Best Football Midfielders of all time. The midfield controls the course of the game.
They have a say in how the game is played and are frequently essential for switching from defense to attack or for stopping the opposing team’s attackers.
Although attacking midfielders, forwards, and wingers typically garner all the credit and attention, central midfielders frequently put in the most work and give these attack-minded players a stage to shine on.
The effectiveness of their midfield and the talent of their midfielders serve as the foundation for some teams’ and organizations’ whole philosophies.
With so many talented and legendary players to take into account, it is challenging to select the top 10 center midfielders.
The top 10 central midfielders in history are listed below:
#10 Frank Lampard:
As a part of England’s “golden generation,” Frank Lampard was instrumental in Chelsea’s rise to the level of a European superteam. One of the best box-to-box midfielders of all time, Lampard frequently entered the box late, which allowed him to score a number of crucial and game-winning goals.
Frank Lampard, a midfielder for Chelsea, is the only player with more than 150 goals in the Premier League and has won an incredible 13 titles. Between 2004 and 2006, the former England international was most likely at the top of his game, coming in second place to the famous Ronaldinho in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2005.
The passionate Chelsea supporters will always have a special place in their hearts for the talented set-piece and penalty taker Frank Lampard because of his substantial contributions and inspiring performances.
#9 Johan Neeskens:
Even though Johan Neeskens was a terrific player in his own right, his countryman Johan Cruyff frequently overshadowed him. Throughout the 1970s, when the Netherlands national team played some of the most beautiful and brilliant football ever, Neeskens was a crucial part of both Ajax and the team. He served as Cruyff’s beauty’s steel.
The legendary Dutch midfield maestro was known for his amazing passing prowess, relentless running, and relentless pressure on the opposition. He was tremendously talented and skilled with the ball as well. Neeskens’ participation on the Ajax and Dutch national teams allowed the more creative players to express themselves and play freely.
#8 Luka Modric:
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric is listed at number eight on this list. One of the most complete midfielders to ever play the game, Modric has consistently ranked among the best players in the world for more than a decade.
Modric has continually improved and developed his game over the last few years. He is equally adept at doing his defensive duties as he is at choosing passes that will split defenses.
The Croatian midfielder overcame Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance in 2018 to win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year Awards. He was a key player of Real Madrid’s team that won three straight UEFA Champions League titles.
#7 Steven Gerrard:
Unquestionably the greatest midfielder for Liverpool in history, Steven Gerrard is also arguably the best player to never win the Premier League. One of the best English footballers of this generation, the Liverpool legend is noted for his inspirational displays, leadership abilities, and penchant for big-game performances.
Gerrard, who can operate anywhere in the middle of the field, practically single-handedly led Liverpool to their stunning UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005. From 2004 until 2010, Gerrard was virtually unplayable, and his outstanding individual performances elevated an average Liverpool team to new heights.
Steven Gerrard is the lone player to have scored in the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, and Super Cup finals.
#6 Paul Scholes:
Sixth on this list is former Manchester United player Paul Scholes. One of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most reliable players, the “Ginger Genius,” helped Manchester United become the current European Super Club.
One of the most gifted midfielders to ever participate in the Premier League, Paul Scholes had an incredible passing range. The English midfielder helped Manchester United win every trophy imaginable and was well-liked by both his teammates and opponents.
#5 Andrea Pirlo:
The deep-lying playmaker position was developed by current Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo thanks to his remarkable vision and passing skills. Andrea Pirlo is one of the most decorated midfielders in the annals of European football, having won the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, multiple Serie A titles, and national trophies.
Because of the poise with which he played and his capacity to make the right pass at any given time, he was one of the greatest Italian players of all time. Andrea Pirlo’s proficiency with the dead ball allowed him to contribute to numerous significant goals and triumphs for both his club and his nation.
#4 Didi:
Although Brazil has produced several superb football players, Didi, also known as Waldyr Pereira, is likely the best center midfielder in the nation’s annals. Didi, who won Player of the Tournament honors at the 1958 World Cup, was the mastermind behind Pele and Garrincha’s incredible feats for the Brazilian national team.
Didi typically performed at his best on the largest stage. The Brazilian midfielder’s outstanding exploits helped him win both the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.
According to the IFFHS, who placed Didi as the 7th greatest Brazilian player of the 20th century, Didi was without a doubt the best midfielder of his generation and one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time.
#3 Xavi:
Lists of the top 10 midfielders frequently include the name of the renowned Barcelona midfielder Xavi. The Spaniard, who has won almost all of the sport’s prizes and awards, is one of the most decorated athletes in its history.
The illustrious success Barcelona and the Spanish national team enjoyed between 2006 and 2014 was largely due to Xavi, a player who almost pioneered the entire tiki-taka system adopted by the Spain and Barcelona teams.
Xavi was an expert playmaker and passer who was able to make the right pass at the right time and effortlessly found space in the middle of the field. He was a superb midfielder and player, with some of the best passing, vision, and technical skills in the history of the game.
#2 Lothar Matthaus:
The Ballon d’Or winner from 1990, Lothar Matthaus, enjoyed a great career with Bayern Munich and the German national team. Amazing box-to-box midfielder Matthaus, who was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991 and won the World Cup in 1990, always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
Matthaus was one of the most all-around midfielders to ever represent Germany. He was skilled at both fierce tackling and lethal long-range shooting. A legendary leader in Germany, he distinguished himself as the captain of Bayern Munich and the German national team.
The legendary midfielder found success with Inter Milan as well before going back to Bayern Munich. He became a sweeper there in the final parts of his playing career.
#1 Andres Iniesta:
One of the game’s most talented players is Andres Iniesta, Xavi’s longstanding midfield partner at Barcelona and for the Spanish national team. For his magnificent performance and game-winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final, Iniesta will go down in Spanish history. He was endowed with extraordinary vision, passing talent, and a peculiar knack for delivering when it counted.
The play of Andres Iniesta was entertaining to watch and incredibly effective on the field. He had extraordinary ball handling ability and was technically gifted. Iniesta and Xavi were without a doubt the greatest center midfield duo to ever play the position.
With the most recent football news and rumors, keep up with your favorite teams and players.
