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Midfielders are the ones who make the game of football even more beautiful. They determine the tone of the game, they set the pace, they make the strikers look good. They are essentially the mediators of the game, and the deeper we dig, the more we realize they do and are responsible for.
We are fortunate to have witnessed some supremely classy midfield talent in this era. The trio of Toni Kroos-Casemiro-Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta-Sergio Busquests-Xavi has left us mesmerized on numerous occasions.
It wouldn't be a lie if we said a particular team's strength lies indeed in the hands of their midfielders. It's arguably the most demanding position within the sport. A midfielder needs to have almost all the attributes of a forward and a defender, topped by game-making skills.
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Pace, attacking/defending skills, vision, ability to find gaps, impeccable short/long passes - the list of required qualities is never ending. Without further ado, here is a look at
5 of the most valuable midfielders in the world at the moment
#5 Pedri (Barcelona) - €80.00 million
The name Pedri has made headlines quite frequently in recent times, especially after the UEFA EURO 2020. The 18-year-old starlet, who features for Barcelona and Spain, is already tipped to become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the near future. We have already started seeing the signs, haven't we?
Pedri's flair earned him a call-up to the national side at the tender age of 18 and played his first ever competitive international tournament while being only 18-and-a-half-years-old.
EURO 2020 was a stage for Pedri to break numerous records, such as — Spain's youngest player ever to play at the finals of the European Championships, Spain's youngest player ever to play in a knock-out game at the European Championships, Most solo runs into attacking third (27), Most key passes (31), Most distance covered in possession (38.23 km), Pass completion average of 92.3%.
Undoubtedly, Pedri bagged the Euro 2020 Young Player of the Tournament award and was the only Spaniard to feature in the team of the tournament.
#4 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) - €90.00 million
Widely regarded as former Bayern Munich skipper Philip Lahm's successor, Joshua Kimmich has made quite a name for himself amidst some top-level midfielders across the globe.
The German, who has earned plaudits for his versatility, aggression and perfectly timed tackles, has been an incredible asset to Bayern Munich and the German national team.
Since arriving in Munich at the young age of 20, Kimmich has ascended the ladder to now become one of the most key players within the squad. His skillsets in either halves of the pitch often come to Bayern's advantage, making him one of the most valuable midfielders in the world.
#3 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - €90.00 million
Not many would disagree that the arrival of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has positively affected Manchester United, who have been struggling since 2013. The Portuguese superstar seems to have brought that winning mentality back at Old Trafford.
Despite having a below-par national outing in the UEFA EURO 2020, Bruno remains one of the most valuable midfielders at the moment.
In what was just his first full season (The 2020-21 Premier League season) with the Red Devils, Bruno Fernandes bagged four Premier League Player of the Month trophies. We can undoubtedly say that he has managed to announce himself as the most crucial player within the club's ranks at the moment.
In addition, no other player has managed to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year since Bruno's arrival. The United number 18 seems nowhere near slowing down as he kick-started the current season with a sensational hat-trick.
#2 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) - €90.00 million
Barcelona and their fans are shaken to the core following their G.O.A.T - Lionel Messi's departure.
The club and its supporters are trying their best to cope up with the recent changes that include the Bartomeu-to-Laporta presidential switch and Lionel Messi's departure. However, the squad provided their followers with something to cheer about with a significant 4-2 victory against Real Sociedad.
While Koeman is doing his best to fill the void, he knows that the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, is one of his best options. de Jong, who was a very important part of Ajax's dream run in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, earned widespread recognition and subsequently, a ticket to Camp Nou.
At a young age, Frenkie de Jong has even drawn comparisons to the club's legendary midfielders, Xavi and Iniesta. The Dutch international expected to guide Barcelona through what could arguably be their most difficult season in recent times.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - €100.00 million
Kevin De Bruyne has risen to be the epitome of being a complete midfielder, period!
Kevin De Bruyne is currently one of the only midfielders in the world who stands a chance to break the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly over the Ballon d'Or.
After being deemed a flop at Chelsea and evolving with Wolfsburg, he is now an unstoppable force with Manchester City. The Belgian is currently not just one of the best midfielders, but also one of the best players in the world.
The three-time Manchester City Player of the Season (out of total 6 seasons) has also bagged back-to-back PFA Players' Player of the Year Awards.
The Belgian midfielder has led Manchester City's dominance in the past few years, and he is tipped to remain at the Etihad for a long time to come.
