Top 10 best central midfielders of 2023: Ranked

Published at :December 22, 2023 at 2:35 PM

Modified at :December 27, 2023 at 5:55 PM

These names may not have been in the news but they were one of the main reasons behind their team’s success

As the heart of any football team, central midfielders play a pivotal role, regulating the game’s tempo, maintaining possession, creating opportunities, and occasionally scoring goals. With the number 10 position slowly diminishing from modern football, the role of central midfielders are immeasurable.

While big attackers like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have been making all the buzz and headlines in 2023, midfielders rarely feature in social media discussions.

Here we have ranked the top 10 best central midfielders of 2023:

10. Nicolò Barella

The Inter Milan player is a midfield dynamo renowned for his relentless energy. He scored six goals and provided six assists last season and has been superb this season as well with three assists and a goal in 16 league appearances. Barella shines with his capacity to combine excellent technical skills, hard-hitting tackles, and a knack for scoring in crucial moments.

9. Adrien Rabiot

Adrien Rabiot Manchester United Newcastle United — **Adrien Rabiot is one of the top performers in the position**

Rabiot has proven to be a stable and balanced presence in the midfield for Juventus. His ball winning skills, paired with his ability to distribute the ball effectively, make him one of the top performers in the position. Last season, he scored eight goals and provided four assists and again this season, he has started with two goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

8. Federico Valverde

The Real Madrid youngster has swiftly risen to elite status. He was challenged by Ancelotti to score more goals last season and since then the world has witnessed another side of his game. Valverde scored seven goals last season with four assists to his name as well. With his exceptional pace, energy, and technical skill, Valverde has proven to be a formidable force in the heart of Madrid’s midfield.

7. Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai has enjoyed a stellar time at Liverpool so far since his transfer from Leipzig. Known for his driving runs, extraordinary vision, and thumping long-range shots, the Hungarian offers a multi-faceted threat from the midfield. He has taken the Premier League by storm and has been formidable for Klopp.

6. Bruno Guimaraes

Ever since arriving at Newcastle United, Guimaraes has made a significant mark in the Premier League. He has demonstrated sublime ball control and vision. He has a natural ability to dictate the tempo of the game, making him a valuable asset in the heart of the pitch. Guimaraes was the key reason behind Newcastle’s qualification to the Champions League as he scored four goals and provided five assists in the Premier League.

5. Hakan Calhanoglu

Since joining Inter Milan, Calhanoglu has demonstrated a unique combination of creativity and exceptional technical ability. He was a key part of Inter reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2022-23 season. In 16 appearances this season only, he has scored seven goals and has provided two assists. His vision, passing ability, and set-piece prowess have made him a critical figure for the side in 2023.

4. Frenkie de Jong

The Barcelona midfield maestro has continued his form in 2023. FC Barcelona didn’t have a memorable outing in 2023 but his passing accuracy, positional sense, and ability to read the game put him in a special category of central midfielders. There’s no denying that his presence in the midfield significantly strengthens Barcelona’s lineup.’

3. Martin Odegaard

Odegaard’s move to Arsenal has allowed him to blossom into one of the world’s best central midfielders. His creative prowess contributes hugely to Arsenal’s attack, while his solid defensive contribution adds an extra layer to his game. Arsenal failed to win the Premier League last season but he was their star man throughout. He scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists last season.

2. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan had a stand-out year with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona. His masterful ball control and passing ability combined with his goal-scoring knack have solidified him as one of the top central midfielders in the game. He has carried his form at Barcelona also and so far scored twice and has assisted thrice in 17 appearances.

1. Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne remains unchallenged at the top of the list. The Manchester City star has been propelling the team forward with his ability to create chances out of thin air. His quick decision-making combined with exquisite passing range and vision makes him an absolute game-changer. He has been injured since August but overall has had an impeccable outing. The Belgian star was the reason behind City’s treble last season.

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