Blog

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

In the ever-evolving world of soccer, midfielders stand as the linchpins of a team’s success, orchestrating the flow of play with their skill, vision, and versatility.

As we step into the year 2023, the global stage is graced with an elite cadre of midfield maestros who continue to redefine the beautiful game.

These players seamlessly link defense to attack, creating goal-scoring opportunities while ensuring their teams maintain defensive stability.

In this highly-anticipated countdown, we will unveil the top 10 best midfielders in the world for 2023, celebrating their extraordinary abilities and the impact they’ve had on the sport’s landscape.

From established legends to emerging talents, these midfielders embody the essence of modern football, and their contributions are nothing short of mesmerizing. Join us as we delve into the world of soccer’s midfield marvels, a realm where brilliance knows no bounds.

Top 10 Best Midfielders In The World Right Now 2023

10 Ilkay Gündoğan

Ilkay Gündoğan is a German professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Manchester City and the German national team.

In 2023, he established himself as one of the top 10 best playmakers in the world in 2023, thanks to his outstanding performances on the pitch.

Gündoğan’s technical abilities and tactical intelligence make him a versatile midfielder, capable of playing a variety of roles on the field.

He has a great eye for a pass, excellent dribbling skills, and is lethal in front of goal, scoring crucial goals for both club and country.

His work rate, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him a vital player for Manchester City, and he is a key reason for their success in recent years.

Gündoğan’s consistency over the years has been impressive, and he has improved steadily under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

He has become a vital part of the team’s system, and his ability to adapt to different positions has made him an invaluable asset to the club.

In conclusion, Ilkay Gündoğan’s performances on the field, technical abilities, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities make him one of the top-rated midfielders worldwide.

9 Casemiro

Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder, is widely hailed as one of the world’s finest defensive players. He began his career at Sao Paulo, making his senior debut at just 18.

Casemiro’s style draws comparisons to former Real Madrid stalwart Claude Makélélé. He’s known for his intelligence, physical prowess, mobility, aggression, and strong work ethic.

Typically occupying the defensive midfielder role, he has also showcased his versatility as an anchor man or even as a center-back.

A linchpin for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, Casemiro has an impressive trophy haul. In 2022, BBC Sport crowned him the “best midfielder in the world.”

8 Frenkie De Jong

Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder for La Liga’s Barcelona and the Netherlands national team, is consistently ranked among the world’s premier midfield talents.

Esteemed Barcelona head coach Xavi lauds him as “one of the best.” De Jong’s arsenal includes remarkable vision, precise passing, dribbling finesse, technical prowess, sturdy defensive skills, and a knack for attack.

This season, he’s been a linchpin for Barcelona, featuring in 33 matches across all competitions, netting twice, and providing an assist.

Having risen through the ranks with Ajax under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage, De Jong’s style resonates with former Barcelona maestro Xavi. Some fervent fans even argue that Frenkie De Jong might be the standout star in the Barcelona roster.

7 Gavi

Gavi, the young Spanish midfielder, has risen to prominence in the football world over the past few years. As of 2023, he is widely regarded as one of the top 10 best midfielders in the world, and for good reason.

Gavi possesses a unique combination of technical skill, vision, and work rate that sets him apart from many other players in his position.

One of the most notable aspects of Gavi’s game is his exceptional ball control. His close control and dribbling ability allow him to glide past opponents effortlessly, and he is capable of changing direction quickly and effectively.

Additionally, he is adept at making quick passes in tight spaces, which is essential in modern football where teams often play with a high press.

Gavi’s vision and passing range are also exceptional. He has the ability to spot and execute difficult through balls, which can unlock stubborn defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

His passing accuracy is also impressive, with a completion rate of around 90%, indicating his ability to consistently make the right decisions on the ball.

Furthermore, Gavi’s work rate and defensive abilities make him a valuable asset for any team. He is not afraid to put in the hard yards, pressing opponents and making tackles to win the ball back for his team.

This versatility allows him to contribute both offensively and defensively, making him an indispensable member of any squad.

Overall, Gavi’s impressive skillset has earned him a place among the best 10 midfielders in the world in 2023. With his potential still yet to be fully realized, it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop and leave his mark on the football world.

6 Rodri

Rodri, the Spanish midfielder, has established himself as one of the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2023. He possesses a unique combination of defensive solidity, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that makes him an indispensable player for both club and country.

His performance in recent years has been exceptional, and he has become a key player for Manchester City and the Spanish national team.

One of their most remarkable qualities of Rodri is his defensive prowess. He is a strong and imposing midfielder who excels in breaking down opposition attacks and intercepting passes.

His reading of the game is excellent, and he is able to position himself effectively to win the ball back for his team. Rodri’s physicality and aerial ability also make him a valuable asset when defending set pieces.

His contributions in defense have been instrumental in Manchester City’s success in recent years, as well as Spain’s impressive performances in major tournaments.

Rodri’s technical ability is also highly impressive. He is comfortable on the ball and has excellent passing range, which allows him to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

He is also able to adapt to different formations and styles of play, which makes him a versatile player who can play in multiple positions in midfield.

His tactical discipline and work rate make him an essential player for his team, and his contributions often go beyond what is visible on the pitch.

In conclusion, Rodri’s defensive solidity, technical ability, and tactical intelligence make him one of the greatest midfield players of 2023.

5 Joshua Kimmich

Born in Rottweil, Germany, on February 8, 1995, Joshua Kimmich has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier midfielders.

This German football sensation plies his trade as a defensive midfielder or right-back for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and represents the German national team.

Kimmich’s game is synonymous with versatility, aggression, and exceptional playmaking abilities, inviting comparisons to Bayern legend Philipp Lahm, often seen as his heir.

Over recent seasons, he’s seamlessly transitioned into a world-class central midfielder at Bayern. Hansi Flick’s admiration for Kimmich translated to his crucial role at Bayern Munich, and a similar trajectory is expected with the German national team. As a leader, tenacious fighter, and all-around talent, Kimmich’s prowess on the pitch remains unquestionable.

4 Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos is a German professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Real Madrid and the German national team.

He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and is considered a key player for both his club and country.

Kroos has a remarkable range of skills, including excellent passing accuracy, outstanding vision, and the ability to dictate the play of the game.

He is known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and his remarkable defensive skills. His composure and precision on the ball make him a standout player in the midfield.

Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 from Bayern Munich, where he won numerous titles, including the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League.

He has been a key player for Real Madrid, helping them to win numerous titles, including four UEFA Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles. His vision, leadership, and technical abilities make him a valuable player for the Spanish giants.

Kroos is also an integral part of the German national team. He was a key player in the 2014 World Cup-winning squad, where he was instrumental in the team’s success.

Overall, Toni Kroos is a top-class player who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.

He is a player who has a remarkable impact on the game and has won numerous titles with both his club and country. His exceptional talent and skills make him a player to watch for any football fan.

3 Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world in 2023. At just 19 years old, he has already made a significant impact on the pitch, impressing fans and pundits alike with his incredible technical ability, tactical awareness, and outstanding work rate.

Bellingham’s performances for Borussia Dortmund have been particularly impressive, with the Englishman quickly becoming a fan favorite at Signal Iduna Park.

He has been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing to their strong performances in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

One of the key attributes that set Bellingham apart from other midfielders is his versatility. He is equally comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or even as an attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset for any team.

He is also adept at pressing and breaking up opposition attacks, as well as starting and contributing to attacking moves.

Bellingham’s technical ability is also second to none. He has an excellent first touch, superb close control, and the ability to pick out a pass with pinpoint accuracy. He is also a composed finisher in front of the goal, adding a threat to any attacking move.

Overall, it is clear that Bellingham is one of the best midfielders in the world right now 2023. His ability to play in multiple positions, his tactical intelligence, and his technical ability make him a vital player for any team. Jude Bellingham is number 3 in our list of top midfielders of all time.

2 Luka Modric

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfield maestro, is a pivotal figure for La Liga giants Real Madrid and the captain of the Croatian national team.

Revered as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport and the finest Croatian footballer ever, Modric’s versatility shines as he seamlessly transitions between central, attacking, and defensive midfield roles.

His all-encompassing skill set ensures a formidable presence in both offensive and defensive realms. In the La Liga arena, he’s hailed as the premier midfielder, representing the pinnacle of all-rounded attacking midfield options worldwide.

Modric’s legacy extends beyond accolades, resonating with teammates like Borna Sosa, who insist he ranks among the all-time greats.

Even at 38 years old, he continues to be Real Madrid’s standout midfielder, as evidenced by their remarkable Champions League campaign. Luka Modric isn’t just a stellar player; he embodies the essence of a complete midfielder who excels in every facet of the game.

1 Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne without a doubt the best midfielder of this generation. He is the most complete midfielder to ever grace the game.

He has everything in his game, which includes skill, passing, dribbling, tackling, shooting, and creating chances.

His accuracy in passes is unmatchable, he is also one of the best finishers in front of the goal. The Belgian international contributes to almost every game with his way of playing.

He was the star performer when Manchester City won the record-breaking Premier League triumph in 2017/18. De Bruyne was also rated as the best Premier League player for the 2019-2020 season.

De Bruyne is without a doubt one of the best players for Manchester City over the last couple of seasons. He has impressed everyone with his masterclass performance in all competitions.

He has incredible technique, skill, vision, and crossing accuracy. De Bruyne is also exceptional in long-range passing. He tops our list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2023.