Central midfielders are the heartbeat of modern football, orchestrating play, breaking up opposition moves, and driving their teams to glory. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, we’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the top 20 central midfielders (primarily No. 8s or box-to-box players) based on their performances, statistical contributions, and impact in club and international competitions.
20. Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Goretzka’s box-to-box dynamism and impeccable timing make him a fearsome force for Bayern. His high ground coverage and frequent arrivals in the opposition box ensure he remains a key player in their Bundesliga campaigns.
19. Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami, Argentina)
De Paul has emerged as Atlético’s creative heartbeat in 2024-25, delivering 8 assists in La Liga and Copa del Rey. Ranking 12th in La Liga for passes into the opposition half, he remains a vital cog for both club and country.
18. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United, Italy)
Tonali made a strong comeback from a betting ban, delivering influential performances in Newcastle’s 2025 Carabao Cup win and top-five Premier League finish. His high duel-winning rate underscores his growing impact.
17. Conor Gallagher (Atlético Madrid, England)
Nicknamed “El Pitbull,” Gallagher’s relentless energy and tackling have thrived under Diego Simeone at Atlético. His high tackles and duels won in La Liga highlight his seamless adaptation to Spanish football.
16. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen, Argentina)
Palacios was a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s unbeaten 2023-24 Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. His high ball recoveries and knack for late box arrivals make him a consistent performer for club and country.
15. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Reinvented as a holding midfielder under Arne Slot, Gravenberch started every Premier League game in 2024-25, becoming Liverpool’s midfield backbone with his composure and versatility.
14. Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City, Netherlands)
Signed by Pep Guardiola, Reijnders’ crisp passing and line-breaking ability have made him a seamless fit in Manchester City’s system. His high work rate and goal contributions mark him as a rising star.
13. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, Netherlands)
De Jong’s technical finesse and cool-headedness shine in Barcelona’s midfield. His high progressive carries and pass completion rate helped secure their La Liga title, though he’s yet to fully dominate as a leading star.
12. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, Argentina)
Mac Allister’s game intelligence and tenacity anchor Liverpool’s midfield. With 5 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League, his ability to perform under pressure has been key to their 2024-25 title charge.
11. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, Argentina)
Fernández has grown into a commanding deep-lying playmaker for Chelsea, dictating play with his vision and passing range. His high pass completion and defensive contributions, combined with his World Cup-winning pedigree, make him a key figure in Chelsea’s 2024-25 resurgence.
10. Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
Ruiz’s box-to-box brilliance, highlighted by his high pass accuracy and defensive contributions, was crucial for Spain’s Euro 2024 victory and PSG’s European success. His composure under pressure is unmatched.
9. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
At just 20, Neves is PSG’s midfield nerve center, showcasing intensity and intelligence in their Champions League-winning campaign. His high pass completion and aggressive pressing mark him as a future superstar.
8. Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan, Italy)
Barella’s all-action style drives Inter’s midfield, with 3 goals and 6 assists in Serie A. Ranking fourth in the league for chances created, he was instrumental in Inter’s Scudetto and Champions League final appearances.
7. Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rice has evolved into a complete midfielder, blending crunching tackles with decisive goals. His high defensive actions and progressive passes were key to Arsenal’s title charge and England’s Euro 2024 final run.
6. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United, Brazil)
A complete midfielder, Guimarães captained Newcastle to the 2025 Carabao Cup, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League. Topping his team’s chance-creation charts, his tenacity and creativity make him a standout.
5. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Kimmich remains Bayern’s metronome, excelling in multiple roles with his passing range and tenacity. His high pass completion and defensive interventions in the Bundesliga underline his status as one of Europe’s premier midfielders.
4. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)
A true box-to-box dynamo, Valverde’s adaptability—shifting between midfield and even right-back—combined with 14 goal contributions in 2024-25, makes him a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s success. His passing into the final third and ball retention are elite.
3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Bellingham’s versatility, physicality, and tactical nous have made him indispensable for Real Madrid. Contributing 14 goal involvements (goals + assists) across all competitions, he was a driving force in their La Liga and Champions League triumphs.
2. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Vitinha’s technical finesse and defensive tenacity shone in PSG’s 2024-25 Champions League triumph. Leading his team with 56 defensive duels won in the competition, he forms a formidable midfield trio with João Neves and Fabian Ruiz.
1. Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
At just 22, Pedri is Barcelona’s creative linchpin, steering them to their 28th La Liga title in 2024-25. With 6 goals and 8 assists in La Liga, his vision, quick turns, and ability to navigate tight spaces make him a generational talent. Pedri’s high pass completion rate and pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign cement his place as the world’s best central midfielder.
Honorable Mentions
• Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, Belgium): Dynamic in Villa’s Champions League run, delivering crucial goals.
• James Maddison (Tottenham, England): Topped Squawka’s Premier League midfielder rankings for 2024-25.
• Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club, Spain): Breakout star with goal-scoring prowess in 2024-25.
• Curtis Jones (Liverpool, England): Stepped up in Liverpool’s title charge, earning England caps.
