Central midfielder - Paul Pogba
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Paul Pogba became the costliest footballer in the world when Manchester United bought him from Juventus in the summer of 2016. In the last two or three years, the Frenchman has established himself as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world and United did not think twice about breaking the bank to bring in the player.
Pogba is the complete midfielder. While possessing a wide range of tricks in his sleeve, he is also fast for a central midfielder and is always able to find the right pass. Along with that he is incredibly strong and uses his physicality well to hold on to the ball, rarely losing possession.
He also has the ability to take venomous shots on goal that has seen him score from screamers. Pogba is also keen on tracking back to his own penalty box and defend to regain possession. He makes crucial interceptions and is often the focal point for starting off an attack.
The 23-year-old has still a lot to learn and if anything he has got time on his hands. Pogba is sort of a motor that spurs the team and within a couple of years, he is most definitely become the best midfielder in the world.
Honourable Mention: Marco Verrati
Central midfielder - N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante is not the kind of player who will score 30-yard screamers or rake up assists. And yet, he is the kind of player that every team in modern day football needs. He works hard – tirelessly, in fact – and is the heartbeat of the team. His relentless, Duracell-powered shifts are crucial for his team’s success.
His stats from last season shows that he never does things with half measures and is never afraid of going into challenges. He averaged 4.7 tackles per game and 4.2 interceptions per game, more than any other player in the Premier League as he helped Leicester City to a memorable title win.
While Kante’s defensive abilities have always been prominent, this season at Chelsea, his offensive game has flourished side by side. He is someone who makes it look like the team is playing with 12 players. With his immense stamina level and work rate, he chases the ball throughout the 90 minutes with the same intensity.
Physically he might not be the most frightening, but Kante knows what he has to do and thrives in his role. Every team needs a player who can break down the opposition attack time and again and the 25-year old is perfect for that role.
Honourable Mention: Renato Sanches
Attacking midfielder - Neymar
Neymar is the darling of Brazil’s football. He has indeed come a long way in a short time, from winning the Puskas award to playing for one of the best clubs in the world alongside Lionel Messi. He continues to rise and rise and that too at an incredible rate.
Widely considered as a star at the tender age of 24, Neymar has constantly shown the world his class and finesse. What sets him apart is he has stayed true to his style even now. Neymar was defined by his tricks and flicks from an early age. Although he is often criticised for disrespecting his opponents with cheeky footwork, the Brazilian elucidates why football is called the beautiful game.
He possesses all the qualities of a complete attacking midfielder. Neymar creates, scores, assists on his own free will. His touch and control are second to none. And add to that his shooting abilities with both feet and the hunger to shine above a team full of stars.
There always has been one Brazilian player every decade who has shone in world football and Neymar is the most recent exponent. While he may not be the best at present, he certainly has what it takes to be one.
Honourable Mention: Kevin De Bruyne
