Best central midfield signings so far this summer.
SEE ALSO: Most expensive Premier League transfers ever.
10) Alen Halilovic (Barcelona)
A highly exciting youngster, Barcelona won the race for the signature of Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic earlier this summer. With a playing style similar to that of club legend Xavi, or fellow countryman Luka Modric, Halilovic will be a great signing for the future, even if he doesn’t go into the club’s first-team straight away.
9) Yann M’Vila (Inter Milan)
Once regarded as one of the best up-and-coming young talents in the world, things haven’t quite gone to plan for French midfielder Yann M’Vila, but he will be given the chance to prove himself at a big club this summer after signing for Inter Milan. Arriving initially on a loan deal from Russian side Rubin Kazan, the 24-year-old could prove a great piece of business if he regains his best form.
8) Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)
A player who first rose to prominence in the Premier League in a loan spell at Swansea City, Gylfi Sigurdsson is now back with the Welsh club after a less successful spell with Tottenham Hotspur. The Icelandic midfielder, who can play in a variety of attacking and defensive midfield roles, is probably best used centrally where he can be the main playmaker, and will hopefully find the form that made him such a top player for the Swans in the second half of the 2011/12 season.
7) David Luiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
Although mostly used as a defender at Chelsea, David Luiz looks likely to be moved into midfield after showing more ability in bringing the ball forward, linking play and scoring the occasional wonder-goal than at doing his defensive duties to the required standard. The Brazilian had a nightmare World Cup for his country, but he could revive his career with a big move to Paris Saint-Germain, if he is given the chance to operate further up the pitch.
6) Emre Can (Liverpool)
A highly promising young player, Emre Can looks a good addition in midfield for Liverpool this summer. The former Bayer Leverkusen man can also operate at left-back or left-midfield, but his comparisons with Germany legend Michael Ballack should see him utilised in a central role, perhaps becoming a long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard.
5) Fernando (Manchester City)
A superb performer for Porto, Fernando has been snapped up by Manchester City this summer and looks an astute signing. The Brazilian is primarily a defensive-minded player, but should link well with the likes of Yaya Toure and his fellow countryman Fernandinho in the middle of the park, becoming a key player in the champions’ bid to retain their title.
4) Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
After nearly signing for Manchester United last summer, the Red Devils have finally got a hold of Ander Herrera, who joins from Athletic Bilbao in a deal worth roughly £30m. The Spaniard is an intelligent, deep-lying playmaker who should provide United with more balance and creativity in the middle of the park, in something that has long been a problem position for this side.
3) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
A player who should go down as a great signing, Cesc Fabregas was surprisingly allowed to leave Barcelona for Chelsea for just £30m this summer. The former Arsenal man has been one of the best midfielders in the world for much of his career, and despite a recent poor spell, will surely find his best form again in the Premier League and become one of the transfer coups of the summer.
2) Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)
Cesc Fabregas’ replacement at the Nou Camp, Croatian playmaker Ivan Rakitic looks an exciting signing for Barcelona after signing from Sevilla. The 26-year-old registered 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last season, and looks potentially like becoming one of the best midfielders in Europe.
1) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
A star with Bayern Munich and Germany, Real Madrid have got hold of a superb player here with the bargain £20m signing of Toni Kroos. The 24-year-old had also been targeted by Manchester United and Chelsea after his contribution to treble wins and World Cup victories for club and country in recent years, and he will no doubt add a touch of class to Real’s midfield next season.