The role of the attacking midfielder has become one of the most crucial in modern football, seamlessly combining playmaking finesse with a sharp eye for goal. Known as the “number 10s,” these players coordinate attacks, thread passes through tight spaces, and deliver game-changing moments with their vision and creativity.
Their skill set demands a unique blend of dribbling, awareness, and precision, making them indispensable assets for their teams. Here, we highlight the top 10 attacking midfielders who have mastered these qualities and are leaving a significant mark on the global football stage.
10. Phil Foden
Foden glides across the pitch before exuding the utmost technical quality with the ball at his feet. He’s a player you just can’t take your eye off at times, such is his virtuosity.
Phil , with his exceptional technical skills, has grown into one of the most exciting talents in the world. His versatility allows him to excel in various attacking roles.
9. Jude Bellingham
Winning Real Madrid’s and La Liga’s Player of the Season in your debut campaign is no mean feat, with the powerful and versatile attacking midfielder crucial to Los Blancos’ 2023/24 double.
Since moving from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has continued his meteoric rise as one of the most talented and complete midfielders in world football.
Bellingham’s box-to-box capabilities allow him to impact the game significantly in both defensive duties and attacking forays. His robust physical presence, coupled with an exceptional ability to read the game, dribbling, and passing skills, enables him to contribute to goals, assists, and crucial plays.
8. Martin Odegaard
As the captain of Arsenal, Ødegaard has truly come into his own, blending creativity, leadership, and an eye for goal.
The Norwegian star is playing a key role in Mikel Arteta’s exciting project at Arsenal and has all the makings of a modern-day Gunners icon. He’s going from strength to strength and is one of Arsenal’s best players.
His ability to dictate the pace of play and contribute in both goals and assists underlines his importance to the team’s success.
7. Jamal Musiala
Musiala has become a symbol of versatility and creativity in midfield for Bayern Munich. Known for his exceptional dribbling, ability to navigate through tight defenses, and surprising maturity on the field, he is a key playmaker and goal scorer for his team.
The German-born, Croydon-raised former Chelsea youth product is a true technician who can turn defenders inside-out with his pace and goalscoring ability. After last season’s trophy blank, Bayern Munich will be hoping they can hold onto the jewel in their crown next summer.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
He used to be the best attacking midfielder in football, but lately, you rarely see him play due to frequent injuries.
Widely regarded for his vision, passing, and shooting, De Bruyne continues to be the centerpiece of Manchester City’s attacking prowess. His ability to dictate the pace of the game makes him one of the best in his role.
5. Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann plays a crucial attacking role for Atletico Madrid, often positioned as a second striker or advanced playmaker. His versatility allows him to link the midfield with the attack, creating scoring opportunities with his vision and technical skill. Griezmann’s movement and passing make him key in Atletico’s offensive transitions, while his work rate adds depth to the team’s pressing game.
Under Diego Simeone, Griezmann’s role goes beyond scoring; he also supports build-up play from midfield. His ability to drop deep helps maintain possession, and his precise passing unlocks tight defenses. Griezmann’s tactical intelligence and adaptability make him a central figure in Atletico’s balanced, high-intensity style.
4. Florian Wirtz
After bouncing back impressively from a major injury, Florian Wirtz has reestablished himself as one of the brightest young talents in football, showcasing a refined, dynamic attacking style for Bayer Leverkusen.
His vision and creativity allow him to orchestrate play effectively, often finding spaces between the lines and setting up teammates with precise, incisive passes. Wirtz’s ability to anticipate defenders’ movements and his composure under pressure make him difficult to mark, and his knack for scoring adds an extra layer of threat to Leverkusen’s attack.
Agile and quick, he is also adept at driving forward with the ball, drawing defenders out of position, and creating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. As a versatile playmaker, Wirtz is central to Leverkusen’s offensive ambitions, linking up seamlessly with the forward line (Boniface ) and contributing significantly to the team’s creative and goal-scoring endeavors.
3. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s role as an attacking midfielder at Inter Miami has been transformative, showcasing his ability to both score and create chances at an elite level. Operating in a central playmaking role, Messi has used his vision, dribbling, and precise passing to break down defenses and consistently set up goal-scoring opportunities when it matters the most. His ability to position himself perfectly between defenders has allowed him to find space, not only creating chances for teammates but also capitalizing on scoring opportunities himself.
With an incredible tally of 20 goals and 10 assists in just 20 games, Messi has proven vital in Inter Miami’s attack, effectively driving the team’s offense. His presence and performance have not only lifted the team but also contributed to them winning the MLS Community Shield. His ability to draw defenders out and distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy has made him central to Miami’s style, and his quick adaptability to the league has been key to their success.
2. Raphinha
Primarily a right winger, but this season under Flick, he’s been playing more as an attacking midfielder. Scoring a hat trick in the league and another in the Champions League against the formidable Bayern Munich is no small feat.
The Brazilian has already contributed to 15 goals and assists for Barcelona across all competitions, despite the season being only 10% complete.
1. Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer enjoyed perhaps the greatest breakout season of a youngster in Premier League history, having failed to see any substantial game time before departing Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
Having since netted in a European Championship final with England, Palmer has continued his remarkable rise to the upper echelons of elite-level football, comfortably gracing our top three following his insane form.
The sky is the limit for the youngster, who also has the versatility and in-game intelligence to operate out wide.
Boy has already contributed to 11G/A for Chelsea’s this season , most in the entire league.
Notable Mentions
- Bruno Fernandez
- Dani olmo
- Madison
- Nkuku
- Fermin Lopez
- Ibrahim Daiz
