In the heart of the soccer pitch, center midfielders are the maestros orchestrating the flow of the game. This article spotlights the best center midfielders in soccer right now, players who combine tactical intelligence with technical prowess.
These midfielders are not just players; they’re the engines of their teams, influencing every aspect of play with their passing, vision, and control.
From dynamic box-to-box players to creative playmakers, we explore the qualities that elevate these midfielders to the top of their game in the ever-evolving world of soccer.
Our List of The 50+ Best Center Midfielders in Soccer Right Now (Updating)
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – $70 million
Age: 32
Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, De Bruyne is celebrated for his vision, passing, and scoring ability. At Manchester City, he has been instrumental in their multiple Premier League victories, Champions League campaigns, and domestic cup triumphs.
2. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid CF) – $22 million
Age: 25
A versatile and energetic midfielder, Valverde has become an integral part of Real Madrid’s midfield with his work rate, technical skill, and ability to contribute in both attack and defense. He’s been key in Madrid’s recent domestic and European successes.
3. Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 31
Renowned for his technical ability, vision, and control of the game, Marco Verratti has been a central figure in PSG’s midfield. His contributions have been pivotal in PSG’s domestic dominance and European endeavors.
4. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid CF) – $4.2 million
Age: 20
One of the most promising young talents in European football, Bellingham has shown exceptional maturity, skill, and versatility in midfield for Borussia Dortmund. His performances have marked him as a future star.
5. Ilkay Gundogan (FC Barcelona)
Age: 33
A technically gifted midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan has been key for Manchester City with his vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability. His contributions have been crucial in City’s recent successes in the Premier League (the best league in the world) and domestic cups.
6. Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Age: 26
A dynamic and skilled midfielder, Barella has played a vital role in Inter Milan’s resurgence. Known for his energy, tackling, and ability to contribute to goals, he has been instrumental in Inter’s domestic triumphs.
7. Luka Modrić (Real Madrid CF) – $75 million
Age: 37
One of the best players in the world ever and an exceptional playmaker, Luka Modrić‘s intelligence, technical skill, and control have been central to Real Madrid’s success, including their multiple Champions League triumphs. His contributions to Croatia’s World Cup campaign were also remarkable.
8. Pedri (FC Barcelona) – $10 million
Age: 21
A prodigious talent, Pedri has shown incredible poise, vision, and skill in Barcelona’s midfield. Despite his young age, he’s already become a key player for both his club and the Spanish national team.
9. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid CF) – $25 Million
Age: 33
A world-class midfielder, Toni Kroos is known for his passing accuracy, tactical intelligence, and composure. His tenure at Real Madrid has been marked by multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.
10. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – £2.5 million
Age: 25
Renowned for his attacking prowess as a right-back, Alexander-Arnold has been integral to Liverpool’s success with his exceptional crossing ability and assists, contributing to their Premier League and Champions League victories.
11. Sergej Milinković-Savić (Al Hilal)
Age: 28
A powerful and technically gifted midfielder, Milinković-Savić has been key for Lazio with his goal-scoring, aerial ability, and all-around midfield play, making him one of the top players in Serie A.
12. Parejo (Villarreal CF)
Age: 34
A central figure in midfield, Parejo is known for his vision, passing, and set-piece ability. His leadership and technical skills have been pivotal in Villarreal’s performances in La Liga and European competitions.
13. Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona) – $18 million
Age: 26
A midfielder known for his dribbling, passing, and ability to control the game, de Jong has been an integral player for Barcelona, known for his poise and tactical intelligence.
14. Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern München) – $50 million
Age: 27
A dynamic midfielder, Leon Goretzka‘s combination of physicality, skill, and goal-scoring ability has made him a key player for Bayern Munich, contributing to their domestic and European successes.
15. Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético de Madrid)
Born on May 24, 1994, De Paul is a key midfielder for Atlético Madrid, known for his passing, work rate, and ability to contribute in both attack and defense.
16. Thiago (Liverpool)
Born on April 11, 1991, Thiago is a technically gifted midfielder, known for his skill, creativity, and vision. At Liverpool, he’s been key to their midfield, offering control and creativity.
17. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Marid CF)
Born on November 10, 2002, Camavinga is a young talent known for his defensive skills, energy, and potential. His performances for Real Madrid have shown great promise for the future.
18. Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United F.C.)
Born on August 27, 1997, Paqueta is a Brazilian midfielder known for his technical skill, creativity, and attacking flair. His move to West Ham United marks a new chapter in his promising career.
19. Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City)
Born on May 6, 1994, Kovačić is a central midfielder known for his dribbling, passing, and work rate. His contributions to Manchester City’s midfield have been significant, showcasing his talent and versatility.
20. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter)
Born on February 8, 1994, Calhanoglu is known for his exceptional free-kick ability, creativity, and passing. A key player for Inter, he contributes significantly to their attacking play.
21. Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Born on March 15, 1993, Pogba is a midfielder known for his physicality, skill, and ability to influence the game. His return to Juventus marks a significant move, showcasing his talents in Serie A.
22. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Born on November 16, 1997, Guimarães is a Brazilian midfielder known for his technical skill, vision, and defensive capabilities. His performances for Newcastle United have been key to their midfield strength.
23. Ismaël Bennacer (AC Milan)
Born on December 1, 1997, Bennacer is known for his passing, defensive skills, and energy in midfield. Playing for AC Milan, he’s been an important figure in their Serie A campaign.
24. Merino (Real Sociedad)
Born on June 22, 1996, Merino is a Spanish midfielder known for his technical ability, passing, and versatility. His performances for Real Sociedad have been crucial in their La Liga success.
25. Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
Born on April 3, 1995, Adrien Rabiot is a French midfielder known for his technical skill, composure, and versatility. Playing for Juventus, he’s been an integral part of their midfield setup.
Other Center Midfielders in Soccer of Our List:
- 26. Rúben Neves (Al Hilal)
- 27. Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli)
- 28. Luis Alberto (Lazio)
- 29. Koke (Atlético de Madrid)
- 30. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
- 31. Jorginho (Arsenal)
- 32. Sergi Darder (RCD Mallorca)
- 33. Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
- 34. Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)
- 35. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal)
- 36. Mason Mount (Manchester United)
- 37. Piotr Zielinski (Napoli)
- 38. Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
- 39. Seko Fofana (Al Nassr)
- 40. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
- 41. Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
- 42. João Mário (SL Benfica)
- 43. Mateus Uribe (FC Porto)
- 44. Manuel Ugarte (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 45. Fabián (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 46. Wataru Endo (Liverpool)
- 47. Bryan Cristante (Roma)
- 48. Ivan Rakitić (Sevilla FC)
- 49. Maximilian Arnold (VfL Wolfsburg)
- 50. Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United)
- 51. Etienne Capoue (Villarreal CF)
- 52. Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
- 53. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
- 54. Joan Jordán (Sevilla FC)
- 55. Angel Gomes (LOSC Lille )
Frequently Asked Questions
What are number 10 midfielders in football?
A number 10 plays in the space behind midfield and in front of the defense, often receiving the ball between the lines.
Who has the best cam in EA FC 24?
Bruno Fernandes takes the top spot for Central Attacking Midfielder, while Thomas Müller has dropped down to the seventh spot having been replaced by Martin Ødegaard from Arsenal in the second spot.
Who has the highest cam in FIFA 23?
- N’Golo Kante (89) – Chelsea.
- Joshua Kimmich (89) – Bayern Munich.
- Casemiro (89) – Manchester United.
- Fabinho (87) – Liverpool.
- Rodri (87) – Manchester City.
What is CM in football?
Central or centre midfielders have an equal role in attacking and defending, controlling the play in and around the center of the pitch.
Can midfielders go anywhere?
It’s common to see midfielders anywhere on the field, but they should primarily stay in the central area. At the start of the game, they position themselves behind the forwards. Throughout the game, they usually cover the halfway mark between their own goal line and the midfield line.
How should midfielders play?
- Always be on the move.
- Play with your head up.
- Master your first touch.
- Don’t be afraid to shoot.
- Keep it simple and stay composed.
- Learn about your teammates.
- Repetition and self-discipline.
What is important as a midfielder?
Central midfielders play a pivotal role in a team’s performance as they act as the bridge between defense and attack. They strengthen the team’s core by maintaining their position to receive and pass the ball. Apart from performing various defensive duties, they lead the offensive gameplay after receiving the ball from the center backs.
Who is the 1 rated player in FIFA 23?
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
- Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best center midfielders in soccer today are essential cogs in the machinery of their teams. Their ability to dictate play, adapt to various game situations, and consistently perform at a high level sets them apart.
As the game evolves, these players continue to redefine the role of midfielder, inspiring future generations with their skill, creativity, and strategic thinking on the field.
Let’s continue to celebrate their greatness and eagerly await the next chapter in football’s epic journey at https://whogohere.com/.