The midfield is the heartbeat of a team. It needs players who can do it all, from playmaking, stopping rival attacks, regaining possession, creating goal scoring opportunities and also getting on the scoresheet sometimes.
In this article, Sports Buddy takes a look at top 10 midfielders in world for the year 2024.
Top 10 Midfielders 2024
10. Granit Xhaka
Xhaka had a successful season with Bayer Leverkursen, having won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal with the newly crowned Champions, who broke the record for the longest unbeaten streak for a UEFA team.
The Switzerland international was at the heart of Leverkursen’s midfield, orchesterating line breaking passes to into the final third. Xhaka boasted the highest pass success rate of any midfielder in the Bundesliga with 92.7%.
9. Vitinha
The Portuguese midfielder had an impressive season with Paris Saint Germain, which earned him a slot in the UEFA Champions League team of the season.
In addition Vitinha contributed a total of 14 goals and assists last season, a decent number for a central midfielder.
8. Florian Wirtz
Like Xhaka, Writz had an impressive season with Leverkursen. The attacking midfielder contributed a total of 38 goals and assists in 49 appearances for the Bundesliga champions in the just concluded season.
7. Hakan Çalhanoğlu
The Turkish midfielder helped Inter Milan to clinch the Scudetto last season. Despite, taking up a deeper role in the midfield, playing as a deep lying playmaker, Çalhanoğlu had an impressive 18 goal contibution last season.
“Months ago, I said I was among the best regista in the world, and no one believed me. But I always believe in myself, I know my qualities and I’m not afraid of anyone,” Çalhanoğlu said.
Çalhanoğlu was named best midfielder of the 2023/2024 Serie A season.
6. Declan Rice
A high profile move to Arsenal raised expectations for the former Westham captain. However, Rice managed to justify his worth with his brilliant performances from the midfield.
Naturally a six, but Rice also thrived when deployed to take up a more advanced role in the middle, contibuting a total of 17 goals and assists in 51 appearances.
Despite not winning any notable trophies last season, the England international was considered one of the best performers in the Premier League, as he was nominated for the Player of the Season award.
5. Martin Ødegaard
Just like fellow Arsenal teammate Declan Rice, Ødegaard did not win a notable trophy last season but still managed to make it into the list due to his brilliant performance.
The talented midfielder was one of the highest chance creators in the top five leagues last season. Ødegaard contributed to a total of 22 goals and was also nominated for the PFA player of the season award.
4. Kevin Debruyne
Despite missing half of the Premier League games, the Manchester City midfield mystreo still managed to contribute to a total of 14 goals in 18 appearances in the league and 24 goals and assists in 26 games in all contribution.
He helped Manchester City clinch their fourth consecutive League title in addition to the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup won earlier in the season.
3. Toni Kroos
Considered as one of the greatest midfielders in history, Kroos’ illustrious career is one to be envied, having won numerous trophies with both club and country.
The German midfielder, who announced he will be retiring from football after the Euro 2024, is known for his playmaking abilities and great passes.
Kroos was instumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumph, hence, making it to this list.
2. Rodri
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, had an incredible season, helping his team to a fourth consecutive league title.
Rodri executes Pep Guardiola’s tactics to the letter and puts forth all the effort needed of a defensive midfielder.
The Spanish midfielder did not experience defeat in over 70 games with the Cityzens.
Rodri also contribute quite a number of goals, amassing a total of 23 goals and assists in 50 appearance last season.
1. Jude Bellingham
Arguably the best player in the world presently, Jude Bellingham had an impressive debut season with Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old midfielder won the La Liga player of the season award. He helped Real Madrid to a double, winning the Champions League and the La Liga, having contributed a total of 36 goals and assists in 42 games.
Bellingham is one of the major contenders for the Ballon d’Or award following his incredible season with Madrid.
