World Cup 2018: Top 10 midfielders based on passing accuracy

Battles are won and lost in the midfield, period. As the saying suggests, the centre of the park is arguably the most important area for any team to fill, perhaps because it is the link that connects the defence to the attack. Quite literally, any team that has a sturdy midfield has higher chances of winning the game.

Like it has always done, the FIFA World Cup will boast a number of top-notch midfielders in different colours from all over the world. Considering the best midfielders of the current generation, the competition has a number of enthralling midfield battles in store for its ardent fans.

While midfielders come in different types and roles, the most striking quality that defines them is their ability to pass the ball. On that note, let's have a look at the ten best pass masters who will be taking part in the World Cup.

But, be warned. There are surprising inclusions on almost every slide you read. A number of big-name players have missed out, which is why you should give it a look.

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#10 Lucas Biglia (Argentina)

Lucas Biglia is first of the many surprises on this list

Nonplussed? If I am not mistaken, many of you would at least expect any AC Milan player in such lists, given the way their squad has degraded in quality down the years. But, in undermining the passing prowess of this Argentinian, we just miss out on knowing how good he is as a player.

Lucas Biglia boasts a pass success rate of 88.2% in all the competitions. The Rossoneri defensive midfielder has impressive averages of 2.6 tackles per game and 1 interception per game. Add the fact that he is also a threat to reckon during set-pieces and direct free-kicks.

Lucas Biglia is unlikely to help La Albiceleste in increasing their goal tally during games as his only 1 goal and 1 assist throughout the season 2017-18 suggest. However, he will indirectly help Sampaoli's men by shielding their defence and increasing robustness at the back.

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#9 Blaise Matuidi (France)

Blaise Matuidi is one of the steals of the generation

Another anchorman making our list of passing virtuosos is French midfielder Blaise Matuidi. A midfielder of his traits and talents is criminally underrated when you know that Juventus forked out a paltry €20 million for his signature in an age where clubs are paying insane amounts for talented players.

Blaise Matuidi has registered a passing accuracy of 88.4% in all competitions in season 2017-18. Capable of functioning as a central and a left midfielder, he excels at holding the ball and providing a much-required resilience to the backline. Also, he is excellent in the air, winning 1 aerial duel per game.

With N' Golo Kante and Blaise Matuidi in their ranks, Les Blues boss Didier Deschamps will certainly have a selection headache ahead of the World Cup; but that fix is something he'll be thankful for, won't he?

#8 Thiago Alcantara (Spain)

Thiago Alcantara will be a crucial part of Spain's midfield set-up

If La Roja are having their stomach in knots over the idea of finding a worthy heir for the legendary Andres Iniesta, it's safe to say their prayers have been answered - rather magnificently. After joining Bayern Munich from Barcelona in 2013, Thiago Alcantara has shown his previous employers the treasure that they have let slip through their fingers.

Displaying the quintessential style of play that the La Masia graduates possess, the 27-year-old has transformed into one of the finest midfielders in the world and has earned a reputation for his passing. He has registered a passing accuracy of 88.4% this season in all competitions.

Being an archetypal centre midfielder, Thiago is well-adept at driving defenders mad with his eagle-eyed passing and silky dribbling skills. He is capable of carrying out the defensive as well as offensive midfield roles with equal perfection. Alcantara found the net 7 times and assisted 2 goals while operating centrally for Bayern Munich this season.

With the depth that Spain boasts in the centre of the park, it will be interesting to see the combinations Julen Lopetegui goes with. Regardless of any formation he adheres to, dropping Thiago from the starting XI will be a huge mistake for sure.

#7 Ivan Rakitic (Croatia)

Ivan Rakitic is one of the versatile footballers in the world

It's quite astonishing how Ivan Rakitic is overlooked so smoothly when it comes to drawing up a list of the world's best midfielders. The Barcelona man has proven himself more than worthy of the £16.20 million the club paid Sevilla for his services.

Rakitic has averaged a passing accuracy of 88.5% in all competitions for La Blaugrana. Apart from possessing a keen eye for a pass, the Croat is a skilled set-piece taker and also likes to get involved in layoffs.

He has outsmarted teammates Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta as the better candidate in the passing department, a fact enough to know why he should be valued far more than he actually is.

Rakitic has garnered 5 goals and 5 assists in all competitions in season 2017-18. Alongside Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, the 30-year-old will be a part of one of the best midfield trios in the World Cup.

#6 Giovanni Lo Celso (Argentina)

Giovanni Lo Celso is one of the youngsters to watch out for

Another Argentinian and much like his teammate Biglia, a startling inclusion. But just wait to see what he has got to offer.

Giovanni Lo Celso has notched an impressive passing accuracy of 88.5% in all competitions. The talented PSG youngster is certainly a player to watch out for, as Argentina and Lionel Messi try and take on the world's best teams to lift the World Cup.

A typical central midfielder, Lo Celso brings a bundle of positives to La Albiceleste. The 23-year-old is an astute tackler with an average of 2 tackles per game to his credit. Also, he is slowly mastering the art of dribbling, making 1.2 dribbles per game. He is also well-versed in providing long balls, making 2.5 long successful long passes per game.

Giovanni Lo Celso has bagged 5 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. With Argentina having lesser creativity than they actually need, the Les Parisiens youngster will have a vital responsibility on his shoulders for delivering the required goods.

#5 Sergio Busquets (Spain)

Sergio Busquets(L) is one of the underrated midfielders of this generation

Sergio Busquets has been one of the best Barcelona players ever to come through the gates of La Masia. Possessing the typical Catalonian style of play, passing is the forte of the Spaniard.

Sergio Busquets has averaged a passing accuracy of 89% in all the competitions this season. He specializes in tackling, making 2.6 tackles per game. He also averages 1.1 interceptions per match.

Thanks to his slender and lofty built, the 29-year-old is excellent in the air, winning 1.5 aerial duels per game. Add the fact that he is fouled 1.7 times per game, which speaks how high he is held in regard by his opponents.

Sergio Busquets has registered 2 goals and 4 assists in all competitions this season. But far more important than his offensive contribution lies in the defensive stability he will bring, operating as an anchorman for the Spanish Armada.

#4 Ilkay Gundogan (Germany)

Ilkay Gundogan has an impressive pass success rate

Ilkay Gundogan's injury-afflicted days at Manchester City are past now, and the midfielder is showing what he is capable of at the peak of his powers. The German has blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan has notched an impressive pass success rate of 89.2%, stamping his authority as a man worth being respected by his colleagues. Capable of operating as a central and a right attacking midfielder, the 27-year-old is a gifted passer who can leave the defenders lost for words with his intelligent long balls. Also, the 27-year-old has a habit of chipping in important goals as and when necessary.

Gundogan has notched 6 goals and 3 assists in all competitions and it will be interesting to see how Joachim Low plans on using the Citizens man in his midfield fulcrum.

#3 Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)

Mateo Kovacic has been a better passer than teammate Luka Modric

A bolt from the blue, isn't it? Few would expect the Croatian midfielder to make this list, which is why seeing his name in the top three is a difficult fact to digest.

Mateo Kovacic has been a better passer than most of the elite midfielders, registering a passing accuracy of 89.7% while operating as a central or a defensive midfielder.

It's true that the Croatian has got a meagre amount of chances at club level because of the midfield trifecta of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro, but you have to appreciate the fact that whenever granted the chance, Kovacic has hardly disappointed.

Excelling in the art of holding the ball, he has put his dribbling and tackling abilities to a profound effect and influenced the games for his team. Kovacic has made 1.5 tackles per match this season. The Croatian is well-versed in providing accurate long balls as and when required, registering an average of 1.9 long passes per game.

Alongside Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Mateo Kovacic will form a trio worth keeping an eye on in the World Cup.

#2 Julian Draxler(Germany)

Julian Draxler's inclusion in this list is nothing short of surprising

None of you might have dreamt about seeing the PSG attacker on this list, let alone so high up the ladder. But, with a passing accuracy of 90.1%, the German has outsmarted some of the best midfielders of the age.

Julian Draxler's versatility makes him a player to have on any team. The 24-year-old is capable of functioning as a center midfielder, a right midfielder, a no.10, a right forward and also a center forward at times.

He has notched 4 goals and 6 assists in all the competitions this season. His inclusion adds to the depth of both the attack and the midfield, thanks to his ability to extend his services to both the departments.

Julian Draxler was intent on embracing the exit door at Parc Des Princes with Neymar's arrival. With no scarcity of worthy suitors for his signature, the World Cup will be the best platform for auditioning, in order to earn a ludicrous contract at PSG or attract the interests of other clubs.

#1 Toni Kroos(Germany)

Toni Kroos is the best passer to play in the 2018 World Cup

No surprise there, eh? If there's any footballer who knows how to pass the ball better than anybody else, it has to be Toni Kroos. The Real Madrid midfielder is a silent dictator on the pitch, directing games at will with his pin-point passing prowess.

Pretty much, his average pass accuracy of 91% makes him a player every club or country would love to have in their ranks.

A commanding presence in the center of the park, Toni Kroos has made 2.2 key passes per game. Crossing, Long balls, set-pieces, long shots; his basket of skills seems like it's literally oozing out talent and class.

Toni Kroos has 8 assists and 5 goals in his name in all competitions. His numbers speak far less than what he actually is - an incredible midfielder and an absolute joy to watch.