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#3 Mateo Kovacic (Croatia/Chelsea)
It's hard to nail down a starting berth in a midfield that's as talented and deep as Chelsea's. It's even harder to stand out among the rest. But Mateo Kovacic has been able to accomplish exactly that this season. The Croatian international has simply been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this term.
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Not only is he willing to put in a shift every time he is on the pitch, but he is also a wonderful technician. Kovacic can run rings around the opposition thanks to his deft touches and close control. He also has a great passing range and the vision to match it.
The 27-year-old has been a difference maker for Chelsea so far this term. He has scored one goal and provided five assists from central midfield in nine Premier League appearances. Kovacic is easily one of the most underrated midfielders on the planet right now.
#2 Jordan Henderson (England/Liverpool)
Jordan Henderson has been dismissed plenty of times in his career as not being 'easy on the eye' or as being 'too pragmatic'. But to give credit where it's due, Jordan Henderson has been one of the best midfielders in the English top-flight over the past few years.
Henderson has been extremely effective in Jurgen Klopp's gegenpressing system. His spatial awareness and tactical acumen enables him to cut passing lanes and consistently win back possession. Henderson's passing has also become exemplary in recent times.
He is often tasked with playing well weighted through passes into the paths of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane. Not only has he been excellent at executing some absolutely stunning passes this term but he has also scored some peaches.
Henderson is a great striker of the ball and can go hell for leather from range with either foot. The 31-year-old has scored three goals and provided four assists in 13 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool so far this season.
#1 Leon Goretzka (Germany/Bayern Munich)
Leon Goretzka was already one of the most talented young midfielders in Germany when Bayern Munich signed him in 2018. Over the course of the last three years, he has undergone a massive transformation in all departments.
Goretzka has bulked up and is one of the strongest central midfielders on the planet right now. He can play in a variety of positions across midfield and is the perfect foil for Joshua Kimmich.
Like most technically astute central midfielders, Goretzka possesses great ball control and has a great knack for picking out his teammates in space. He can strike some thunderbolts from range and his aerial ability is an underrated part of his game.
Goretzka can score some wonderful headers and is a threat from set-pieces. His versatility, technical prowess and tactical intelligence have earned him comparisons to the likes of Michael Ballack and Lothar Matthaus.
Goretzka has scored two goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances for Bayern Munich so far this season.
