Blog

In this post, we will check out the top 10 best central midfielders in the world in 2023.

In the ever-evolving world of football, central midfielders play a crucial role in dictating the pace, controlling the game, and orchestrating their teams’ attacks and defenses.

As the game continues to evolve tactically, the demand for skilled central midfielders has only intensified. With their ability to link play, provide stability, and exhibit exceptional vision, these players have become the beating heart of many successful teams.

As we enter the year 2023, we find ourselves immersed in a golden era of central midfielders, where the competition for the top spots is fierce and the talent pool is deep.

The following list recognizes the ten outstanding individuals who have consistently showcased their exceptional skills, contributed to their team’s success, and left an indelible mark on the global football stage.

These central midfielders represent a blend of experience, technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and versatility, making them indispensable assets for their respective clubs and national teams.

Whether it’s their ability to break up opposition attacks, distribute the ball with precision, or surge forward to create goal-scoring opportunities, each player possesses a unique set of qualities that sets them apart.

As we delve into the realm of the top 10 central midfielders in the world in 2023, get ready to witness the captivating artistry, tireless work ethic, and game-changing impact of these extraordinary individuals.

From established maestros to emerging talents, they have stamped their authority on the sport, captivating fans worldwide with their mesmerizing performances. Let us now embark on this exhilarating journey to discover the cream of the crop, the elite central midfielders who reign supreme on the global stage.

Top 10 Best Central Midfielders In The World 2023

10 Ilkay Gundogan

In 2023, Ilkay Gundogan has established himself as one of the top 10 best central midfielders in the world. His exceptional performances on the field have earned him widespread recognition and praise from football enthusiasts and experts alike.

Gundogan’s technical skills, tactical intelligence, and versatility make him an invaluable asset for both his club and the national team.

Gundogan’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control the midfield is truly remarkable. His passing range and accuracy are exceptional, allowing him to split defenses with precision and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Whether it’s a short, incisive pass or a long ball over the top, Gundogan consistently displays excellent decision-making and vision on the field.

Furthermore, Gundogan’s offensive contributions are a testament to his well-rounded skill set. He possesses a keen eye for goal, often making well-timed runs into the box and displaying clinical finishing ability. His goal-scoring record as a midfielder is impressive, and he has the capability to turn the tide of a match with his attacking prowess.

What sets Gundogan apart from many other central midfielders is his defensive acumen. He has a strong work rate and a tenacious attitude when it comes to winning back possession for his team. His tactical discipline and positioning allow him to intercept passes, break up opposition attacks, and provide a solid shield in front of the defense.

In conclusion, Ilkay Gundogan’s performances in 2023 have firmly established him as one of the greatest 10 central midfielders on the planet in 2023. His technical abilities, tactical intelligence, goal-scoring prowess, and defensive contributions make him a complete package in the heart of the midfield.

9 Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club Real Madrid and the German national team. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Kroos began his career at Bayern Munich, where he won two Bundesliga titles and one DFB-Pokal. In 2014, he joined Real Madrid for a fee of €25 million. He has since won three La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Kroos is a highly technical player with excellent passing and vision. He is also a good long-range shooter and set-piece taker. He is known for his calmness under pressure and his ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

Kroos has made over 100 appearances for the German national team. He was a member of the team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

In 2023, Kroos is still one of the top-rated central midfielders in the world in 2023. He is a key player for Real Madrid and the German national team. Kroos is a complete midfielder who can do it all. He can pass, shoot, dribble, and defend and is also a leader on the field and a valuable asset to any team.

8 Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara has established himself as one of the best central midfielders worldwide. His technical prowess, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game make him a standout performer in the heart of the midfield.

Whether playing for his club or the national team, Thiago consistently displays his exceptional skill set and football intelligence.

One of Thiago’s greatest strengths is his impeccable ball control. His close control allows him to effortlessly navigate through tight spaces, evade opponents, and retain possession even under pressure.

His dribbling ability combined with his quick feet makes him a nightmare for defenders to dispossess. Thiago’s ball control is a key component of his game, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and initiate attacking moves from deep midfield positions.

Another aspect that sets Thiago apart is his ability to control the tempo of the game. He has a natural sense of rhythm and timing, knowing when to accelerate the play or slow it down to control the flow of the match. His composure on the ball and calmness under pressure make him an ideal central midfielder for maintaining possession and orchestrating the team’s play.

Furthermore, Thiago’s experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset on and off the pitch. Having played at the highest level for renowned clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a winning mentality to any team he represents.

Thiago’s composure and ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations inspire confidence in his teammates and provide a stabilizing influence in the midfield.

Whether it’s through his precise passing, ball control, or ability to read the game, Thiago has proven time and again why he deserves to be considered among the elite central midfielders in the world.

7 Luka Modric

Luka Modric is one of the best midfielders in the world. He has been playing at the highest level for over a decade, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Modric is a complete midfielder, with excellent passing, dribbling, and vision. He is also a very good defender, and he is always willing to put in a shift for his team.

Modric has won numerous individual and team awards throughout his career. He has won the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year award, and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. He has also won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey titles.

Modric is a true leader on the field, and he is an inspiration to his teammates. He is always calm and composed under pressure, and he always seems to make the right decision. Modric is a joy to watch play, and he is one of the most talented midfielders of all time. Luka Modric is number 5 in our list of the top 10 best central midfielders in the world in 2023.

6 Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong has firmly established himself as one of the top central midfielders in the world in 2023. His exceptional technical skills, tactical awareness, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game make him a standout player in his position.

Since joining Barcelona in 2019, de Jong has consistently displayed his immense talent and has become a vital cog in both the club and the national team.

One of the standout qualities of de Jong is his exceptional ball control and close dribbling ability. He possesses incredible agility and balance, allowing him to maneuver past opponents effortlessly.

Whether it’s a quick change of direction or a burst of pace, de Jong possesses the technical prowess to navigate through tight spaces and maintain control of the ball. His composure under pressure is admirable, as he rarely succumbs to the opposition’s pressing tactics.

Furthermore, de Jong’s passing range and vision are truly exceptional. He possesses an innate ability to pick out the right pass and execute it with precision. Whether it’s a short, intricate pass to retain possession or a long, accurate ball to launch a counterattack, de Jong’s passing ability is a joy to watch.

His vision allows him to spot teammates’ movements and create scoring opportunities, making him a key playmaker in any team he represents.

As he continues to develop and mature as a player, there is no doubt that de Jong will remain among the elite central midfielders in the world for years to come.

5 Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in the world, and he has been a key player for Manchester United since his arrival in 2020. He is a creative and attacking midfielder who is capable of scoring goals and creating chances for his teammates. He is also a good passer and dribbler, and he is able to control the tempo of the game.

Fernandes has been named the Premier League Player of the Month four times, and he was also named to the PFA Team of the Year in 2021. He has scored 49 goals and provided 39 assists in 112 appearances for Manchester United, and he is one of the most important players in the team.

Fernandes is also a key player for Portugal, and he helped the team to win the UEFA Nations League in 2019. He is a talented and versatile midfielder who is capable of playing in a variety of positions.

He is a threat to score goals, and he is also a good passer and dribbler. Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in the world, and he is a key player for both Manchester United and Portugal.

4 Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti has undoubtedly solidified his position as one of the top 10 best central midfielders in the world. The Italian maestro’s technical abilities, vision, and exceptional passing range make him a standout performer for both club and country. Verratti’s performances on the pitch have consistently showcased his exceptional talent and his ability to control the tempo of the game.

His ability to retain possession under pressure and his impeccable decision-making skills are instrumental in orchestrating his team’s attacking moves.

Verratti’s passing ability is second to none. His accurate and incisive long-range passes can dissect even the most compact defenses, creating opportunities for his teammates to score.

Whether it’s a defense-splitting through ball or a perfectly weighted cross, Verratti consistently displays his exceptional vision and execution. His ability to find the right pass at the right moment is a testament to his exceptional footballing intelligence.

At the club level, Verratti has been a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for several seasons. His performances in the UEFA Champions League have been particularly noteworthy, as he consistently demonstrates his ability to thrive on the big stage. His contributions have helped PSG dominate domestic competitions and compete against Europe’s elite.

On the international stage, Verratti has been a crucial figure for the Italian national team. His performances during Italy’s triumph in the UEFA European Championship 2020 showcased his ability to influence games at the highest level. Verratti’s technical brilliance, composure, and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset for Italy’s midfield.

Verratti’s impact on both PSG and the Italian national team highlights his importance to any team he represents. As he continues to mature and develop his game, Verratti is poised to remain among the elite midfielders in world football for years to come.

3 Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich is one of the most versatile players in world football right now. He can play as a right-back, a central midfielder, or even a right-winger. He is known for his passing, dribbling, and defensive abilities.

Kimmich started his career at RB Leipzig, where he played as a right-back. He was then signed by Bayern Munich in 2015. At Bayern, Kimmich has been used in a variety of positions, but he has been most successful as a central midfielder.

In the 2019-20 season, Kimmich was a key member of the Bayern Munich team that won the treble. He was also named to the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season.

Kimmich is a complete midfielder who is capable of doing everything well. He is a good passer, dribbler, and defender. He is also very intelligent and has a good understanding of the game.

Kimmich is one of the best midfielders in the world and he is only going to get better. He is a key player for Bayern Munich and the German national team.

2 Pedri

Pedri at just 20 years old, has taken the footballing world by storm with his exceptional talent, maturity, and technical abilities. Pedri’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable, and his performances have garnered praise from fans, pundits, and fellow professionals alike.

One of the standout qualities that set Pedri apart is his remarkable composure on the ball. He possesses an innate ability to maintain possession under pressure and effortlessly navigate through tight spaces.

Pedri’s close ball control and quick decision-making enable him to dictate the tempo of the game and orchestrate his team’s attacks from deep midfield positions. His vision and passing range allow him to effortlessly switch play and unlock defenses with precision through balls.

Pedri’s tactical intelligence is another aspect of his game that truly sets him apart. Despite his young age, he displays a deep understanding of the game, positioning himself well to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks.

His work rate and ability to cover ground make him an invaluable asset in both the offensive and defensive phases of play. Pedri’s defensive contributions, coupled with his ability to initiate attacks and create scoring opportunities, make him a complete central midfielder.

Moreover, Pedri’s versatility is worth noting. Although he primarily operates as a central midfielder, he has showcased his adaptability by playing in various positions across the midfield and even in advanced roles when required.

Pedri’s rise to the top echelons of world football has not gone unnoticed. He has earned praise from some of the game’s greatest legends, who have recognized his immense talent and potential. Pedri is number 2 in our list of the top 10 best central midfielders in the world in 2023.

1 Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the most complete midfielders in the world. He is a gifted passer, dribbler, and finisher, and he has a knack for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a strong defender, and he is not afraid to put in a hard shift.

De Bruyne has been playing at an elite level for several years now, and he has won numerous individual and team awards. He was named the PFA Player of the Year in 2019-20, and he was also named to the UEFA Team of the Year in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

In 2022-23, De Bruyne has continued to be one of the best midfielders in the world. He has scored 10 goals and provided 28 assists throughout the season, and he has been a key player in Manchester City’s winning the Premier League title.

De Bruyne is a joy to watch, and he is one of the most exciting players in the world. He is a true game-changer, and he has the ability to win matches single-handedly. If he can stay healthy, he will continue to be one of the best midfielders in the world for many years to come.