A look at the best midfielders in the world at the moment in world football.
The midfield is the heartbeat of every football team and as such most matches are won or lost in the middle third. For the average midfielder, his teams depend on his ability to not only control and dictate things but also be the link between the defense and attack.
However, while the strikers often take all the praise for their goals, the midfielders have come to be recognised as unsung heroes for their clubs.
With that being said, who is the best midfielder in the world, and who are the best midfielders in the game in 2023?
Best midfielders in the world
Here are Pulse Sports' top 12 midfielders in world football at the moment;
12. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Napoli
From a poor stint at Premier League side, Fulham FC, to a superstar in a history-chasing SSC Napoli, Andre-Frank Zambo Auguissa's turnaround is inspiring.
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While his teammates Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia make all the headlines, the Cameroonian has been an unsung hero for the Serie A leaders.
According to SportsBuddy, Anguissa has been superb this season and an ever-present in midfield for Napoli, with six goals contributed. He has been solid on the ball with an 89% pass accuracy while also contributing superbly off it.
11. Jude Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world, Jude Bellingham has put up consistent performances for German side Borussia Dortmund.
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Bellingham made his senior debut for Championship side Birmingham City at the age of 16 before swapping England for the Bundesliga where he became the youngest-ever scorer for Dortmund in 2020.
The 19-year-old is currently one of the most sought-after players in the world with many top clubs looking to prise him away.
10. Nicolo Barella, Inter Milan
Born on February 7, 1997, Nicolo Barella has established himself as one of the mainstays at Inter Milan and the Italian national side, the Azzurri.
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Since he joined Inter, initially on loan, three years ago from Cagliari, the now 26-year-old has become a recognisable superstar while leading Inter to the Serie A title last this.
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This season, Barella has contributed 11 goals in 26 league matches for Inter, including taking the club to the quarterfinal of the Champions League.
9. Thomas Partey, Arsenal
Ghana's defensive midfielder Thomas Partey's addition to this list is due to his invaluable contribution to Arsenal's stunning match to the top of the Premier League.
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The 29-year-old has proven to be a main man for the Gunners when fit and this was highlighted after the club sent a club fitness coach to the Black Stars to monitor Partey during the international break.
8. Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich
Renowned for his dribbling ability, this German-born midfielder of Nigerian descent, Jamal Musiala, needs little or no introduction.
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Born 20 years ago, Musiala has already established himself at his club Bayern Munich and the international level with Die Mannschaft.
He has scored 11 goals and assisted eight goals in 24 matches in the Bundesliga this season for Bayern.
7. Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich
The Bayern Munich defensive screen is a complete midfielder who is not only adept in central midfield but also an accomplished fullback.
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Kimmich, 28, like his colleague and compatriot, Musiala, is easily one of the best players in his position in the world.
He is not just an outstanding screen for club and country but also competent offensively having scored four and assisted four goals for Bayern in 24 matches.
6. Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona
A name that took over the transfer market last summer in a transfer tussle between Barcelona and Manchester United.
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While his Barcelona career has been anything but smooth, Frenkie de Jong seems to have enjoyed a bit of fresh air after he snubbed a move away from Camp Nou in the summer.
A monstrous player on the ball, known for his outstanding ball progression and carrying ability, popularly known as FDJ, the 26-year-old Dutchman has shown this season why Manchester United are ready to break the bank for him.
5. Casemiro, Manchester United
A shock signing for the English side when he swapped LaLiga giants Real Madrid for Old Trafford last summer, Casemiro has become invaluable to United.
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The 30-year-old had a slow start at the Red Devils but has since expectedly taken his rightful position as the undisputed defensive midfielder.
While he has picked up more red cards during his short time in England than he did in Spain, Casemiro has proven to be valuable in the middle third and the opponent's box, leading the club to their first title in six years.
4. Stanislav Lobotka, Napoli
Like his partner, Anguissa, another unsung hero in midfield for Napoli is the imperious and excellent Stanislav Lobotka.
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The Slovakia international has appeared in all of Napoli's Serie A and Champions League matches this season.
Playing at the base of the Napoli midfield, the 28-year-old has been an influential member of the Partenopei and after a slow start is now one of the first names on the Napoli team sheet.
He has scored one goal and assisted another from his number six role in 27 matches this season in the Serie A.
3. Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
There is little to be said about this elegant midfield general who has won it all at Real Madrid.
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Toni Kroos, at 33 continues to impress with every of his touch on the ball and pass, a proper midfield orchestrator.
His career may be approaching its climax but the German superstar remains easily one of the best midfielders in the world.
Kroos has scored two goals and assisted three more this season and is one of the best midfielders of his generation.
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15:30 - 26.03.2023
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He has been asked to work hard and improve his game to be regarded as a top player.
2. Luka Modric, Real Madrid
Born 37 years ago, Luka Modric joined Real Madrid nine years ago and the rest, they say, is history.
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Modric has formed an inseparable partnership with German midfield general, Toni Kroos at Los Angeles Blancos.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has achieved a lot in his illustrious career and at the very twilight of his career, remains one of the finest midfielders alive.
1. Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
The Red Devil completes this list and deservedly so. Kevin De Bruyne will go down as one of the best to play the game in the Premier League.
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16:41 - 29.03.2023
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It's difficult to mention the best midfielders in the world with the City superstar missing from that illustrious list. Under Pep Guardiola, KDB has taken his game to another level.
With a combination of speed, precise passing and vision, the 30-year-old at the very top of the game in the world.
When given space and time as well, he possesses the ability to unleash a rocket of a shot to show his shooting prowess.
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