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Modern football is constantly evolving, with innovations and trends consistently dominating discussions.
There is currently a belief that out-and-out attacking midfielders in the game are slowly falling out of favor, with managers preferring to play with false forwards and inverted wingers in attack. Forwards are required to be more flexible in attack, with the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp preferring their attackers to change positions regularly to confuse the opposition.
However, this season, there have been some attacking midfielders who have been the most important players at their respective clubs. The debate about who is better in the Premier League — Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes or Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne — is a testament to the fact.
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So without further ado, we look at the top 5 attacking midfielders in the world this season.
#5 Hakan Calhanoglu (AC Milan)
Such has been his form this season that Hakan Calhanoglu will not be short of suitors if he decides to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
The Turkey international joined AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen in 2017 for a fee of £21 million. His initial performances left a lot to be desired, and despite being a constant feature in the starting XI, his lack of consistency left fans frustrated. Renowned for his creativity, Calhanoglu struggled to replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form.
However, this season, he has been one of AC Milan's most important players. The 27-year-old has made 24 Serie A appearances, scoring two goals and providing eight assists. With his contract expiring in the summer, clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with the former Hamburger midfielder, who can also play on the left-wing.
#4 Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
Having been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, it was surprising to see Jack Grealish pen a new five-year deal with Aston Villa last September.
He has been one of the best players this season in the Premier League, though. The England international has been sensational throughout the season, with his creativity and dribbling ability causing major problems for opposition defenses.
The 25-year-old has made 22 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. It will be interesting to see whether Aston Villa will be able to hang on to their most important player come summer, with both Manchester clubs tracking Grealish.
Also Read: Top 5 left-backs in the world this season (2020/21)
#3 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
The Raumdeuter continues to be one of the most unorthodox footballers in the world, but his efficiency and consistency have to be lauded.
A product of the Bayern Munich academy, Thomas Muller is one of the best attackers of the modern generation. While his style of play may not be the prettiest, the German international's uncanny ability to produce when it is required makes him an invaluable asset.
Muller is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, so much so that it is hard to fix him to a particular position. The 31-year-old has made 25 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
One of the best players in the world and arguably the best player in the Premier League when in full flow, Kevin De Bruyne's importance to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City is immeasurable.
De Bruyne cost Manchester City £68 million when he arrived from Wolfsburg in 2015, and nearly six seasons later it would be fair to say that it was money well-spent by the Cityzens. The 29-year-old has made 255 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring 65 goals and providing 105 assists.
The Belgium international has made 24 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists. The departure of club legend David Silva last summer placed more responsibility on De Bruyne's shoulders and he has responded well to the added burden.
#1 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
It is hard to imagine where Manchester United would be without the arrival and immediate impact of Bruno Fernandes.
The 26-year-old joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for a fee of £49.5 million. His influence was clear from the very beginning; his creativity, drive from midfield and leadership ability have transformed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United side.
Fernandes has featured in almost every game since his arrival. The Portugal international has made 68 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 35 goals and providing 22 assists. This season, he has made 30 Premier League appearances, contributing 16 goals and 11 assists so far.
Also Read: 5 Chelsea loanees who could be given a chance next season
