Central midfielders (CM) are the heartbeat of a football team, seamlessly bridging the gap between defence and attack. They are the versatile players who can handle both sides of the game, offering defensive cover while also playing a pivotal role in setting up offensive plays.
With the ball at their feet, central midfielders are tasked with linking up play, often feeding the ball to the more advanced attackers to spark dangerous moves. They are generally dynamic, all-rounders capable of performing anywhere across the midfield.
This article offers a deeper insight into the crucial role central midfielders play, highlighting their importance on the pitch. The ranking is based on their performances over the last season and the current campaign, providing a well-rounded picture of the best CMs in 2024.
What Makes a Great Central Midfielder?
Central midfielders act as the vital connection between a team’s defensive backbone and its offensive thrust. Positioned to consistently receive and distribute the ball, they fortify the team’s structure and lead the attack after recovering possession from the defence.
Their main responsibilities include dictating the tempo of the game, orchestrating transitions from defence to attack, keeping possession, executing pinpoint passes, reading the game off the ball, and supporting both offensive and defensive efforts.
These midfielders can be deployed in various capacities, whether as deep-lying playmakers, box-to-box midfielders, or holding players, making them indispensable on the pitch.
10. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, the once fiery Premier League player has blossomed into the midfield engine of Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka played a crucial role in their Bundesliga title-winning campaign and DFB-Pokal victory, consistently delivering top performances.
He also came close to leading Switzerland to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, only to be denied by Bukayo Saka’s late equaliser and the ensuing penalty shootout. Xhaka’s remarkable season earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination, a true testament to his resurgence.
9. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)
A dead-ball expert, Hakan Çalhanoğlu was a key player at AC Milan before crossing to city rivals Inter Milan. The Turkish international hit the ground running at Inter, emerging as one of Serie A’s standout performers during the 2021/22 season.
Initially playing in an advanced midfield role, he later transitioned into a deeper position under Simone Inzaghi. Despite the positional change, Çalhanoğlu remains a goal threat and one of Europe’s most versatile midfielders.
8. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolo Barella is a force to be reckoned with, especially when he operates in the right half-space. The energetic Italian rose to prominence under Antonio Conte as Inter Milan broke Juventus’ decade-long dominance in Serie A.
Barella’s tenacity and ability to take control of matches have made him a linchpin in Inter’s midfield, ensuring his presence will be felt for years to come.
7. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Dominik Szoboszlai’s ability to strike the ball is among the best in the world, with a penchant for delivering spectacular moments. But there’s more to the Hungarian playmaker than flashy highlights.
Szoboszlai combines elegance with a competitive edge, possessing the vision and technical ability to unlock defences. His impressive assist numbers throughout his career underline his immense potential as a world-class midfielder.
6. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
Enzo Fernández talent is undeniable. The Argentine showcased his immense potential at Benfica and during Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign.
He’s already one of the most expensive midfielders in history, and it’s only a matter of time before his reputation grows further as he continues to adapt to the Premier League.
5. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Bruno Guimarães has been one of Newcastle’s best signings in recent years. Since joining from Lyon in 2022 for £40 million, the Brazilian has firmly established himself as one of the top deep-lying playmakers in the game.
Apart from his excellent passing and creativity, Guimarães is also a hardworking defender, making him a key component of Newcastle’s strategy both on and off the ball.
4. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
Alexis Mac Allister was a standout box-to-box midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion, but his move to Liverpool has seen him take on a more withdrawn role.
Despite playing deeper, the Argentine World Cup winner has excelled, showcasing his versatility. Mac Allister’s future at Anfield could see him move further forward, but his brilliance as a deeper playmaker is clear for all to see.
3. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in world football, celebrated for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking abilities.
What sets him apart is not just his technical skills but also his remarkable stamina, calmness under pressure, and the ability to use both feet with equal precision. His unique role on the pitch is often described as a mezzala who is similar to some legendary midfielders, a term frequently used in Italian football media to depict a midfielder who excels in linking play between the lines.
2. Ilkay Gündoğan (Manchester City)
Ilkay Gündoğan’s 2022/23 season with Manchester City was nothing short of historic, as he captained the club to a treble.
The German midfielder then joined Barcelona in the summer, where he made an immediate impact with five goals and 14 assists, despite the financial turmoil at the club. Gündoğan’s leadership, precision passing, and ability to pop up with vital goals make him one of the top midfielders in the world.
1. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Federico Valverde has emerged as a key figure for Real Madrid. Often shuffled between different positions, Valverde’s work rate, intelligence, and ability to retain possession make him invaluable to Los Blancos.
The Uruguayan international is the perfect example of a modern central midfielder—versatile, reliable, and a tireless worker. His assist for Vinicius Jr.’s winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final highlighted his exceptional vision and composure under pressure.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
• Conor Gallagher
• Frenkie De Jong
• Scott McTominay
• Mateo Kovačić
• Pablo Gavi
• Pape Matar Sarr
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan
• Lucas Paqueta
• Adrien Rabiot
• Warren Zaire-Emery
• Douglas Luiz
