“The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions,” said John Hancock. An actor can only perform at his best when he has a great chemistry with the co-actors.
An engine is the driving force behind every car’s success. Similarly, a goal, every attack and the final touch by the striker is often assisted by a midfielder.
They are the brilliant catalysts of the game, and without them no team or prolific striker can dare to attack in the opposition’s territory.
Football has seen some wonderful midfielders who have completely changed the shape of a given match. From Zinedine Zidane to Frank Lampard, we have seen them all, respected their skills and bowed down to their mastery.
However, current football doesn’t have a Zidane and even Lampard is past his peak. We don’t have a highly dominant David Beckham nor do we have the extraordinary Sir Bobby Charlton.
So, with past legends gone and future legends in store for us, who do we believe in? Who do we respect? Who do we call the best midfielders today?
Here are the five best midfielders who grace the beautiful game today:
5. Bastian Schweinsteiger
The German sensation, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, is one of the best central midfielders of all time.
Germany can proudly induct him in the Hall of Fame. The German has featured in 97 matches for the national side with 23 goals and 32 assists.
He has led Bayern Munich to five Bundesliga titles and nine domestic cups.
The 2010 to 2012 seasons saw his side reach the finals of the Champions League but eventually lose the bout on both occasions.
However, the number seven for Germany has been one of the most iconic midfielders in football and his dynamic skills are still considered to be some of the best in the world.
4. Xabi Alonso
The fourth spot goes to the Los Blancos’ number 22. His place was highly contested with Cesc Fabregas but it ended on a winning note for Alonso.
His ability to dictate pace, provide great long balls, sharp accuracy and wide range of assists have helped both Real Madrid and his national side Spain.
Alonso, who previously played for Liverpool, was a big success in England too. He has also featured in the FIFA Team of the Year for the last three years.
With his exceptional qualities, Alonso has brought glory to whichever side he has been a part of.
3. Mesut Ozil
This young wizard has tasted success much faster than any current player. Featuring in the 2010 World Cup, followed by Euro 2012, this great midfielder earned much prestige and is currently well respected in Spain, where he plays for Real Madrid.
He is hailed as the second most valuable player in Real Madrid after Ronaldo, and the die-hard Madrid fans know what Ozil means for them. He has 109 assists and 40 goals in his club career so far.
2. Xavi Hernandez
Quite an obvious choice for the runner-up is the heart and soul of Spain. Six La Liga titles, three Champions League titles and 10 other domestic and international club titles are testimony to his club achievements.
Along with that, he has a World Cup title won in 2010 and two European titles won in 2008 and 2012. He has also been the finalist in Ballon d’Or three times.
He is known to hold the ball like no other and play sharp possession football. With more than 180 assists and successful passes, he is not only known as one of the best midfielders but also one of the best footballer today.
1. Andres Iniesta
The best midfielder in today’s game, who won the UEFA Best Player in Europe 2012 and finished third in the 2012 Ballon d’Or.
He is currently the best at his job, and with his consistent performances, there are none who can challenge him for his spot.
Many players and fans worldwide see him as the real reason behind Messi’s incredible success. Iniesta, however, remains ever so humble.
With his super speedy dribbling, unbelievable passing, great long balls, splendid assists and great finish, he is respected by each and every opposition.
When he is not at his best, he still provides a magical moment every now and then. When he is in the form of his life, there is only one thing that you can do – simply watch him rule the game.
This list comprises of three Spaniards and two Germans, sending a strong message: Europe is certainly the destination where we find the best midfielders in the world.
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