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Arguably the most prestigious individual award in football, the Ballon d'Or has been predominantly won by forwards.
Real Madrid and Croatia star Luka Modric won the award in 2018, but the Ballon d'Or has been dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in recent years. Midfielders very rarely win the Ballon d'Or, with even world-class players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta failing to do so.
However, with both Ronaldo and Messi now in their 30s, there is a good chance that no two players will dominate the Ballon d'Or in the near future. Centre-backs and midfielders thus stand an opportunity to win the award.
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We look at the 5 midfielders who could win the Ballon d'Or award in the future.
#5 Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolo Barella was arguably the best midfielder in Serie A last season, and thrived under the management of Antonio Conte.
Barella initially joined Inter Milan on loan from Cagliari in 2019, with the deal being made permanent the next year for £29 million. The 24-year old was in fantastic form last season as Inter Milan romped to the Serie A title, standing out due to his dribbling ability, attacking intent and technical skills.
The midfielder played an important role as Italy won the Euro 2020 a few days ago, with manager Roberto Mancini consistently starting him at the tournament.
Despite links to Liverpool and Manchester United, Inter Milan have made it clear that Barella is not for sale.
#4 Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Phil Foden enjoyed his best season in professional football last time around, and credit must be given to Pep Guardiola for utilizing him wisely.
There was no questioning Foden's immense talent. A product of the Manchester City academy, fans of the club were eager to see Foden feature for the first XI, but Guardiola took his time.
After predominantly appearing off the bench in his early seasons, Foden was given a starting role in the season gone by, and the England international did not disappoint.
Foden made 17 starts in the Premier League last season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. A highly creative player capable of playing in midfield and as a forward, the 21-year old is Manchester City and England's future, and could win the Ballon d'Or.
#3 Eduardo Camavinga (Rennes)
Eduardo Camavinga's performance against Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 is still spoken about in admiring tones.
Camavinga made his debut for Rennes aged 16 in 2019, and he has not looked back since then. The midfielder is now one of the most sought-after talents in world football, with his mature performances for his club seeing him linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The France international is capable of playing in defensive midfield and in a more central role. Camavinga made 28 starts in Ligue 1 last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been suggested as potential destinations for the 18-year old.
#2 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Long-touted to become one of the best midfielders in world football, Frenkie de Jong looks well on his way to becoming just that.
Having made his name during the 2018/19 season with Ajax, de Jong earned a £77.4 million move to Barcelona in 2019, turning down Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to join the La Liga giants. It looks like money well-spent; de Jong has shown that he has the capacity to run the midfield for a club like Barcelona.
The Netherlands international was one of the better midfielders at Euro 2020. An excellent dribbler schooled in the Ajax style of play, the 24-year old is capable of operating in multiple midfield roles. During his time with Ajax, he was renowned for his ability to act as an auxiliary centre-back if needed.
#1 Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri ran things for Spain at Euro 2020, and was one of the best players at the competition.
At 18, Pedri has the world at his feet. The midfielder joined Barcelona from Las Palmas last summer, with the move occurring rather quietly. However, Pedri established himself as a starter in the Barcelona midfield over the course of the season, and appeared in almost every game for the club.
For Spain at the Euros, he was arguably their best player. Pedri won the UEFA European Championship Young Player of the Tournament and was included in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament. A highly technical player with excellent vision and passing ability, Pedri is a star.
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