Top 10 Best Midfielders of All Time

1 year ago

In football, the midfield position is the soul of the team, the conductor, and the key to the success or failure of the majority of a team's gameplay, which largely depends on the individuals in that role. Today, let's take a look at the top 10 best midfielders of all time.

Ranking Top 10 Midfielders of All Time

#10 Ballack

Michael Ballack, the former Chelsea midfielder, is renowned as one of the great names in the world of midfield play. His versatility allowed him to excel in multiple positions on the field, from intercepting and distributing the ball to actively participating in attacks. Ballack's playing style was characterized by determination, power, and, above all, exceptional leadership qualities that shone brightly during his time with the German national team.

If we were to compare the German players to a well-oiled football machine, Ballack would be the embodiment of its greatness. He operated at maximum capacity, displaying precision, endurance, and unwavering effort. Whether it was dropping back to support the defense or pushing forward during an attack, Ballack never wasted a single second. His understanding of the game was truly remarkable.

Despite his outstanding abilities, Ballack had some unfortunate luck when it came to winning titles. It's a pity that he often found himself in second place, earning him the nickname "King of Second Place." Nonetheless, his impact on the field and his undeniable talent make him a memorable figure in the world of football.

#9 Paul Scholes

When reminiscing about the glorious era of Manchester United, fans always cherish the image of a small but mighty central midfielder. Paul Scholes, with his blond hair and standing at just 1.68 meters, left a lasting impact on the team. Despite his size, Scholes possessed incredible versatility and defensive skills that allowed him to excel in any position in midfield. His talent and qualities were not only recognized by football legends like Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and Socrates, but also appreciated by the fans.

For two whole decades, Scholes dedicated himself to the Red Devils, and his contributions were rewarded with remarkable achievements. He secured an impressive 11 English Premier League titles, along with 2 Champions League triumphs, among numerous other smaller cups. Scholes' unwavering commitment and skill made him an integral part of Manchester United's success, and he remains an iconic figure in the hearts of the fans.

#8 Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool legend, embodied the ideal box-to-box midfielder. He possessed a remarkable ability to survey the entire pitch, effortlessly contributing to both defense and attack. Fans of The Kop will forever cherish the breathtaking moments when Gerrard unleashed thunderous long-range shots that found the back of the net. These memories remain etched in their minds. Gerrard's illustrious career includes memorable achievements such as winning the Champions League once, lifting the FA Cup trophy twice, and securing two UEFA Super Cup titles. However, despite his numerous accolades, the one trophy that eluded him throughout his career was the coveted Premier League title.

#7 Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard reached the peak of his career in the early 2000s when he was hailed as one of the world's most complete midfielders. His impressive performances led to him finishing second in the Ballon d'Or and being named UEFA's Best Player of the Year in 2005. Lampard's incredible physical condition earned him the nickname "the man with no lungs," a testament to his stamina on the field. Not only was he a tireless runner, but he also had a remarkable ability to score goals and provide assists with great efficiency. Even as a midfielder, Lampard holds the record for the most goals scored for Chelsea, making him a true legend of the club. It's worth mentioning that Lampard and Steven Gerrard are widely regarded as the best number 8 midfielders ever produced by English football.

#6 Clarence Seedorf

Clarence Seedorf is a name that evokes not only a versatile midfielder, but also the enchanting memories of the Champions League. He holds a remarkable distinction in football history as the first and only player to triumph in the competition with three different clubs. Seedorf's journey began as a right winger for Ajax, where his youthful prowess showcased blistering speed, impeccable dribbling, and a deadly shooting ability. It was with Ajax in 1995 that he lifted the coveted Champions League trophy.

However, Seedorf's career took an intriguing turn after his transfers to Real Madrid and AC Milan. In these later stages, his playing style evolved, gravitating towards a more central role. His exceptional adaptability and versatility contributed significantly to the success of the teams he represented. Seedorf's elegance on the field became synonymous with perfection.

To this day, when discussing the epitome of a complete midfielder, the name Clarence Seedorf invariably comes up. His impact and achievements in the Champions League, coupled with his ability to excel in various positions, have firmly etched his name in football history.

#5 Lothar Matthaus

In the future, Die Mannschaft could produce new soccer superstars who will follow in the footsteps of legendary players like Gerd Muller, Thomas Muller, and Miroslav Klose. However, there is only one player who has truly succeeded Franz Beckenbauer as the "Emperor" of German soccer, and that is Lothar Matthaus.

Matthaus made a remarkable impact early in his career by winning the Euro 1980 tournament at the young age of 19. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the captain, leading the German team like a commander of a powerful tank. His leadership and skill were evident as he guided West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup. Not only did he captain the team, but he also won the prestigious Best Player award, proving his exceptional talent.

Matthaus' performances on the field were truly outstanding, and his contributions were recognized globally. In 1990, he was awarded the Ballon d'Or, a prestigious honor given to the best soccer player in the world. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest players of his time.

What sets Matthaus apart is his incredible World Cup record. He is the only non-goalkeeper in history to have participated in five World Cup tournaments. This remarkable feat showcases his longevity and consistency at the highest level of the sport. Additionally, Matthaus holds the record for the most appearances in the World Cup, having played in an impressive 25 matches.

#4 Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo, the perfect model for the number 8 in football, mesmerized fans with his brilliant skills and artistic style of play. As a deep-lying midfielder, he was known as the "architect" of Italian football. Pirlo's ability to observe the game, think creatively and control the ball with finesse left spectators in awe.

During his prime, Pirlo achieved remarkable success. He won two Champions League titles with AC Milan, clinched six Scudetto titles with Juventus, and even secured a World Cup victory with the Italian national team. His talent and influence on the field make him one of the greatest midfielders football has ever seen.

#3 Toni Kroos

The Bayern Munich board must be kicking themselves for letting Kroos slip away to Real Madrid at such a bargain price, especially considering the remarkable success he has achieved since then. Even the Barcelona legend Xavi, known for his incredible midfield skills, considered Kroos as his worthy successor. It's no wonder why, given Kroos' unrivaled ability to remain calm and composed on the field while controlling the game's tempo. His pinpoint passes effortlessly find his teammates' feet, making him a true master in the midfield.

Teaming up with the likes of Casemiro and Luka Modric, Kroos formed an unstoppable trio that goes down in history as the best midfield combination in recent memory. Their exceptional teamwork and skill led Real Madrid to victory in multiple prestigious tournaments, including an astonishing three consecutive Champions League titles. Kroos' contributions to the team's success are truly outstanding.

#2 Luka Modric

Luka Modric's name shines brightly on the illustrious Ballon d'Or list. In 2018, the entire world marveled at his remarkable performances for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. Despite his modest stature, Modric possesses extraordinary abilities on the football field that few can match. His vision, creativity, precise long-range passing, defensive support, stylish play, and lightning-fast speed all combine flawlessly in his game. If you seek the epitome of a "perfect ten" in global football, look no further than the name Luka Modric.

#1 Xavier Hernández

Comparing Xavi and Iniesta is no easy task. These two legends graced the same club and national team, reaching the pinnacle of perfection as central midfielders. Iniesta, a pure number 8 at Barcelona, was a maestro on the field. However, when it comes to the Spanish national team, Xavi undeniably holds the title of the greatest number 8 in their history. His contributions to the midfield, alongside Iniesta and Busquets, were truly invaluable. Together, they forged an unstoppable force, winning the European Championship and World Cup in 2008, 2010, and 2012. This period marked the zenith of tiki-taka football, and Xavi's individual achievements were awe-inspiring. His passing ability, control, and expert management of the midfield are widely regarded as the finest in the world.

Did you know that Xavi is one of the few players who has never been directly sent off?

Conclusion

In conclusion, these top 10 central midfielders stand as the best midfielders of all time, leaving an enduring legacy through their remarkable skills, leadership, and versatility. They have rightfully earned their place among the footballing elite.

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