“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.
Harsh Sinha
Roar Guru
Frank Ribery would be ahead than Pirlo at the moment.
Harsh Sinha
Roar Guru
Bale has a long way to go. He is in top 10 but surely not in top 5. He is definitely not better than any of the 5 guys that i've mentioned.
Harsh Sinha
Roar Guru
Pirlo is pretty awesome but currently, his level is not as good as it once was. These 5 are the best possible that i could think of.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Agree Punter. I think the author should have been more specific as midfielder is just far too vague. Ribery is a bit like Bale too, a winger/ attacking midfielder.
Punter
Guest
Bale is an outstanding player, but not one who I would consider a midfielder, at least a creative midfielder. But 100% agree with your summation in regards to formations, Bale would be a left midfield player. But I see him more a winger. But hard to argue against Xavi, Iniesta & Ozil. Alonso & Schweinsteiger also deserved to be mention along with Toure, Febregas, Pirlo, Silva & Ribery.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Hard to define who are the best 'midfielders' as it basically covers sometimes half of today's teams, whether they play in 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. Gareth bale is therefore still a midfielder in my mind and would deserve a spot I guess. Pogba and Verratti soon.
Nicholas Carroll
Roar Guru
Interesting article. Picking the top five midfielders in the world could be debated for a great deal of time. Hard to disagree with Iniesta and Xavi being amongst the five. However, even so, perhaps missing a few outside of the La Liga? Yaya Toure? He is arguably THE best in the world in that deep midfield position, with a fantastic all around ability. I think I would have to have him in my five. Others I'll throw into the ring... David Silva. Not in his best form this season, but when he is on, you are hard pressed to find a more skilled or creative player. Would also agree with Justin in putting Pirlo forward. Possibly perceived by outsiders as past his prime, he has been playing just as good as he ever has for Juventus and still remains one of the best ball players in the world.
Justin Cormick
Roar Guru
How about Pirlo? I think he is up there with Barca's two midfielders. He may be getting old, but is still playing very well.
Johnno
Guest
I disagree with this article but a good article. You don't have to be liked or get on or have any chemistry with your team mates. Roy Keane as a good example. He was as ferocious personality, and as competitive, as they came, he wasn't liked right across the board by everyone in his playing career, not was Eric Cantona. But when they went out for there country, and club they lifted and motivated there team mates to greater levels, time and time again, by sheer will of there character. Keano at Nottingham Forest,Man U, Celtic, and Irleand was a hero, in midfield who lifted his teammates above there abilities. And everyone who played with Roy Keane became a better player for the experience , the same with Eric Cantona.