals and fourteen assists despite financial unrest at the team. Among the best midfield players worldwide, Gündoğan’s leadership, accuracy passing, and ability to pop up with key goals define him.

2. Pedri Barcelona, Barcelona

Celebrated for his extraordinary dribbling and playmaking, Pedri is generally considered as one of the best central midfielders in international football.

Not only does he have great technical ability, but he also possesses extraordinary stamina, composure under duress, and the ability to equally precisely use both feet. Often used in Italian football media to describe a midfielder who excels in linking play between the lines, his particular function on the game is sometimes characterised as a mezzala akin to some famous midfielders.

1. Federico Valverde Real Madrid

For Real Madrid, Federico Valverde has become really important. Usually mixed between several roles, Valverde is priceless to Los Blancos because of his work rate, intellect, and ability to hold possession.

Perfect example of a modern center midfielder, the Uruguayan international is flexible, dependable, and relentless worker. His outstanding vision and under pressure calm under pressure emphasized his help for Vinicius Jr.’s winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final.