The ten best midfielders of the 2013/14 Premier League season.
Based on the scoring system used by Squawka, here are the ten best midfielders in the Premier League this season.
10. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal
Games: 31
Mins: 2407
Defence: 160
Attack: 140
Poss: 502
Total: 802
The veteran Spaniard has quietly gone about his business in a heavy rotation system used by Arsene Wenger this season and has been effective in helping the side turn defence into attack.
9. Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal
Games: 23
Mins: 1761
Defence: 26
Attack: 676
Poss: 102
Total: 804
Ramsey’s season was undoubtedly effected by his injury problems as he was unable to build on his red hot form from the early stages of the campaign. However, each time he has come back he has shown that the injuries have not held him back; highlighted by his wonderful final day strike against Norwich.
8. Tom Huddlestone – Hull City
Games: 36
Mins: 3144
Defence: 373
Attack: 404
Poss: 102
Total: 852
Huddlestone showed Spurs exactly how crazy they were to let him go last summer by helping guide the Tigers to Premier League safety and an FA Cup final. His passing and vision have put him amongst the league’s best and there is a slight case for him to feel aggrieved about missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
7. Mile Jedinak – Crystal Palace
Games: 38
Mins: 3388
Defence: 773
Attack: 133
Poss: -51
Total: 855
The Australian international was one of the central figure’s behind Tony Pulis’ revolution that saw the club rise the table to safety in a late season flourish. The Eagles may be lucky to keep a hold of him over what will surely be a busy summer in the top flight.
6. Santi Cazorla – Arsenal
Games: 31
Mins: 2586
Defence: -31
Attack: 660
Poss: 266
Total: 895
The Spaniard has had a disappointing season by his own high standards, but it is only his defensive stats that have really let him down this term. Still one of the Gunners’ main men when going forward, though.
5. Michael Carrick – Manchester United
Games: 29
Mins: 2413
Defence: 418
Attack: 109
Poss: 411
Total: 938
Carrick has been labelled with some unfair criticism this season, which can be partly put down to the club’s overall form this term and the fact that he has had to line up alongside Tom Cleverley for much of the campaign. His advancing years may mean that he won’t be able to continue this vein of form for much longer, though.
4. David Silva – Manchester City
Games: 27
Mins: 2162
Defence: -49
Attack: 631
Poss: 499
Total: 1,082
The diminutive Spaniard just continues to get better as his goal tally in the top flight reaches its highest total. He has the right players alongside him now to allow him to do what he does best and utilise hit talents, making this the deadliest City side in the Premier League’s history.
3. Samir Nasri – Manchester City
Games: 34
Mins: 2488
Defence: 100
Attack: 681
Poss: 546
Total: 1,327
The France international has fought back spectacularly from the heavy criticism he received during a disappointing campaign last season, as it seems that coach Manuel Pellegrini knows how to use him more effectively than Roberto Mancini was able to.
2. Yaya Toure – Manchester City
Games: 35
Mins: 2917
Defence: -108
Attack: 1,022
Poss: 466
Total: 1,380
Toure’s placement on this list highlights just how tough City’s midfield has been this season, and the Ivorian enjoyed his most productive season on front of goal to date by banging in 20 goals. Surely the most accomplished midfielder in the top flight, he has even added free kicks to his repertoire this term to make him even more formidable.
1. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Games: 34
Mins: 2895
Defence: 315
Attack: 817
Poss: 360
Total: 1,492
The veteran England man once again cemented his role as the best midfielder in the Premier League with another set of all-round, all-action performances. However, sadly, he’ll most likely be best remembered for his slip up against Chelsea that cost his club the title rather than the inspirational speech he gave following the win over Manchester City. Or the exceptional work though the other 36 rounds of the season – mostly that.