Top 10 Greatest Midfielders of all time. The direction of the game is set by the midfield. They control how the game is played and are frequently crucial for switching from defense to attack or for containing the attackers of the opposing team.
While offensive midfielders, forwards, and wingers frequently receive all the praise and attention, it’s frequently the central midfielders that put in the most effort and provide these attacking-minded players a platform to shine.
Some organizations and squads base their entire philosophies on the potency of their midfield and the skill of their midfielders. It is difficult to narrow down the top 10 center midfielders when there are so many brilliant and illustrious players to consider.
Here are the top 10 central midfielders in history:
#10 Frank Lampard:
Frank Lampard, a member of England’s “golden generation,” played a crucial role in Chelsea’s ascent to the status of a European superteam. Lampard, one of the all-time best box-to-box midfielders, was often late entering the box, which enabled him to score a number of pivotal and game-winning goals.
Frank Lampard, a midfielder for Chelsea, won an amazing 13 titles and is the only player with more than 150 goals in the Premier League. The former England international was probably at the height of his powers between 2004 and 2006, finishing second only to the legendary Ronaldinho in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2005.
Frank Lampard, a skilled penalty and set-piece taker, will always hold a special place in Chelsea supporters’ hearts for his significant contributions and motivating performances.
#9 Johan Neeskens:
Johan Neeskens, a brilliant player in his own right, was frequently eclipsed by his more well-known compatriot, Johan Cruyff. Neeskens was an essential member of Ajax and the Netherlands national team throughout the 1970s when they produced some exquisite and spectacular football. He was the steel to Cruyff’s beauty.
The Dutch midfield maestro was renowned for his incredible passing ability, constant running, and persistent pressure on the opposition. He was also incredibly gifted and adept with the ball. The more imaginative players were able to express themselves and play freely because of Neeskens’ presence on the Ajax and Dutch national teams.
#8 Luka Modric:
Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, is ranked number 8 on this list. Modric has regularly been among the best players in the world for more than a decade and is one of the most complete midfielders to ever play the game.
In the past few years, Modric has consistently developed and enhanced his game. He is capable of selecting defense-splitting passes and is equally competent at carrying out his defensive responsibilities.
The Croatian midfielder, an important member of Real Madrid’s squad that captured three consecutive UEFA Champions League championships, broke through Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s domination in 2018 to win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year Awards.
#7 Steven Gerrard:
Steven Gerrard is without a doubt the greatest Liverpool midfielder of all time and is debatably the best player to never win the Premier League. The Liverpool legend’s inspiring performances and leadership qualities are well-known, and his propensity for big-game performances helped him establish himself as one of the best English footballers of this generation.
Gerrard, who can play wherever along the midfield line, nearly single-handedly carried Liverpool to their incredible UEFA Champions League victory in 2005. Gerrard was practically unplayable from 2004 to 2010, and his incredible individual displays propelled an average Liverpool squad to high heights.
The only player to score in the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and Super Cup finals is Steven Gerrard.
#6 Paul Scholes:
Paul Scholes, a former player for Manchester United, is ranked sixth on this list. The “Ginger Genius,” one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most dependable players, was instrumental in transforming Manchester United into the current European Super Club.
Paul Scholes was one of the most talented midfielders to ever compete in the Premier League, and his passing range was astounding. The England midfielder was well-liked by both his colleagues and rivals, and he helped Manchester United win every trophy imaginable.
#5 Andrea Pirlo:
With his exceptional vision and passing abilities, current Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo reinvented the role of a deep-lying playmaker. One of the most successful midfielders in European football history, Andrea Pirlo has won the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, numerous Serie A championships, and domestic cups.
He was one of the best Italian players of all time because of the composure with which he played and his ability to choose the proper pass at any given moment. Many important goals and victories for both his club and his country were made possible by Andrea Pirlo’s skill with the dead ball.
#4 Didi:
Brazil has produced several excellent football players, but Waldyr Pereira, affectionately known as Didi, is probably the country’s best center midfielder in history. Didi, the 1958 World Cup’s Player of the Tournament, was the brains behind Pele and Garrincha’s incredible accomplishments for the Brazilian national team.
The biggest stage was frequently where Didi gave his best performances. The Brazilian midfielder won both of the World Cups in 1958 and 1962 thanks to some incredible performances.
Didi was unquestionably the best midfielder of his generation and one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time, according to the IFFHS, who ranked him as the 7th greatest Brazilian player of the 20th century.
#3 Xavi:
The legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi is a name that consistently appears on lists of the top 10 midfielders. The Spaniard is among the most decorated players in the history of the sport and has taken home nearly all of its trophies and honors.
Xavi, a player who nearly invented the entire tiki-taka system used by the Spain and Barcelona teams, was largely responsible for the illustrious success Barcelona and the Spanish national team experienced between 2006 and 2014.
Xavi was a master playmaker and passer who effortlessly found space in the middle of the pitch and had the ability to make the right pass at the right moment. He was one of the finest midfielders and players to ever play the game thanks to his exceptional passing ability, vision, and technical talent.
#2 Lothar Matthaus:
Lothar Matthaus, the 1990 Ballon d’Or winner, had a legendary career with Bayern Munich and the German national team. A phenomenal box-to-box midfielder who won the World Cup in 1990 and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, Matthaus always appeared to be in the right place at the right moment.
One of the most complete midfielders to ever play for Germany, Matthaus was capable of both strong tackling and lethal long-range shooting. The German icon, who led Bayern Munich and the German national team with distinction, was renowned for his outstanding leadership abilities.
Before returning to Bayern Munich, the renowned midfielder enjoyed a successful period with Inter Milan as well. There, in the latter stages of his playing career, he developed into a sweeper.
#1 Andres Iniesta:
Andres Iniesta, a longtime midfield partner of Xavi’s at Barcelona and the Spanish national team, is one of the game’s most gifted players. Iniesta will be remembered in Spanish history for his outstanding performance and game-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final. He was gifted with tremendous vision, passing ability, and an unusual knack for performing when it mattered the most.
Andres Iniesta’s style of play was enjoyable to watch and very efficient on the pitch. He was technically gifted and incredibly skilled with the ball. Unquestionably, the best center midfield pairing to ever play the position was Iniesta and Xavi.
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