5 best box-to-box midfielders this season

Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan

The ability to transition from defence to attack has come to be of utmost importance in the modern game and box-to-box midfielders are crucial to any team in this respect.

A box-to-box midfielder is one of the most versatile players on the pitch. Such players have to help out in defense just as much as they have to going forward. They are hard workers who shuttle up and down the pitch relentlessly and are also proficient in all aspects of the game.

Box-to-box midfielders have to keep moving with the action and the role is pretty self explanatory. We have seen several legendary box-to-box midfielders throughout history and they are usually known for their tenacity and endurance.

The modern game has no shortage for box-to-box midfielders either. Let's take a look at five of the box-to-box midfielders in the game right now.


#5 Mateo Kovacic - Chelsea

Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic's role has certainly changed a bit under Thomas Tuchel. With Tuchel choosing to go with a three-man defense, the Croatian has more freedom going forward. He plays the role of a prober, completes more take-ons and has taken more shots under Tuchel than he used to under Frank Lampard or Sarri.

He is also creating a lot more chances these days and has worked his way into being an indispensable part of the current Chelsea squad. The 26-year-old also plays a more central role under Tuchel than he did under previous managers and we're just starting to see the best of him now.

Kovacic's numbers in terms of goals and assists should start to reflect his contributions once the whole team settles down under Tuchel.

#4 Franck Kessie - AC Milan

AC Milan v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Round Of 16 Leg Two
AC Milan v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Round Of 16 Leg Two

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie has grown in reputation as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the game right now. Kessie's incredible workrate, coupled with his excellent tackling and attacking flair, makes him a threat on both sides of the pitch.

He has been one of the propelling forces behind AC Milan's title charge this term and has scored a whopping nine goals and provided three assists playing in a box-to-box role. Kessie is constantly probing into the attacking realms and into the final third in search of a goal.

He is also always trying to make himself an extra option in and around the area. In addition to that, Kessie never shies away from helping out in defence either.

#3 Nicolo Barella - Inter Milan

FC Internazionale v Getafe CF - UEFA Europa League Round of 16
FC Internazionale v Getafe CF - UEFA Europa League Round of 16

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is currently one of the best midfielders in Italy and has garnered interest from a multitude of European giants. In Conte's system at Inter Milan, Nicolo Barella plays as what is traditionally known as a mezzala destra or the right centre-midfielder.

Barella is known for his strength and endurance but he is also quite good with the ball at his feet. He drops back to cover for his wing-back and also joins the attack and makes himself an option in the final third whenever Inter Milan break.

The 24-year-old has six assists and three goals for Inter Milan across all competitions. One of the best things about Barella's game, in addition to his tenacity and the bite that he shows, is his dribbling ability. He loves taking players on and beating them and it's a skill that's crucial for box-to-box midfielders.

#2 Leon Goretzka - Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Muenchen v Lokomotiv Moskva: Group A - UEFA Champions League
FC Bayern Muenchen v Lokomotiv Moskva: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Leon Goretzka has transformed into a world-class box-to-box midfielder at Bayern Munich. His physical transformation has definitely aided his process and after being used in a wide variety of roles, Goretzka has finally become the heartbeat of the Bayern Munich midfield.

Goretzka recovers possession a lot in midfield and is relentlessly hounding attackers hoping to dispossess them. He has improved so many aspects of his game over the past two years that he can thrive in any role in midfield but it's quite clear to us that he works best when he bombs up and down the pitch and helps out on both sides of the pitch.

Goretzka has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists for both club and country across all competitions this term and is all set to hit his peak now.

#1 Ilkay Gundogan - Manchester City

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City - Premier League
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City - Premier League

Ilkay Gundogan is one of the most technically accomplished midfielders of his generation. However, his career has been blighted by injuries and it looks like his days at Manchester City were also coming to an end. But he has flipped the script and gone on to become one of their most important players this season.

What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his technical ability. Gundogan has been an unlikely goalscoring outlet for Manchester City as well. Gundogan has scored a whopping 16 goals for Manchester City across all competitions and has two assists as well.

Gundogan has been an absolute revelation this season and is currently the best box-to-box midfielder in the world.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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