Jude Belligham position Top 20 best midfielders in the world (2025)

Midfielders are the architects of football, the linchpins that connect defense and attack, and the conductors who orchestrate the tempo of the game. Their role has evolved dramatically over the years, transforming from a primarily defensive or offensive function to a multifaceted position demanding a blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physical prowess. In the modern game, a team’s success is often intrinsically linked to the quality and versatility of its midfield, making it arguably the most crucial and demanding position on the pitch.

The modern midfielder is no longer confined to a single, rigid role. Instead, they are categorized based on their tactical responsibilities, positioning, and unique skill sets, each contributing distinctively to the team’s overall strategy. This diversification has led to the emergence of highly specialized midfielders, capable of excelling in specific areas of the game while also possessing the adaptability to contribute across multiple phases.

Defensive midfielders (CDMs) serve as the first line of defense, operating as a shield in front of the backline. Their primary responsibility is to disrupt opposition attacks, win back possession, and provide a secure foundation for their team’s build-up play. Players in this role, such as Declan Rice and Joshua Kimmich, excel in ball recovery, interceptions, and distributing the ball efficiently to initiate counter-attacks or maintain possession. While their core function is to offer defensive stability, many modern CDMs also possess the technical ability to contribute to ball progression and deep playmaking, making them integral to both defensive and offensive transitions.

Box-to-box midfielders are the engine room of the team, covering vast amounts of ground and contributing equally in both defensive and attacking phases. They require exceptional stamina, tactical awareness, and the ability to seamlessly transition between defensive duties and attacking forays. Players like Federico Valverde and Ryan Gravenberch embody this role, combining physicality with technical ability to drive their teams forward with powerful runs and incisive passes while also tracking back to provide crucial defensive support. Their versatility and energy make them indispensable assets in controlling the tempo of the game and influencing both ends of the pitch.

Deep-lying playmakers, often referred to as “registas,” operate from a deeper midfield position, dictating the game’s tempo and orchestrating attacks with their expansive passing range and vision. Unlike defensive midfielders, their primary focus is not on breaking up play but on controlling possession, distributing the ball to initiate attacks, and setting the rhythm of the game. Players like Granit Xhaka and Enzo Fernández exemplify this role, possessing the technical ability and composure to control the flow of the game from deep areas, making them the architects of their team’s attacking strategy.

Attacking midfielders, often wearing the coveted number 10 jersey, are the creative spark plugs of a team, operating in the space between midfield and attack. Their primary role is to unlock opposition defenses with their vision, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. These midfielders are often the most technically gifted players on the pitch, capable of producing moments of brilliance that can change the course of a game. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Jamal Musiala, and Cole Palmer thrive in this role, frequently contributing with assists and goals while seamlessly linking the midfield with the attacking line.

Another crucial role in the modern midfield is that of the “mezzala,” a hybrid midfielder who drifts into wide areas to create overloads and exploit spaces between the opposition’s midfield and defense. This role demands a unique blend of agility, passing precision, and off-the-ball movement to stretch defenses, open up attacking opportunities, and provide support in wide areas. Players like Nicolò Barella and Vitinha excel in this role, combining their technical skills with tactical intelligence to provide a dynamic and unpredictable dimension to their team’s attacking play.

In contemporary football, the lines between these traditional midfield roles have become increasingly blurred. Many midfielders are no longer confined to a single role but rather adapt their playing style based on tactical setups and match situations. The evolution of the position has led to the emergence of players with well-rounded skill sets, capable of defending with tenacity, creating scoring opportunities with vision and precision, and even contributing goals themselves. The best midfielders possess the ability to influence all phases of the game, making them indispensable to their teams’ success.

As the 2025 season unfolds, we have witnessed a plethora of exceptional midfielders showcasing their talents across various leagues around the globe. From emerging young talents like João Neves and Florian Wirtz to established stars like Pedri and Jude Bellingham, these players continue to redefine the role of a modern midfielder, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the pitch. This article aims to rank and analyze the top midfielders of the season, highlighting their individual contributions, unique skill sets, and profound impact on their respective teams.

20. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea & Argentina)

Enzo Fernández continues to justify Chelsea’s substantial investment in his talents. Despite Chelsea’s struggles for consistency, Fernández’s exceptional passing range, tireless defensive work rate, and ability to dictate play from deep midfield have consistently stood out. He has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most reliable midfielders, contributing to both defensive stability and attacking buildup with his composed presence and technical proficiency.

19. James Maddison (Tottenham & England)

James Maddison has been a pivotal playmaker for Tottenham this season, injecting creativity and goal-scoring threat into their midfield. Despite facing injury setbacks, he has made significant contributions with both goals and assists, playing a crucial role in Tottenham’s attacking transitions with his vision, set-piece delivery, and dribbling ability.

18. João Neves (Paris Saint German & Portugal)

Since his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, João Neves has rapidly established himself as a pivotal figure in Luis Enrique’s team. The young midfielder made a sensational start, becoming the only player to register four assists after two games in the last 20 Ligue 1 seasons. The Portugal international has demonstrated his all-around abilities with goals and assists, while also showcasing his impressive passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and chance creation.

17. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)

Declan Rice’s transition to Arsenal has been seamless, solidifying their midfield with his defensive acumen and ability to break up play. His presence has provided a solid foundation for Arsenal’s attacking endeavors, allowing their creative players to flourish. Rice’s contributions extend beyond his defensive duties, as he also demonstrates his ability to contribute in attack with goals and assists.

16. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich & Germany)

Joshua Kimmich is a paragon of versatility, capable of operating in any midfield position and even filling in at right-back when needed. The German international is one of the world’s best deep-lying playmakers, possessing elite ball-playing qualities. His exceptional passing accuracy, vision, and ability to dictate play from deep make him a crucial asset for both Bayern Munich and the German national team.

15. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen & Switzerland)

Granit Xhaka’s resurgence at Bayer Leverkusen has been nothing short of transformative. His commanding performances in the heart of midfield have been instrumental in Leverkusen’s success. Xhaka’s leadership, experience, and ability to control the tempo of the game have been key factors in his team’s success.

14. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool & Argentina)

Alexis Mac Allister’s move to Liverpool from Brighton has seen him embrace a more reserved role in midfield, but his performances have only grown in stature. This versatile midfielder has been a key presence in both attacking and defensive phases, demonstrating his reliability as a distributor, his strength in possession, and his effectiveness in defensive duels.

13. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United & Brazil)

Since joining Newcastle United, Bruno Guimarães has been a transformative figure. The Brazilian midfielder is the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s side, excelling as both a creator and a defensive shield. His tireless work rate, exceptional passing ability, and dribbling skills make him a dynamic force in midfield, contributing significantly to both defensive solidity and attacking creativity.

12. Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid & Argentina)

Rodrigo De Paul embodies the relentless work ethic, tactical intelligence, and fiery passion that define Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid. He is the engine room maestro, tirelessly covering every blade of grass, breaking up opposition plays, and launching swift counter-attacks. De Paul’s vision, ball-winning ability, and unwavering commitment make him indispensable to Simeone’s demanding system.

11. Cole Palmer (Chelsea & England)

Cole Palmer’s arrival at Chelsea has been nothing short of sensational. He’s not just a promising talent; he’s a rising star illuminating Stamford Bridge. Following his breakout Premier League campaign, Palmer has continued to shine, proving his debut season was no fluke. His attacking prowess and versatility have made him a fan favorite and a key player in Chelsea’s transition.

10. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich & Germany)

Jamal Musiala is a mesmerizing talent, gliding through defenses with effortless grace and possessing exceptional agility and ball control. The young German’s attacking output is impressive, but it is his creative flair, vision, and composure that truly set him apart. Musiala is a creative force, capable of unlocking defenses with moments of brilliance, making him one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

9. Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan & Italy)

Nicolò Barella embodies the modern midfielder: energetic, aggressive, and technically excellent. His relentless pressing, quick transitions, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Barella’s pivotal role in Inter Milan’s recent successes and his contribution to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory solidify his status as a world-class midfielder.

8. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)

Vitinha’s performances for PSG have been marked by his technical proficiency and ability to control the midfield. His exceptional passing accuracy, vision, and composure on the ball have been instrumental in transitioning play from defense to attack, making him a key figure in PSG’s tactical setup.

7. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United & Portugal)

Bruno Fernandes, amidst Manchester United’s fluctuating fortunes, has been a constant source of inspiration, a flickering flame of creativity in what has often been a turbulent sea. He is the player who shoulders the creative burden, consistently delivering goals and assists while driving United’s attacking play with his vision, passion, and unwavering belief in his abilities.

6. Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid & Spain)

Dani Ceballos is the architect of Real Madrid’s midfield, dictating the tempo and controlling possession with his intricate passing and subtle control. While he may not always grab the headlines, his value lies in the delicate balance he brings to the team, seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack and linking play between the backline and the forwards.

5. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool & Netherlands)

Ryan Gravenberch’s presence at Liverpool has become increasingly significant, aligning perfectly with manager Arne Slot’s fluid, high-intensity style. His box-to-box capabilities, composure on the ball, and ability to break lines make him a valuable asset in Liverpool’s midfield evolution. Gravenberch’s physical presence, technical ability, and vision make him a key figure in Slot’s possession-based, structured approach.

4. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen & Germany)

Florian Wirtz has been the creative heartbeat of Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable season. His exceptional vision, intricate passing, and ability to find space make him a constant threat, capable of unlocking defenses and orchestrating his team’s attacking play. Wirtz is not just a playmaker; he’s a game-changer, capable of turning matches with moments of brilliance.

3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

Jude Bellingham’s transition to Real Madrid has been nothing short of a revelation. The young Englishman has taken command of the Bernabéu, showcasing his exceptional maturity, tactical awareness, and physicality. Bellingham is a complete midfielder, capable of breaking up play, driving forward with purpose, and delivering decisive passes and finishes, making him a truly exceptional talent.

2. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid & Uruguay)

Federico Valverde’s importance to Real Madrid is defined by his exceptional versatility and adaptability. He is not confined to a single midfield role, demonstrating a remarkable capacity to adapt to diverse tactical demands. Valverde’s contributions span both defensive and offensive phases, making him an indispensable asset in Real Madrid’s midfield.

1. Pedri (Barcelona & Spain)

Pedri’s role within Barcelona’s midfield remains pivotal, acting as the primary creative force. His impact stems from a unique blend of technical proficiency and tactical awareness. Pedri excels in navigating confined spaces, executing intricate passes, and maintaining possession under pressure, making him the orchestrator of Barcelona’s possession-oriented system. His vision, ability to identify gaps, and capacity to control the tempo of the game are critical components of Barcelona’s strategic approach.