Midfielders are the engine room of any football team. They are the ones who control the pace of the game, dictate the flow of play, and provide the link between the defense and the attack. Over the years, there have been many great midfielders who have graced the footballing world with their skill and talent.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the best midfielders of all time. From defensive minded midfielders like Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane to modern-day maestros such as Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric , we will be examining the most influential and talented midfielders to ever play the game.
We will be looking at a range of factors, including their technical ability, tactical intelligence, leadership skills, and overall impact on the game. By analyzing their individual achievements and contributions to their respective teams, we will attempt to rank the greatest midfielders of all time.
Whether you are a die-hard football fan or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of the game, this article is sure to provide insight and appreciation for the legends of the midfield.
Below Are Some Of The Best Midfielders Of All Time
Name | Nationality | Jersey Number |
Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | 17 |
Luka Modric | Croatia | 10 |
Patrick Viera | France | 4 |
Roy Keane | Ireland | 16 |
Andres Iniesta | Spain | 8 |
XAVI
Xavi is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of football. The Spanish midfielder spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he was a key player in the club’s success during the prime Barca era.
Xavi’s style of play was characterized by his exceptional passing ability, vision, and control of the midfield. He was known for his ability to dictate the tempo of a game and his exceptional decision-making on the ball. Xavi’s intelligence and technical ability allowed him to make passes that other players could not, leading to numerous goals for his team.
Xavi’s achievements during his football career placed him among the greatest midfielders of all time. He won numerous La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona.
He was also a key member of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships.
Xavi’s influence on the game also extends beyond his performance on the pitch but he has also been a good leader in the dressing room and has lived by example to other players.
He was a role model for younger players, inspiring them with his work ethic and commitment to the game.
They’re rarely midfielders has good as the Spaniard these days but a few like Kevin De Bruyne and Martin Odegaard can be likened to him and these two are the best midfielders in the Premier League right now.
Luka Modric
Luka Modric is definitely one of most talented and influential midfielders the world has ever seen. The Croatian has been a key player for both his club and country, helping Real Madrid and Croatia win multiple titles.
Modric’s style of play is characterized by his exceptional vision, technical ability, and tactical intelligence. He is known for his ability to read the game and make quick decisions, as well as his exceptional passing range and ability to control the midfield.
Modric’s achievements in recent years have placed him among the greatest midfielders in the world right now. He has won numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or in 2018, and has been a key player in Real Madrid’s dominance of the UEFA Champions League, winning the tournament five times in seven years.
Modric’s influence on the game also goes beyond just his individual achievements. He has been a leader on and off the field, serving as a role model for younger players and inspiring his teammates with his work rate and commitment to the game.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Luka Modric and it would have loved to see him play for my club Arsenal, but unfortunately age is no longer on his side and this dream of mine won’t become a reality.
Patrick Vieira
The Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders the game has ever seen. The Frenchman was a dominant force in the midfield, known for his physicality, leadership, and technical ability.
Vieira began his career at French club Cannes before moving to AC Milan and eventually joining Arsenal, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career.
With Arsenal, Vieira won three Premier League titles and was a key player in the club’s famous “Invincibles” team that went unbeaten for an entire season.
Vieira’s style of play was characterized by his strength, tenacity, and ability to control the midfield. He was also known for his vision and passing range, and his ability to score important goals.
Vieira’s impact on the game also extended beyond his individual achievements. He was a natural leader on and off the field, serving as captain for both Arsenal and the French national team.
Roy Keane
The Irishman was a dominant force in the midfield, known for his leadership, tenacity, and technical ability.
Roy Keane began his career at Nottingham Forest before moving to Manchester United, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career. With United, Keane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.
Keane’s style of play was characterized by his physicality, exceptional tackling ability, and his vision and passing range. He was also known for his ability to score important goals, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Keane’s impact on the game also extended beyond his individual achievements. He was a natural leader on and off the field, serving as captain for both Manchester United and the Irish national team. The Irishman and Paul Scholes was a role model to many younger players during their time at Manchester United.
Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta was argument one of the best midfielder in the world during the his time at Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder was a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, helping them to numerous titles and accolades.
Iniesta’s style of play was characterized by his exceptional technical ability, his vision, and his ability to control the midfield. He was known for his quick thinking and decision-making, which allowed him to unlock opposition defenses with ease. Iniesta was also a gifted passer, able to play incisive passes through tight spaces.
Together with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Sergio Busquet, Iniesta won a lot of trophies when he was at his peak at Barcelona.
He was a key player in Barcelona’s dominance of European football in the 2000s, helping the club win numerous La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. He was also a crucial member of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships.