Ten best deep creative players in the world right now.
The always excellent fanatix has compiled its list of the world’s best ‘deep-lying playmakers’…
This term refers to a midfielder who often plays in his own half, but controls tempo, dictates possession, and starts attack from deep with a range of passes.
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In contrast to a defensive midfielder (like Nemanja Matic or Sergio Busquets), these players focus on creating chances rather than winning back possession and breaking up opposition play.
How accurate is the list, in terms of the world’s best…?
10) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Gerrard might be higher in the list if he hadn’t started the season so poorly… Still, his range of passing from inside his own half is mesmeric.
9) Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)
Only one player in Europe this season has averaged more passes per match than the little Italian. (He features later in this list!) (WhoScored)
8) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
The first of two superb deep-lying Real Madrid playmakers in this list.
7) Koke (Atletico Madrid)
The Atletico man is consistently compared to Xavi because of his diminutive frame and apparent ability to thread through-balls at will.
6) Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
A true modern football legend, Pirlo still pulls the strings for both Juventus and Italy.
5) Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
Strootman is tall and powerful, but he has the technical ability to match. Don’t be surprised if he eventually signs for Man United.
4) Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
The Croatian was brilliant in the Premier League, but now in Spain, he’s even better.
3) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
It seems absurd that Barcelona let Fabregas (only 27) go for just £27m. He’s already the best midfielder in the Premier League.
2) Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich)
One of the most aesthetically pleasing footballers to watch on the planet, nobody passes like Xabi Alonso.
1) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
The best central midfielder of the past ten years is still a footballing behemoth. Iniesta can dribble, pass, and has outrageous close-control. Now ageing, he plays slightly deeper, and merits a place at the top of this list as a result.
