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Midfield
Defensive midfielder: Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has had a typically fantastic year at the heart of the Bavarians' midfield. Kimmich has assumed more responsibility on the ball since Thiago Alcantara's departure to Liverpool, and it's safe to say that he's risen to the task.
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The German has been as reliable as ever for Hans-Dieter Flick's men on both domestic and continental fronts. Kimmich has pulled the strings for Bayern, lining up alongside Leon Goretzka in the middle of the park.
No player in the Bundesliga has registered more through balls (11) or progressive passes (230) than the 26-year-old, while only three players average more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (4.8). Kimmich won his sixth successive league title and has had a superb season overall with Bayern Munich.
Central midfielder: Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has enjoyed one of the most interesting positional transformations over the last few years. Real Madrid sold the hard-working defensive midfielder to their direct rivals Atletico Madrid, and it proved to be a decision that went on to haunt them.
Diego Simeone turned Llorente into an all-action midfielder capable of scoring and creating goals. He has racked up a stunning 12 goals and 11 assists in LaLiga Santander, the most of any midfielder in the league, and was pivotal in Los Rojiblancos' title win.
The 26-year-old has played in several positions ranging from central midfield to second-striker. Simeone's Spanish ace has established himself as one of the most unique and influential midfielders in the top five leagues.
Central midfielder: Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United
After years of garnering attention with his brilliant displays in Portugal, Bruno Fernandes finally got his move to a top-five European league in early 2020 when Manchester United came calling. It's safe to say that there's been no looking back for the player or club since then as Fernandes has single-handedly transformed the Red Devils into one of the best sides in the Premier League.
His ability to conjure goals, assists, and chances out of nearly nothing has been a key feature of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side. With capable runners around him, Fernandes has orchestrated his side and turned them into a devastating counter-attacking unit.
His 45 goals and assists in 57 games across all competitions this season is the highest return for any midfielder in the top five leagues.
Attacking midfielder: Lionel Messi | Barcelona
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi had an uncharacteristically poor start to the campaign this time around. With a relatively underwhelming return of seven goals from his first 14 LaLiga games, there were questions about the Argentine on and off the pitch. However, he followed this poor spell with one of the best goalscoring streaks in his life and stormed his way to the Pichichi standings in Spain.
Barring the Copa del Rey, Barcelona had a rather disappointing campaign in terms of their LaLiga and UCL ambitions, but Messi was still in a league of his own.
He has racked up a brilliant 30 goals and nine assists in his 35 league games, with an overall tally of 38 goals and 14 assists across 47 games in all competitions. It was another memorable individual campaign for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Also read: 10 Best midfielders in the Premier League this season (2020-21)
