5 most valuable midfielders in La Liga (2021)

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#3 Pedri (Barcelona) | £63 million

Pedri has been crucial to Barcelona this season.

Barcelona have quietly been one of the best sides in La Liga this year, and Pedri has been a critical reason for that.

Amidst all the chaos at Barcelona in the summer, the reaction to Pedri's arrival from Las Palmas for £9 million was largely subdued. The youngster was seen as a player for the future, but his impact on the club this season has been phenomenal.

The 18-year-old is a regular starter for Ronald Koeman's Barcelona. Pedri has made 32 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists. A good passer who is technically gifted and does not shy away from his defensive duties, the Spain international looks set to enjoy a bright future at the highest level.

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#2 Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid) | £63 million

Marcos Llorente in action for Atletico Madrid.

Marcos Llorente is a man transformed for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. The coach must be given credit for trusting a defensive midfielder with attacking duties.

Llorente joined Atletico Madrid from city-rivals Real Madrid in 2019 for a fee of £27 million. A defensive midfielder, Simeone started utilizing the 26-year-old as a second striker, with stunning results. Llorente scored twice against Liverpool inthe UEFA Champions League last year and has furthered his development in advanced roles this season.

After providing two assists in #AtletiHuesca, @marcosllorente is now the joint-top assist provider in #LaLigaSantander! 🔴🎁⚪️ pic.twitter.com/rnMG3s8avL

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) April 23, 2021

The Spaniard has been used in various positions this season and has been in sensational form. Llorente has made 32 appearances in La Liga this year, scoring 11 goals and providing ten assists.

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#1 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) | £72 million

Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona colors.

Barcelona's transfer business in recent windows may have been haphazard to say the least, but their acquisition of Frenkie de Jong will stand them in good stead for some time.

One of the best midfielders in the world during his final season with Ajax, de Jong was a man in demand. Manchester City, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were all heavily linked with the Netherlands international. He ultimately signed for Barcelona in 2019 for a fee of £77 million, and the Camp Nou outfit will be glad he made that decision.

Important win💪🏻💙❤️#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/FtWz70oiq5

— Frenkie de Jong (@DeJongFrenkie21) April 25, 2021

The 23-year old is excellent technically, intelligent on the ball, a good dribbler and tactically versatile. Capable of playing as a centre-back and in midfield, de Jong has made 88 appearances for Barcelona so far and will be key to their future.

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