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Games in the Premier League, arguably the most physical league in the world, are won and lost in midfield.
Some of the best midfielders in the game play in the Premier League for some of the biggest clubs in the world. A few teams boast an assortment of world-class midfielders, so managers have the luxury to pick and choose their personnel based on the opposition.
With such quality in the league, it is not always easy to pick the top midfielders. There have already been some world-class performances from various elite midfield players in the 2021-22 Premier League.
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On that note, here's a look at the five best midfielders in the Premier League at the moment:
#5 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes was arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League last season, and he has enjoyed another excellent start this time around.
Manchester United are in crisis mode, but Fernandes has been one of their better performers. Since joining the club from Sporting CP in 2020 for nearly £57 million, Fernandes has established himself as the talisman of United. Highly creative and renowned for his drive and leadership, Fernandes has elevated the club.
The Portugal international has made nine Premier League appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Fernandes is already a firm fan-favourite among the Old Trafford faithful, and the 27-year old is well on his way to becoming a legend of the club.
#4 Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)
Everton have kept a low profile this season so far, having endured a quiet transfer window followed by a fairly decent start to the season.
The departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid saw Everton appoint former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as their manager. Fans of the club might not be too happy with his appointment, but one player who has hugely benefitted from Benitez's arrival is Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Doucoure joined Everton from Watford in 2020 for nearly £20 million. An energetic and dynamic midfield presence, the 28-year-old has arguably been Everton's best player this season. The Frenchman is currently out injured, and Everton are clearly missing him. Doucoure has made eight league appearances this campaign, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
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#3 Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Declan Rice is now an established midfield player in the Premier League, so West Ham United are unlikely to keep hold of him for too long.
Rice is a transfer rumour mill favourite. One of the best defensive midfielders in the league, the England international has become a star for The Hammers. A product of Chelsea's famed youth academy, Rice moved to West Ham United in 2015. and has been at the club since then.
The 22-year-old has made nine Premier League appearances this season. Rice was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United this summer. Manchester City have also been mooted as a potential destination for the midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back.
#2 Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for nearly £106 million in one of the least surprising moves of the summer.
City boss Pep Guardiola has been an admirer of Grealish for quite some time now, and Manchester City were linked with him for some time. The England international was one of the best players in the Premier League last season for Aston Villa.
While he has taken some time to adjust to life at City, Grealish has already shown glimpses of his talent. The 26-year-old has made eight Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Grealish is capable of operating in midfield and on the left wing too.
#1 Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
Mateo Kovacic might not be the most glamorous of players, but he has enjoyed a superb start to the new season.
A highly-rated talent during his Inter Milan days, Kovacic had a forgettable spell at Real Madrid. The Croatia international moved to Chelsea on an initial loan deal in 2018, which was made permanent the next year for £40.5 million. The likes of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho tend to take much of the credit, but Kovacic has been an integral part of the Chelsea midfield.
The 27-year -ld is not known for his attacking contributions. But he has bagged five assists and a goal in nine league games this season. Kovacic is renowned for his technical prowess and defensive nous.
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