Best central midfielders in the world – who makes our top 30?
A look at the 30 best central midfielders in world football, featuring Juventus star Paul Pogba alongside some big names from the Premier League…
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30) Fernandinho (Manchester City)
A player improving all the time, Fernandinho is a terrific box-to-box player who has shone since his big-money move to Manchester City.
29) Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
A superb goalscorer from the middle of the park, it’s only a matter of time before Porto star Yacine Brahimi ends up at a bigger club.
28) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United)
Past his peak, but Bastian Schweinsteiger is still a fine playmaker capable of influencing the big games for club and country.
27) William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
One of the top young midfielders in Europe, William Carvalho has caught the eye for Sporting Lisbon and has been linked with Arsenal several times.
26) Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)
A surprise signing by Crystal Palace, Yohan Cabaye is one of the top Premier League playmakers on his day.
25) Joao Moutinho (AS Monaco)
A classy creative midfielder, Joao Moutinho has shone with AS Monaco and been linked numerous times with bigger clubs.
24) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
A great all-rounder, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is hardly world class, but has all the ingredients to be a top player for this Reds side.
23) Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Unable to build on some superb form a couple of years ago, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey has the potential to be much higher on this list.
22) Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
After a great first season with Manchester United, Ander Herrera is certainly in contention to become one of the best in Europe in the next few years.
21) Marek Hamsik (Napoli)
A hugely underrated talent, Marek Hamsik has been superb for Napoli down the years with a great record of goals and assists from the middle.
20) Xabi Alonso (Bayern Munich)
Past his best now, but Xabi Alonso remains a key part of this Bayern Munich team with some of the best range of passing in the world.
19) Kevin Strootman (AS Roma)
Incredibly injury prone, but one of the best playmakers in Europe on his day, AS Roma star Kevin Strootman has long been targeted by Manchester United.
18) Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Still young and improving all the time, Borussia Dortmund defensive midfielder Ilkay Gundogan could really shine if he moves to a bigger club, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona all among his admirers.
17) Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)
A genius in the middle of the park, AS Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic has scored some beauties from long range and is one of Europe’s finest passers.
16) Blaise Matuidi (PSG)
An all-action star for PSG, Blaise Matuidi is strong in the tackle and great going forward.
15) Isco (Real Madrid)
Often used in an advanced role but also capable of playing as a typical CM, Real Madrid’s Isco is not always a regular in this star-studded team, but remains a highly-rated talent.
14) Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)
Superb since moving from Sevilla to Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic is up there with the best central midfielders in the world at the moment.
13) Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Brilliant since moving from a more attacking role to a deep-lying central position, Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla deserves recognition as one of the best central midfielders in the world.
12) Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United)
A fine summer signing after an immense season for Southampton, Morgan Schneiderlin looks set to star in midfield for Manchester United.
11) Marco Verratti (PSG)
Compared with the legendary Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti is becoming increasingly influential for PSG and Italy and is close to being one of the top ten in the world.
10) Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Still one of the best even if he’s struggling for fitness and form, Cesc Fabregas has had a great career and made a real impression for Chelsea last season.
9) Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)
Despite his injury problems, Arturo Vidal looks a great signing for Bayern Munich after years of tremendous midfield displays for Juventus and Chile.
8) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Losing his touch slightly, Andres Iniesta is no longer in the top two or three in the world, but the Barcelona star remains a unique talent with wonderful natural ability and creativity.
7) Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)
Certainly one of the finest defensive midfielders on the planet at the moment, Nemanja Matic has proven a brilliant signing for Chelsea.
6) Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
The best in the business at what he does, Barcelona stalwart Sergio Busquets is one of the finest DMs of his generation.
5) Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Fast becoming one of the best creative midfielders in the game, Atletico Madrid’s Koke will surely move to a bigger club before long.
4) Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
World class for many years now, Luka Modric has proven himself to be one of Real Madrid’s most important players.
3) Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Simply stunning for Germany at last summer’s World Cup, Toni Kroos has proven himself worthy of the Galactico tag after moving to Real Madrid.
2) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
Some would say he’s already number one, but Juventus youngster Paul Pogba has plenty of time to reach that point as he looks set for stardom after a great start to his career. Combining raw skill and power, the Frenchman is a joy to watch and will likely become one of the most expensive players in history when he eventually moves to an elite side.
1) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Slightly controversial perhaps, but there are signs that Manchester City star Yaya Toure is close to getting back to his best, and there’s no doubt that he has consistently been at an extraordinary level for some time now, barring a little blip last season. There’s simply no stopping him when he’s on form, with his brutal strength and physique combined with flair and creativity making him the perfect all-round player.
