Top 10 best midfielders in 2024
This illustrious list includes Copa America, EURO 2024, UCL & UEL 2023-24 Champions.
A wise man once said, “Midfielders are like orchestra conductors. They make the music flow and set the tempo for everyone to follow.” The year 2024 has indeed been a spectacular one for football enthusiasts worldwide, not only for the thrilling drama of club football but also for the international fervour surrounding tournaments like UEFA EURO 2024 and Copa America 2024. Alongside these, the UEFA Nations League kept fans on edge. This year has truly been one of the best to experience football at its peak.
Amidst these monumental tournaments, midfielders have truly grabbed the spotlight. Whether it was securing the title in EURO 2024, conquering the Copa America, or lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy, it’s clear that the midfielders have been the backbone of their teams’ triumphs. In 2024, many midfield maestros have proven just how vital their role is in shaping the destiny of a match.
In this feature article, we will delve into a reflective look at 2024 and highlight the top 10 central midfielders who have set the footballing world ablaze. These players have not only delivered exceptional performances on the pitch but also showcased immense potential to evolve into the next generation of footballing icons. Stay tuned as we celebrate the midfielders who have defined this year and look ahead to their futures in the world of football.
10. Alexis MacAllister (Liverpool/Argentina)
Alexis Mac Allister, the 25-year-old Argentine midfielder hailing from Santa Rosa, played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph at the 2024 Copa America. Representing his country 13 times this year and scoring twice against Costa Rica and Chile, Mac Allister’s influence on the international stage has been undeniable. Domestically, he continued his rise as a key figure for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, making 46 appearances and netting seven goals during the 2023-24 season.
Although Liverpool couldn’t quite match the pace of Manchester City and Arsenal in terms of points, they were one of the standout teams in the Premier League, with Mac Allister playing a central role in their successes. As the 2024-25 season progresses and the Reds stand atop the Premier League table, Mac Allister has already made 17 appearances and scored once, continuing to show why he is considered one of the brightest talents in world football.
9. Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
Vitinha, the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder from Santo Tirso, was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s conquest of the Ligue 1 title in the 2023-24 season. Over the course of 46 appearances, so far this season, he contributed significantly, scoring nine goals and earning a place in the prestigious UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year for his stellar performances.
On the international front, Vitinha made 11 appearances for Portugal in 2024, earning a spot in the 26-man squad for UEFA EURO 2024. Despite fierce competition from established stars like Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha’s exemplary form with PSG secured him a place in the starting XI. Though Portugal were eliminated in the quarterfinals by France, Vitinha’s performances were a bright spot, showcasing his potential to lead Portugal’s midfield for years to come.
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8. Ederson (Atalanta/Brazil)
Ederson José dos Santos da Silva, commonly known as Ederson, is a 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder from Campo Grande who has had an eventful 2023-24 season with Atalanta. The dynamic playmaker was a key figure in their triumphant UEFA Europa League campaign, helping the club lift the prestigious trophy, and was also integral in their run to the Coppa Italia final, where they finished as runners-up. Ederson’s consistency and leadership in midfield, where he controlled the tempo of the game, made him one of the standout performers for Atalanta, appearing in 53 matches and scoring seven goals.
On the international stage, Ederson made his debut for the Brazilian national team in a friendly match against Mexico, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Brazil. Although he has only made two appearances for the Selecao in 2024, his performances for Atalanta have earned him recognition, and there is much anticipation surrounding his future with the national team.
7. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen/Argentina)
Exequiel Alejandro Palacios, the 25-year-old Argentine midfielder, was one of the pivotal figures in Bayer Leverkusen’s exceptional 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen became one of the few teams to remain unbeaten throughout the entire domestic season, with Palacios playing an integral role. In total, he made 37 appearances for the club, contributing six goals and showcasing his versatility in the midfield.
On the international stage, Palacios’s career has also seen significant success. He was part of the Argentina squad that triumphed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America 2024, playing a crucial role in their historic victory. As Bayer Leverkusen look to continue their impressive form this season, Palacios will be key in maintaining their momentum. His performances for both club and country promise a bright future for this dynamic midfield talent.
6. Nicola Barella (Inter Milan/Italy)
Nicolo Barella, the 27-year-old Italian central midfielder from Cagliari, has been a crucial figure in Inter Milan’s journey to the Serie A title in the 2023-24 season. His relentless energy, vision, and tactical awareness were key to Inter’s success, as he made 48 appearances and scored two goals across the campaign. Barella’s remarkable performances earned him the prestigious Serie A Goal of the Month award in August 2024.
On the international stage, Barella played a pivotal role for Italy in UEFA Euro 2024, although the team suffered an early exit. Despite this setback, he scored one of Italy’s earliest goals in the tournament, netting in their opening match against Albania at Dortmund Stadium. This year, Barella has made eight appearances for the national side, scoring two goals, further solidifying his reputation as one of Italy’s premier midfielders.
Also Read: Top 10 best defensive midfielders of 2024
5. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter/Turkiye)
Hakan Calhanoglu, the 30-year-old Turkish midfielder born in Mannheim, Germany, has had an extraordinary year in 2024, playing pivotal roles both for his country and club. With Turkey in UEFA Euro 2024, Çalhanoğlu featured prominently, making 12 appearances and scoring three goals. One of his most memorable moments came against the Czechia in the group stages, where he opened the scoring, helping to secure an important win for his side.
On the club front, Çalhanoğlu was instrumental in Inter Milan’s triumph in the 2023-24 Serie A campaign, making a total of 40 appearances and scoring 15 goals. His creativity, vision, and consistency in the midfield earned him a spot in the prestigious Serie A Team of the Year for the 2023-24 season, where he was also crowned the Serie A Best Midfielder. His leadership and exceptional performances have made him an indispensable figure for Inter Milan as they aim to continue their dominance in Italy’s top division.
4. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid/Uruguay)
Federico Valverde, the 6-foot-tall, 26-year-old midfielder from Montevideo, Uruguay, has experienced an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his place as one of the finest midfielders in world football. On the international front, Valverde made 12 appearances for Uruguay, scoring two crucial goals. He was a standout player in the 2024 Copa América, where he contributed significantly to Uruguay’s commanding 5-0 victory over Bolivia.
At the club level, Valverde has been integral to Real Madrid‘s success. His tireless work and pivotal performances helped Los Blancos secure another UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2023-24 season. Throughout the campaign, he made 54 appearances, scoring three goals and contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s dominance in European football.
His role in helping Carlo Ancelotti’s side continue their success was crucial, as he displayed maturity, vision, and a knack for turning up in big moments. Valverde’s remarkable performances earned him a place in the 2023-24 LaLiga Team of the Season, further solidifying his status as one of the elite midfielders in world football.
Also Read: Top 10 best centre-backs of 2024
3. Fabian Ruiz (PSG/Spain)
Fabian Ruiz Pena, the 28-year-old towering central midfielder from Los Palacios, has truly emerged as one of Spain’s brightest stars, following a meteoric rise to prominence in 2024. Standing at 6-foot-2, the dynamic playmaker played a pivotal role in Spain’s historic triumph at UEFA Euro 2024. Having joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, Fabián has already helped the French giants secure multiple titles, including the Ligue 1 Championship and the Coupe de France in 2024.
On the international stage, Fabián has made 14 appearances for Spain this year, scoring an impressive five goals. His standout performances in Euro 2024 were particularly noteworthy, with two crucial goals and two assists, including significant strikes against Croatia and Georgia. His recent brace in Spain’s UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland at the Stade de Genève showcased his clinical finishing ability and his growing importance for the national team.
2. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany)
Toni Kroos, one of the most accomplished and revered midfielders in football history, may have recently decided to hang his boots, but his legacy as a footballing maestro is already firmly etched in the annals of the sport. For Germany, Kroos made eight appearances in 2024, once again showcasing his unrivalled vision and composure in midfield.
His return to the national fold, under the guidance of new coach Julian Nagelsmann, was met with immense joy by German fans, who were eager to witness the midfield general on home soil during a pivotal year. Although Germany’s journey in UEFA Euro 2024 ended short of a semifinal appearance, Kroos’ contributions remained invaluable.
At Real Madrid, Kroos has played 48 matches in the 2023-24 season, contributing significantly to their UEFA Champions League triumph. Though his name is not often on the scoresheet, his solitary goal in a season full of intricate passing, key assists, and defensive intelligence epitomizes his all-around influence on the pitch.
As one of the architects of Madrid’s success in Europe, his presence in midfield remains indispensable. His contributions to both club and country in 2024 further cement his legacy as one of the finest footballing minds of his generation.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
Jude Victor Bellingham, the 21-year-old English prodigy from Stourbridge, has undoubtedly enjoyed one of the most remarkable years in world football. While debates may persist over whether he deserved the Ballon d’Or over Rodri or should have been placed ahead of his Real Madrid teammate, Vinícius Júnior, there is no question about the undeniable impact Bellingham has had on both his club and country in 2024.
For England, Bellingham has been the beating heart of Gareth Southgate’s side during their run to the UEFA Euro 2024 final. While the team as a whole may not have dazzled, it was Bellingham’s resilience and brilliance that propelled them through moments of peril. Time and again, when England’s hopes appeared to be hanging by a thread, it was Bellingham who emerged as their saviour.
His crucial goals—two of them in the group stages against Serbia and Slovakia were vital in keeping England’s tournament dreams alive, with the latter strike coming in the dying moments of the match. In total, Bellingham scored four goals in 13 appearances for the national team this year, proving his ability to deliver under pressure. Without his timely interventions, Southgate’s side may have faced an early exit, marking yet another disappointment for English football.
At the club level, Bellingham continued to enhance his reputation, playing a central role in Real Madrid’s triumphant season. His performances were instrumental in securing both the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League titles, where his maturity and composure in midfield stood out.
His seamless integration into Madrid’s star-studded lineup and his contributions on the grandest stages earned him a rightful place in the LaLiga Team of the Season for 2023-24. Although he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or, Jude Bellingham’s performances in 2024 have firmly placed him in the conversation as one of football’s rising stars, a player destined for greatness on both the international and club level.
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