The midfield is often referred to as “ the engine room” of a team, because of its importance in controlling the speed and flow of a game. While the strikers will often lap up the plaudits, many of the game’s most elegant artists ply their trade in midfield.
One of the most interesting narratives in the Premier League this season was the emergence of several midfielders who went on to elevate their teams and catalyse significant change in the table. This piece will rank the Premier League's five best midfielders in what was truly “the year of the midfielder.”
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#5 Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana had a frustrating start to life at Liverpool, he could never find the rhythm and consistency expected of him at Anfield. His woes were also compounded by having to play out of position. All indicators pointed to him leaving last summer, but the England International has become a different man ever since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.
Lallana’s resurrection has been a result of Klopp’s extensive training ground work, which has added steel, pressing and subtle movement to his game. These attributes combined with Lallana’s technical abilities have made him the lynchpin of Liverpool’s midfield. His incredible turnaround has made him so indispensable, that Liverpool’s attack has lost some of its purpose and incisiveness without him.
His late runs and final ball have been so vital to Liverpool’s possession game this year, that they’ve led to him being labelled “baby Lampard” in Premier League circles. He has accrued 11 goals and 12 assists in 28 games this calendar year.
While Liverpool’s brilliant front three will always receive the majority of the acclaim, the club’s most seasoned followers will all point to Lallana as their best player this year.
#4 Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet has been world class, ever since he arrived at West Ham. His dribbling, footwork, and proficiency from dead ball situations, have made him West Ham’s biggest beacon of hope in a new era at the London Stadium.
2016 has been a mixed bag for the Hammers, but Payet has performed at a very high level throughout the year. He has papered over several of the cracks in the team and put them in positions to win time and again.
The French International has an astonishing 20 assists, in addition to his 10 goals in all competitions this calendar year. He’s been at his best when deployed in the no 10 position with license to venture onto the left.
Payet has established himself as one the league’s superstars, and there is almost no chance that he finishes 2017 at West Ham United.
#3 Mesut Ozil
There are times when it feels like the phrase “Feast or Famine” has been created just to describe Mesut Ozil, but despite the criticism he receives there is no doubting his ability.
Mesut Ozil is one of two players on this list, who is far different from any other player we’ve had in the Premier League. His ability to find pockets of space and weight passes is simply unparalleled, he can play a perfect pass in almost any situation irrespective of the distance.
In his time at Arsenal, he has used these gifts to unscramble defences and put teammates in impactful positions. He has also grabbed 11 assists this year. Even though Ozil has had a mini slump in the last few weeks of 2016, he has still had a tremendous year.
#2 Kevin de Bruyne
"He is one of [the best players I have managed]. Messi can sit alone in the table, it's not allowed anyone else, but in the table beside, Kevin can sit there, there's no doubt." These were the words Guardiola used to describe de Bruyne, no small praise from someone who’s worked with some of the greatest players to play the game.
Kevin De Bruyne has been phenomenal ever since he’s donned a Manchester City jersey, his performances have been at a level far higher than the majority of his contemporaries. The Belgian International is blessed with tremendous technique, vision and eye for goal. These attributes combined with his intelligence, make the Belgian International a complete attacking midfielder, who can impact the game from a variety of positions.
His versatility, gives Manchester City more tactical flexibility than most teams in Europe. He has picked up 16 assists and 11 goals this year. Based on his performances this year, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that De Bruyne could be the prototype of the attacking midfielder of the future.
#1 N’Golo Kante
There is no question that Kante has been the Premier League’s player of 2016, he has effectively been a one man point swing during the year. With Kante in midfield, Leicester won the Premier League and Chelsea ended the calendar year as league leaders.
This is primarily because Kante has been a one man midfield unto himself, his tactical intelligence, athleticism and relentless energy have allowed him to dominate the game by himself.
His ability to win the ball back in crucial positions and initiate counter attacks by playing the correct pass, has made him a cornerstone of both his teams. It is no coincidence that both Leicester and Chelsea have featured explosive counter-attacks, with Kante in midfield.
While the defensive side of Kante’s game is phenomenal, he is also a good passer of the ball and he is only getting better technically. To put it simply, he is football’s equivalent of a unicorn. A unique talent who has the potential to be one of the world’s most special players.
