Top 10 best attacking midfielders of 2024
Three Englishmen make it to this elite list.
Paul Pogba once articulated a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a midfielder’s role in football: “The most important thing is to be a midfielder first, not scoring goals. You have to make the game, make an assist for the team, and if you can score, it’s a plus for the team.” These profound words from one of the game’s modern greats, the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion, underscore the critical role midfielders play in shaping the dynamics of a match.
While strikers bask in the glory of goals and defenders earn plaudits for their resilience, midfielders, particularly attacking ones, often remain the unsung heroes. They create, orchestrate, and bridge the gap between defence and attack, ensuring the team functions as a cohesive unit. Their ability to control the game’s tempo, dictate possession, and deliver defence-splitting passes makes them indispensable architects of success.
In a year as eventful as 2024, the significance of attacking midfielders has been showcased on the grandest stages. Florian Wirtz stands out as a prime example, revolutionizing Bayer Leverkusen’s fortunes by leading them to an undefeated Bundesliga triumph. Similarly, Dani Olmo demonstrated why Spain remains a footballing powerhouse, playing an instrumental role in their undefeated UEFA Euro 2024 campaign.
As we reflect on this extraordinary year, it becomes evident that the brilliance of attacking midfielders deserves recognition. This feature takes a deep dive into the finest attacking midfielders of 2024, exploring how their performances have not only shaped their clubs and countries but also etched their names into the annals of football history. Join us as we celebrate the artistry, resilience, and ingenuity of these playmakers, and uncover which among them stood out as the very best in a year filled with unforgettable footballing moments.
10. James Maddison
After Gareth Southgate unveiled his final squad for the UEFA Euro 2024, the absence of James Maddison’s name was both shocking and disheartening for fans and the player himself. Maddison voiced his disappointment through a heartfelt tweet, admitting he was “gutted” not to make the cut—a reaction that resonated deeply, given the exceptional season he had just concluded.
Joining Tottenham Hotspur during a tumultuous rebuilding phase, Maddison proved to be a pivotal figure. Spurs had lost Antonio Conte mid-season and their talismanic striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich amidst a flurry of speculation.
Maddison, fresh from Leicester City’s relegation to the EFL Championship, was a beacon of hope for Ange Postecoglou’s new-look Tottenham side. His influence was immediate, as his stellar performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award in his debut month at Spurs.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Maddison played 30 matches for Tottenham, contributing four goals and countless creative sparks that revitalized their midfield. Under his orchestration, Spurs even topped the Premier League table briefly, rekindling dreams of a glorious revival.
However, his untimely injury disrupted the team’s rhythm, leading to a dip in form that saw them settle for a fifth-place finish, narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification. As Tottenham aim to break into the top four this season, Maddison will undoubtedly be the linchpin in Postecoglou’s plans.
9. Xavi Simmons
If Xavi Simmons’ stunning goal against England in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals had been the decisive one, the Netherlands might have reached the finals and possibly claimed the European crown. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout year in international football, making 13 appearances for the Netherlands and scoring three crucial goals.
His international tally began with a memorable debut strike in a friendly against Iceland. However, it was his exceptional goal against England that etched his name into the tournament’s highlights. Most recently, Simmons added another to his account in the Nations League against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At the club level, Simmons has proven to be a transformative presence. After a strong spell with PSV Eindhoven, he joined RB Leipzig on loan, where he has been nothing short of phenomenal. Integral to Leipzig’s success, he played a key role in their DFL Super Cup triumph in 2023-24 and showcased consistency throughout the season with 43 appearances and three goals.
Also Read: Top 10 best defensive midfielders of 2024
8. Jonas Hoffman
Jonas Hofman has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable Bundesliga triumph under Xabi Alonso, emerging as one of the key figures behind the club’s historic success. The 32-year-old right-winger from Heidelberg, who previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach, showcased his class and experience in his debut season at Leverkusen. Hofman’s consistent performances were crucial in the 2023-24 campaign, where he made 46 appearances and scored eight goals.
Though Bayer Leverkusen have struggled to replicate their dominance this season, Hofman remains a pivotal figure for the team. With two goals and eight appearances already under his belt in the current campaign, he continues to contribute meaningfully to Xabi Alonso’s side. On the international stage, Hofman has made four appearances for Germany this year, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable and versatile player.
7. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder from Stuttgart, is often likened to German legend Mesut Ozil for his creativity and elegance on the field. Born to a Nigerian-British father and a German mother with Polish heritage, Musiala’s footballing journey began at Southampton and Chelsea before he joined Bayern Munich’s reserve team. His precocious talent was evident early on, as he became one of the youngest players to score in UEFA Euro 2024, sparking immense hope among German fans.
In the UEFA Euro 2024, Musiala solidified his reputation as one of football’s brightest young stars. Scoring three pivotal goals against Scotland, Hungary, and Denmark, he was instrumental in Germany’s run to the quarter-finals, shining brightly despite their early exit. His exceptional performances earned him a spot in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament and recognition as a joint top scorer of the competition.
6. Phil Foden
Phil Foden, the 24-year-old midfield maestro from Stockport, continues to etch his name among football’s elite with his electrifying performances. While his UEFA EURO 2024 campaign with England may not have met expectations, his season with Manchester City was nothing short of extraordinary. Foden’s brilliance was on full display as he played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side reclaim the English top-division title.
Across the 2023-24 season, Foden made a staggering 52 appearances for Manchester City, netting 27 goals and showcasing his unmatched versatility and flair. His contributions earned him the prestigious Premier League Player of the Season award, as well as Manchester City’s Player of the Year accolade. Additionally, his stellar displays saw him inducted into the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season, cementing his position as one of Europe’s finest talents.
Also Read: Top 10 best centre-backs of 2024
5. Martin Odegaard
In the shadow of Erling Haaland’s towering presence, another Norwegian talent has emerged as a beacon of consistency and brilliance—Martin Odegaard, captain of both the Norway national team and Arsenal FC. Odegaard has been pivotal for a resurgent Arsenal side, leading them with poise and vision during their close brushes with Premier League glory over the past two seasons. While the ultimate prize has eluded them, Odegaard’s individual contributions have solidified his status as one of the premier midfielders in world football.
The 25-year-old maestro from Drammen joined Arsenal in 2021, and his influence on the club has grown exponentially. During the 2023-24 season, Odegaard made 48 appearances, finding the back of the net 11 times. On the international stage, Odegaard’s leadership shines through as he captains Norway with maturity, having made six appearances this year.
For the second consecutive year, he was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season, a testament to his consistency and impact. His exceptional performances also earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, further highlighting his status as one of the league’s elite midfielders.
4. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, often hailed as one of the finest midfielders to grace the modern era of football, continues to solidify his legacy as a playmaker of unparalleled vision and precision. For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes remains the fulcrum of creativity and leadership.
In the 2023-24 season, he made a staggering 48 appearances, contributing 15 goals in a campaign that saw United fail to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League. Yet, amidst the inconsistency of the team, Fernandes was a shining light, steering the Red Devils to FA Cup glory—a testament to his ability to deliver when it matters most.
On the international stage, Fernandes has been equally influential. Despite Portugal falling short of the semi-finals at UEFA Euro 2024, his performances were nothing short of spectacular. In 2024 alone, he has made 13 appearances for Portugal, scoring six crucial goals. He found the net in a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey during the Euros and continued to dazzle in recent UEFA Nations League encounters, scoring against formidable opponents like Scotland and Poland.
Also Read: Top 10 best midfielders in 2024
3. Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo’s meteoric rise to prominence was cemented during the UEFA EURO 2024, a tournament that showcased his undeniable talent and resilience under pressure. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder from Terrassa emerged as one of Spain’s brightest stars, becoming a pivotal figure in their journey to reclaim European glory.
Representing Spain, Olmo made nine appearances throughout the year, finding the back of the net four times. His efforts not only earned him a place in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament but also saw him finish as the joint top-scorer of the 2024 Euros.
At the club level, Olmo continued to shine with RB Leipzig, where he contributed eight goals in 25 appearances during the 2023-24 season. His stellar form caught the attention of FC Barcelona, leading to his highly anticipated transfer to the Spanish giants. Since joining the Blaugrana, Olmo has wasted no time making an impact, scoring five goals in his first nine appearances.
2. Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s starting XI during the UEFA EURO 2024 remains one of the most perplexing decisions for many England supporters. Despite his stellar performances for both club and country, Palmer was relegated to a secondary role in Southgate’s squad. Nonetheless, his impact, particularly for Chelsea, was undeniable during the 2023-24 season, where he showcased extraordinary skill and composure on the field.
For England, Palmer made nine appearances and scored two goals, with one of his strikes becoming an iconic moment in the history of English football. His goal in the UEFA EURO 2024 final against Spain was nothing short of miraculous. At a time when it seemed England were on the brink of defeat, Palmer’s calm and precise finish injected life back into the team, showcasing his ability to perform under immense pressure on the grandest stage.
At Chelsea, Palmer’s season was equally impressive. In 45 appearances across all competitions, he scored an astonishing 25 goals, establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players. His performances were instrumental in Chelsea’s offensive strategy, and he quickly became a fan favourite. For his exceptional contributions, Palmer was awarded the England Men’s Player of the Year and earned a spot in the Premier League Fan Team of the Season, both of which are testament to his tremendous growth and influence.
1. Florian Wirtz
If we were to engage in a bit of speculation regarding the top performer of the year, there would be no doubt—Florian Wirtz, without question, deserves to top this list. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has truly had a breakout year, cementing his place as one of the finest talents in world football.
Wirtz played an instrumental role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2023-24 season, guiding them to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. In what was a spectacular campaign for both club and player, he made 49 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring an impressive 18 goals. His technical brilliance, vision, and knack for scoring in crucial moments were pivotal to Leverkusen’s success. Even as the club have navigated some challenges this season, Wirtz has continued his excellent form, finding the back of the net seven times in just 17 matches.
His contributions have not been limited to club football. Wirtz has also excelled for his national team, netting six goals in 15 appearances this year alone. His goals have come against formidable opponents, including France, Spain, Hungary, Scotland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion and perform on the international stage.
For his remarkable achievements, Wirtz was deservedly awarded the UEFA Europa League Young Player of the Season and the Bundesliga Player of the Season. His inclusion in the Bundesliga Team of the Season further highlights the exceptional level of his performances throughout the year. Wirtz’s journey is one to watch closely, and it seems certain that he will continue to be a defining figure in world football for years to come.
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