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Attackers score goals and defenders keep the ball out, but it is the midfield that dictates how the game is played. Buried in stats and deep analytics, we often ignore the unsung heroes of the game we love - midfielders. These architects, who set the tone and tempo of a match, deserve more recognition than they currently get.
Today, we will take a look at the top five European midfield units that are guiding their teams to glory. These midfields not only have the best players in the business, but they also possess unmatched chemistry, which allows them to dominate any opposition. Now, without standing at the ceremony, let's get to it!
Special mention: Manchester United, FC Barcelona.
#5 Paris Saint-Germain - Ligue 1
Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are desperate to win the Champions League in the 2021-22 campaign. To achieve their goal, they have created one of the most fearsome teams in the world, capable of winning against any opponent on their day.
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New signing Lionel Messi is obviously the star of the show, and it is the forward’s versatility that makes PSG dangerous. Traditionally a forward, Messi can also play in the hold behind Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, feeding them defence-piercing passes at will.
Even if Messi sticks to the right wing, PSG have the likes of Gini Wijnaldum, Idrissa Gueye, Danilo Pereira and Ander Herrera in midfield. Julian Draxler and Angel Di Maria have also played in midfield time and again throughout their careers. With this roster, it would be a shame if PSG do not hit their goal of winning the Champions League at the end of the season.
#4 Bayern Munich - Bundesliga
With 31 Bundesliga titles and six Champions Leagues, Bayern Munich are the most decorated team in Germany. The current Bundesliga holders have attracted many extraordinary players over their illustrious history and the current crop is no less impressive.
The Bavarians have a rather flexible system under Julian Nagelsmann and are accustomed to drawing inspiration from wingers. Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane help out in midfield when needed, making Bayern spoilt for choice in the middle of the park. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich are arguably the best in their respective positions and support Raumdeuter (space-invader) Thomas Muller perfectly.
Muller slides into little pockets of space whenever possible and runs the opposition ragged. His tenacity allowed him to provide 21 assists in two successive Bundesliga seasons, which is a testament to his quality.
#3 Chelsea - Premier League
Defending Champions League holders Chelsea have one of the most exuberant midfields in the business. They have the creativity of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, the passing range of Jorginho, and the endless stamina of N’Golo Kante.
Chelsea also have Reece James, new-signing Saul, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi to freshen things up if and when required. Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are also extremely versatile and can easily play in midfield.
The pairing of Kante and Jorginho has proven to be fruitful for Londoners, as they can now bring compactness into their game without being stagnant. With their star-studded midfield, Chelsea can dare to dream big.
#2 Real Madrid - La Liga
When it comes to world-class midfields, very few teams can hold a candle to Real Madrid's record-breaking lineup. The team’s famous Champions League three-peat came on the back of their insane midfielders, their warriors.
Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro were at the heart of Real Madrid’s three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. Modric and Kroos are both on the wrong side of 30, but that has not slowed them down in the slightest. The trio are still Real Madrid’s preferred midfield lineup and are capable of challenging any midfield on their day.
Another member of the iconic treble, Isco, is also a part of the team but has been reduced to a sporadic role. Fede Valverde and Antonio Blanco have been promoted, with the former emerging as a strong contender for a place in the starting XI.
To top it off, Real Madrid have acquired the services of Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes. The 18-year-old is one of the most talented young midfielders of this era and has the potential to be an integral part of Real Madrid.
#1 Manchester City - Premier League
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a perfectionist and can go to any extent to create his perfect team. Thankfully, Manchester City are fully equipped to meet even his most ambitious demands. Since taking over the club in 2016, Guardiola has signed Ilkayay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Rodri, and record-signing Jack Grealish. Add 2015-signing Kevin de Bruyne to the mix and you have the best midfield one could hope for.
Gundogan, De Bruyne, Silva, Rodri, Foden, Grealish, Fernandinho - City have cover in every midfield position conceivable. Their versatility in midfield has allowed them to adopt a false-nine system, which has already paid dividends in the Premier League and Champions League.
The search for excellence has turned City into an intimidating team, and we expect them to have another fruitful season in England and even Europe.
