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The importance of a quality midfielder is no longer underrated. We have seen the likes of Manchester United struggle immensely without the presence of a top-quality defensive midfielder.
A top player in midfield can make a lot of difference to the entire gameplay of the team. We have seen how N'Golo Kante has been immense for both Leicester City and Chelsea solely through his fantastic performances in midfield over the past few years.
Both attacking and defensive midfielders have been equally vital in the success of some of the top clubs. In fact, the most crucial battles in a high stature match are more than often won in midfield.
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Interestingly, the best players right now involve some young and some experienced players. On that note, let's take a look at the most highly valued midfielders currently.
Note: All stats are as per Transfermarkt
#5 Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri has been an impressive figure ever since he joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2019. The youngster made 28 starts for the Catalan club in La Liga last season, making a good impression in his first-ever season with them.
The Spaniard played an important role for Spain in Euro 2020 and also in the 2020 Summer Olympics. With his amazing footwork, brilliant close control and fine vision, Pedri is an asset in midfield for Barcelona.
He has been out injured for three months and is expected to join back sometime this month. With the crisis at Barcelona, Pedri could be their savior this season. The Spanish midfielder is valued at €80 million right now.
#4 Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Manchester City have been blessed with some wonderful players and Phil Foden is surely one of them. The young Englishman has immense talent at his disposal and has a bright future ahead of him.
The left-footed player, with his terrific vision, beautiful passing and creativity, is a delight to watch for the Citizens. With five goals and three assists already to his name, Phil Foden has been a vital player for the Premier League Champions this season.
At the age of just 21, the Englishman already looks like a mature player and can go on to achieve big things in the future. Phil Foden is valued at €85 million right now.
#3 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Not many players are as skilled and versatile as Joshua Kimmich is. The Bayern Munich midfielder has earned many accolades for his superb passing and defensive abilities.
Joshua Kimmich can play both as a right back as well as a midfielder. His composure on the ball and reading of the game make him a massive asset on the pitch. He's capable of playing both in an attacking and defensive role in midfield and helping his teammates.
The 26-year old German scored four times and assisted 10 times in the Bundesliga last season. With three goals and three assists to his name this season, Joshua Kimmich started brightly before suffering from COVID.
Kimmich is currently valued at €85 million and remains a big player for Bayern in their aspirations to win the Champions League this season.
#2 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The Premier League has some big names in midfield right now and Bruno Fernandes is definitely one of them. Ever since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, the Portuguese has been a sensation in the league.
His exceptional craft and creativity has been a blessing for Manchester United. To add, he has been a big contributor with goals for the Red Devils and has helped them out more than often. Last season, Bruno Fernandes contributed with 18 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League.
In the 2021-22 campaign so far, he has contributed with five goals and three assists. Although he hasn't looked at his best lately, Bruno Fernandes remains a world-class midfielder with his playmaking abilities. The Portuguese maestro is valued at €90 million right now.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
There is no way that Kevin De Bruyne could not have been on this list. The Belgian midfielder is a phenomenal act on the pitch with his incisive passing and terrific goal-scoring abilities.
The former Chelsea man has been a game-changer for Manchester City since joining them in 2015. Despite being injured for almost a third of last season, Kevin De Bruyne still managed to score six goals and record 12 assists. It is not just the goals and assists but how he manages to dictate terms on the pitch with his performance in midfield.
It comes as no surprise why Pep Guardiola rates him so highly. Kevin De Bruyne is currently valued at €90 million as the 30-year old maintains his status as one of the best midfielders in the world right now.
