In football, the midfield is where magic happens. It’s the heart of every great team, the engine room that drives success, and the stage for some of the most brilliant talents the game has ever seen. From visionaries who orchestrate play to relentless creators who dominate the stats sheets, the modern attacking midfielder is a force to be reckoned with.
Here, we take a look at the 11 best attacking midfielders in the world right now—players who don’t just perform but redefine what it means to be extraordinary on the pitch.
11. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)
Rarely do young talents fulfil the immense expectations placed upon them, but Martin Ødegaard has defied the odds to establish himself as one of the finest midfielders in football. Last season, the Norwegian maestro dropped into deeper areas, dictating play with precision and control. Though still a No.10 capable of delivering 10+ goals from the edge of the box, it was his orchestration of Arsenal’s attacks that almost propelled them to Premier League glory.
As the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side, Ødegaard exudes elegance, gliding across the pitch with unmatched composure. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match and freeze time with his touches makes him as mesmerising to watch as he is effective. With 7 goal contributions already this season, Ødegaard continues to prove his class.
10. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
At 33, Kevin De Bruyne might have battled injuries and slowed down slightly, but he remains a creative force of nature and one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. With 118 assists in England’s top flight—second only to Ryan Giggs’ record of 162—the Belgian is a master of unlocking defences with precision passes and devilish low crosses.
For over a decade, De Bruyne’s vision and technique have left defenders scrambling, his game-changing abilities often the difference in tight matches. With 8 goal contributions this season, his brilliance endures, though opponents across the league may secretly rejoice when the day comes for him to bid farewell to City.
9. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden’s 2023/24 season epitomised the brilliance we’ve come to expect from this extraordinary talent. Playing a starring role in Manchester City’s midfield, the “Stockport Iniesta” lit up the campaign with goals and a Player of the Year accolade to his name.
While his season has been quieter—just six Premier League goal so far—Foden’s dazzling ability remains undeniable. His Euro 2024 campaign may not have hit the same heights, but the 9 goals and 4 assists he has recorded this season showcase his enduring quality. Class is permanent, and Foden is a generational talent still feared across the footballing world.
8. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)
James Maddison has always shown flashes of brilliance, even during his Leicester City days, but this season at Tottenham, he has elevated his game to new heights. With 13 goal contributions already, Maddison has been instrumental in Spurs’ resurgence.
His flair for creating chances, delivering pin-point passes, and threatening defences with his attacking nous make him a complete attacking midfielder. Maddison’s rise this season is a testament to his dedication and undeniable talent.
7. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo’s journey to the top has been unconventional but captivating. Leaving Barcelona’s academy to develop in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb, Olmo emerged as a creative gem at RB Leipzig before returning to his homeland.
A standout at Euro 2024—where he shared the Golden Boot with three goals—Olmo has seamlessly slotted into Barcelona’s lineup, delivering 6 goals and 3 assists this season. His flair, creativity, and composure under pressure make him a vital asset for club and country alike.
6. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Antoine Griezmann might just be the most underappreciated player of his generation. From leading France to World Cup glory in 2018 to topping the assist charts in consecutive tournaments, Griezmann has done it all. Yet, he remains a player whose brilliance often flies under the radar.
This season, with 12 goals and 6 assists, the Atletico Madrid talisman continues to redefine his game, transitioning from a clinical finisher to a complete creator. For Diego Simeone, Griezmann is arguably his greatest-ever player—an enduring symbol of the club’s fighting spirit.
5. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Since arriving at Manchester United in 2020, Bruno Fernandes has been a creative juggernaut. Despite the chaos that has often surrounded the club, Fernandes has thrived, consistently leading the Premier League in chances created and contributing significantly to United’s trophy pursuits.
With 8 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season, Fernandes remains one of the most influential midfielders in the game. His loyalty to United may have cost him opportunities to compete for the sport’s biggest honours, but his talent is unquestionable.
4. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz burst onto the scene at just 17, dazzling fans with his creativity and skill before a devastating ACL injury threatened to derail his career. Yet, Wirtz has come back stronger than ever, playing a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten league triumph last season and earning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
With 14 goals and 9 assists this term, Wirtz is the beating heart of Leverkusen’s attack, attracting interest from Europe’s elite. Alongside Jamal Musiala, he’s considered one of Germany’s brightest talents—an intelligent, technically gifted playmaker destined for greatness.
3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Few players combine artistry and efficiency like Jamal Musiala. The Bayern Munich star is a magician with the ball, capable of gliding past opponents and creating chances out of thin air.
This season, with 14 goals and 5 assists, Musiala continues to be the crown jewel of Bayern and the German national team. He embodies the future of German football—relentless, creative, and unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence.
2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham is redefining what it means to be a modern midfielder. At just 21, the Englishman has already established himself as one of the best players in the world.
Whether it’s his goalscoring exploits or his ability to control games, Bellingham has been a revelation for Real Madrid, racking up 18 goal contributions this season. With his mix of intelligence, physicality, and skill, he looks set to become England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen.
1. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Manchester City may regret letting Cole Palmer leave for Chelsea. Last season, the youngster announced himself to the world with a sensational 22-goal debut Premier League campaign, and he’s continued to impress in 2024/25 with 14 goals and 6 assists.
Palmer’s knack for delivering in big moments, coupled with his ability to produce moments of magic, makes him one of the most exciting players in football today. His transfer may have seemed expensive at the time, but it now looks like a masterstroke by Chelsea.
