In the captivating world of football, where tactical brilliance intertwines with athletic prowess, the midfield stands as the heart of the game. These orchestrators of the pitch, with their deft passing, tenacious tackling, and visionary playmaking, hold the key to unlocking the intricacies of the beautiful game.
Imagine the thrill of watching Lothar Matthäus, the German midfield maestro, orchestrate his team’s attacks with pinpoint passes and thunderous tackles. Or picture the elegance of Xavi Hernández, the Spanish midfield magician, weaving his way through defenses with mesmerizing ball control and creating scoring chances with a flick of his wrist.
The best midfielders of all time have the ability of directing the tempo of a match and generally bossing things all over the park. In this blog post, Sportonpoint will be providing you with a list of players who are particularly best when it comes to this side of the amazing game.
First, we will explain who is a midfielder, types of Midfielders, responsibilities of a midfielder, and we will also discuss with you the skills that a good midfielder should have and why they are important, then, we will show you our list of 16 best Midfielders of all time, the Midfielders that have amazed football fans all over the world with their outstanding ball control, passing abilities, Dribbling and vision.
Do you like watching football videos? Don’t worry, this blog post has many videos about each players, except no. 15 because we couldn’t provide the video due to one or two issues, but the rest players videos are available in this blog post.
Who is a midfielder in football?
A midfielder is an outfield position responsible for controlling the flow of play in the central area of the field between the two goals. Midfielders play a crucial role in both attacking and defending, making them one of the most versatile and important positions on the pitch. They typically cover the greatest distance during a match and require a combination of technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical stamina.
Types of Midfielders
Midfielders can be categorized into three main types based on their primary roles and responsibilities:
Defensive Midfielders: Also known as holding midfielders or ball-winners, these players are tasked with disrupting the opponent’s attacks, protecting the team’s defense, and regaining possession of the ball. They are typically positioned in front of the defense and possess strong tackling, interception, and positioning abilities.
Central Midfielders: These midfielders play a more balanced role, linking the defense with the attack. They are responsible for distributing the ball, creating attacking opportunities, and supporting both defensive and offensive transitions. Central midfielders often have excellent passing skills, vision, and game intelligence.
Attacking Midfielders: These players are primarily responsible for creating scoring opportunities for their forwards. They are often referred to as playmakers due to their ability to orchestrate the team’s offense with their creative passing, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess.
Responsibilities of Midfielders
Midfielders have a wide range of responsibilities that vary depending on their specific role and the team’s tactics. However, some common responsibilities include:
Maintaining Possession: Midfielders are typically the players who have the most contact with the ball, so maintaining possession is crucial for their team’s success. They need to be able to receive passes, control the ball under pressure, and distribute it intelligently to teammates.
Attacking Transitions: When their team regains possession, midfielders are responsible for initiating attacking transitions. This involves quickly moving the ball forward, creating passing options, and breaking through the opponent’s defense.
Defensive Transitions: When their team loses possession, midfielders need to quickly switch their focus to defense. This involves closing down opponents, preventing them from creating scoring opportunities, and regaining possession of the ball.
Supporting Forwards: Midfielders need to provide support for their forwards in both attacking and defensive phases. This includes providing passing options, creating space for them to operate, and helping them to break down the opponent’s defense.
Now, let’s go over to skills of a midfielder
Here are some of the essential skills for a midfielder and why they are important:
Technical Skills
Passing: Midfielders are the primary distributors of the ball, and their passing ability is crucial for controlling the tempo of the game and creating attacking opportunities. They should be able to execute short passes for precise ball movement, long passes to break lines, and diagonal passes to switch the play.
Dribbling: Midfielders often find themselves in tight spaces, so dribbling skills are essential to escape pressure, retain possession, and create scoring chances. Good dribbling technique allows midfielders to beat opponents, draw defenders out of position, and create space for teammates.
Ball Control: Midfielders need to be able to control the ball with precision and composure in various situations. This includes receiving passes under pressure, shielding the ball from opponents, and turning quickly to initiate attacks.
Shooting: While not always the primary goal scorers, midfielders should have the ability to threaten the goal from distance or take on shots from advantageous positions. A good shot can lead to unexpected goals or force the goalkeeper into saves, creating opportunities for teammates.
Tactical Awareness:
Positioning: Midfielders need to have an understanding of their position and responsibilities within the team’s tactics. They should be able to position themselves effectively to intercept passes, support teammates, and make themselves available for passes.
Decision-Making: Midfielders often make quick decisions under pressure, determining the course of the game. They need to assess the situation, choose the right pass or action, and execute it effectively.
Game Intelligence: Midfielders should be able to read the game, anticipate opponents’ movements, and adapt their play accordingly. They should have a good understanding of the overall game plan and be able to adjust their positioning and decision-making based on the flow of the match.
Physical Stamina
Endurance: Midfielders cover the most ground during a match, so endurance is essential to maintain their performance throughout the game. They need to be able to run consistently, sprint when necessary, and recover quickly to maintain their position and influence the game.
Strength: Midfielders often engage in physical battles with opponents, so strength is important to protect the ball, shield teammates, and win tackles.
Agility: Midfielders need to be agile to change direction quickly, evade opponents, and make sharp turns while dribbling or receiving passes.
Am sure by now, you have the knowledge about a midfielder, types and their work
So, let’s now start the journal together with you
The 16 Best Midfielders of All Time
16. Kevin DE Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne, a Belgian football phenomenon, is considered one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. His exceptional passing ability, vision, and creativity have made him a crucial player for both club and country. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s recent dominance in the Premier League, Following that, he has secured victories in the UEFA Champions League, clinching five Premier League titles, along with five League Cups and two FA Cups for the club, and his contributions to the sport have earned him a place among the best midfielders of all time.
Were you aware that Kevin De Bruyne stands as the only player, apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry, to secure consecutive wins of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award?
15. Didi (Brazil)
Waldyr Pereira, also known as Didi, was a Brazilian football legend and one of the best midfielders of all time. His exceptional vision, passing ability, and leadership on the field made him a key player for both club and country. He was instrumental in Brazil’s victories in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, and his contributions to the sport earned him a place among the pantheon of footballing greats.
14. Johan Neeskens (Netherlands)
Johan Neeskens, a remarkable Dutch midfielder, often lived in the shadow of his more renowned compatriot, Johan Cruyff. While Cruyff dazzled, Neeskens provided the steel in both Ajax and the Netherlands national team during the mesmerizing football era of the 1970s. Known for his relentless running, constant pressure on opponents, and exceptional passing abilities, Neeskens possessed incredible talent and ball skills. His presence in these teams allowed the more creative players to thrive and play with freedom.
A team player through and through, Neeskens played a crucial role in Ajax’s three consecutive European Cup victories. He also enjoyed success at Barcelona before concluding his illustrious career in the United States.
13. Patrick Vieira (France)
Patrick Vieira, a true Premier League legend, left an indelible mark during Arsenal’s iconic unbeaten season in 2003/04, alongside stars like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Sol Campbell. At the core of this remarkable team stood the French international Vieira, a player who seamlessly blended strength, height, physical prowess, and aggression with astonishing grace and elegance. His movements across the field were akin to a graceful glide, effortlessly dribbling past opponents, and showcasing impeccable technical skills in every match he graced.
12. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Diego Maradona, also known as “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), was an Argentine football legend and widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. His exceptional dribbling skills, passing ability, vision, and leadership on the field made him a force to be reckoned with, and his impact on the game of football is undeniable. He led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, scoring some of the most iconic goals in tournament history.
11. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
Ronaldinho Gaucho de Assis Moreira, commonly known as Ronaldinho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. He was a versatile and skilful midfielder with exceptional dribbling skills, passing ability, and vision. He led Brazil to victory in the 2002 World Cup and was also a key player for Barcelona and AC Milan during his career.
Frank Lampard, drawing from his midfield expertise, expressed awe for Ronaldinho, stating, “I’d never seen a player like that. It was my early days in the Champions League, and witnessing him play was like witnessing someone from a different realm.” Ronaldinho’s gameplay was a spectacle, defined by his sheer enjoyment on the field. His signature no-look passes added flair to his style, ultimately earning him the Ballon d’Or in 2005. Watching him play was a joyous experience, a testament to his exceptional skill and the pure pleasure he found in the game.
10. Frank Lampard (England)
Frank Lampard, a pivotal figure within England’s golden generation, played an essential role in Chelsea’s rise as a European powerhouse. Renowned as one of the greatest box-to-box midfielders globally, Lampard’s knack for arriving late in the box led to numerous crucial, match-winning goals.
He became the Blues’ record goalscorer with 211 goals, 147 of them coming in the Premier League, Lampard secured an astounding 13 trophies with Chelsea. His peak years, arguably from 2004 to 2006, saw him achieve remarkable feats, including a second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or behind the legendary Ronaldinho in 2005. Lampard’s precision in penalty and set-piece execution remains etched in the hearts of Chelsea fans, who cherish his invaluable contributions and inspirational displays.
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9. Paul Scholes (England)
Paul Scholes was an English footballer who played as a midfielder for Manchester United and England. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. Paul Scholes, fondly known as the ‘Ginger Genius,’ held a special place as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most relied-upon players, significantly contributing to Manchester United’s transformation into the European powerhouse it is today.
His mastery in midfield positioned Paul Scholes among the most exceptionally gifted players ever witnessed in the Premier League. His passing abilities were nothing short of mesmerizing. With Manchester United, Scholes attained every conceivable trophy, earning admiration not only from teammates but also from adversaries.
The admiration and respect Scholes garnered from fellow players is evident in the words of legendary Spanish midfielder Xavi in 2011: “A role model. For me, and I truly mean this, he’s the best central midfielder I’ve seen in the last 15, 20 years. He’s spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he’s strong, he doesn’t lose the ball, vision. If he’d been Spanish, he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.” This testimony underlines the profound impact and esteem Scholes commanded among his peers.
8. Steven Gerrard (England)
Steven Gerrard was an English football legend who played as a midfielder for Liverpool and England. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. Steven Gerrard, arguably the greatest player never to secure a Premier League title, stands tall as the finest midfielder in Liverpool’s storied history. Renowned for his exemplary leadership and inspirational displays, Gerrard’s knack for delivering in crucial matches solidified his stature as one of England’s premier footballers in this era.
Versatile across the midfield spectrum, Gerrard’s influence was pivotal in propelling Liverpool to their remarkable UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005. During the period spanning from 2004 to 2010, Gerrard’s brilliance was unrivalled, nearly single-handedly elevating an average Liverpool team to remarkable heights through his breathtaking individual performances.
7. Luka Modric (Croatia)
Luka Modrić is a Croatian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Madrid and the Croatia national team. The 2018 Ballon d’Or recipient, Modric has maintained a consistent presence among the world’s elite players for more than ten years. His ability to deliver defence-splitting passes while excelling in defensive responsibilities showcases his continuous evolution and improvement in recent years.
An integral component of the Real Madrid squad that secured three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, the Croatian midfielder broke the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominance by clinching both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2018, marking the first time in over a decade that the duo didn’t secure these prestigious accolades.
6. Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Andrea Pirlo was an Italian footballer who played as a deep-lying playmaker for Brescia, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, New York City FC, and the Italian national team. He is highly regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. Whenever Andrea Pirlo’s name arises, it might bring back haunting memories for Roy Hodgson and Joe Hart. The ex-England manager witnessed his team being dismantled by the deep-lying playmaker not once, but twice in successive tournaments during Euro 2012 and Brazil 2014. Pirlo, possessing an absurdly gifted passing ability, commanded Italy’s midfield for an impressive 13 years. His success extended beyond, clinching Serie A with AC Milan before securing four consecutive titles with Juventus.
5. Zinedane Zidane (France)
Zinedine Zidane, highly regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, captivated audiences with his exceptional technical ability, grace, and leadership. His artistry on the field, combined with his impact on both individual and team successes, solidified his legendary status.
Legendary Italy centre-back Franco Baresi once described the 1998 Ballon d’Or awardee with immense admiration, saying, “He was as elegant as a dancer – he even used the soles of his boots efficiently. Everything was easy for him; he made such movements that if I tried to copy them I would break my legs.” This admiration highlights the graceful and effortless playing style of the revered player, showcasing a level of finesse and skill that left a lasting impression on even his fellow professionals.
4. Xavi Hernandez (Spain)
Spain’s incredible dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s stemmed largely from their midfield genius. Employing the ‘tiki-taka’ style, they amassed extensive possession by circulating the ball swiftly with short, precise passes, revolutionizing international football under Vicente Del Bosque’s guidance. At the heart of their triumphs in the 2008 European Championship, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2012 Euros was Xavi, the diminutive playmaker renowned for his exquisite first touch, exceptional creative vision, and masterful passing skills. His contributions were fundamental to Spain’s remarkable success during this period, defining an era of unparalleled midfield brilliance.
3. Michel Platini (France)
Despite a controversial tenure in football administration as UEFA President, Michel Platini remains an iconic figure from his playing days, revered as an extraordinary attacking midfielder. A creative maestro, he notably secured three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1983, 1984, and 1985, cementing his status in football history. The French international stood out as a midfielder, scoring prolifically, owing to his expertise in free kicks and penalties. Platini’s excellence extended beyond scoring; his exceptional passing skills contributed significantly to his success. Alongside individual accolades, he triumphed in the 1984 European Championship with France, claimed the European Cup and clinched two Serie A titles with Juventus, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
2. Lothar Mattäus (Germany)
Lothar Matthäus, the recipient of the 1990 Ballon d’Or, carved a remarkable career with Bayern Munich and the German national team. His crowning achievement was the 1990 World Cup victory, followed by being named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991. Matthaus, a sensational box-to-box midfielder, possessed an innate sense of positioning, always finding himself in the right place at the right moment.
Renowned for his robust tackles and powerful long-range shots, Matthäus embodied one of the most versatile midfielders in Germany’s history. Beyond his on-field prowess, the German star showcased exceptional leadership, captaining both Bayern Munich and the national team.
Matthäus enjoyed a successful spell at Inter Milan before returning to Bayern Munich, where he transitioned his game to that of a sweeper in the latter phase of his illustrious career, displaying his adaptability and versatility on the field.
1. Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Andrés Iniesta, a Spanish football legend, was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time. His exceptional vision, passing ability, and composure on the field made him a key player for both club and country. He was instrumental in Spain’s victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, and his contributions to the sport earned him a place among the pantheon of footballing greats.
and Ronaldo, stating, “The press often ask me whether Messi or Ronaldo is the best, but for me, something is very clear: Andrés Iniesta is the number one. He can do even more difficult things on the pitch. He is magic with the ball and so influential.”
Iniesta made great impact for Barcelona’s historic trebles in 2009 and 2015 and played a crucial role in Spain’s international dominance from 2008 to 2012. His playing style often seemed like an artful display in slow-motion, emphasizing his incredible mastery and finesse on the field.
Conclusion
The 16 best midfielders of all time, are variety of magicians, they showed football fans the beauty of a midfielder, and what Midfielders are capable of doing on the pitc. Their amazing dribblings, no-look passes, incredible ball controls, and wonderful goals will forever be remembered in the history of the beautiful game.
FAQs
Who is the best midfielder in football history?
Andres Iniesta – Best Midfielder in Football History.
Xavi Hernandez – 2nd Best Midfielder in Football History.
Zinedine Zidane – 3rd Best Midfielder in Football History.
Michel Platini – 4th Best Midfielder in Football History.
Andrea Pirlo – 5th Best Midfielder in Football History.
Is Iniesta the best midfielder?
During his peak, Andrés Iniesta stood among the most revered midfielders in history. His influence revolutionized the global approach to soccer, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Integral to the monumental successes of Barcelona and Spain, Iniesta claimed every major accolade in football at both club and international levels, solidifying his status as an icon in the game.
Is Luka Modric the best midfielder of all time?
Luka Modric deserves a spot among the greatest midfielders ever, as highlighted by his Croatia teammate Borna Sosa. His exceptional performance earned him the Golden Ball™ four years back, recognizing him as the top player at the World Cup. Modric played a pivotal role in Croatia’s journey to the final at Russia 2018™, despite their eventual defeat to France.
Is De Bruyne the best midfielder?
Redknapp, speaking to Essential Football, emphasized the 31-year-old’s resurgence, asserting that currently, he stands unrivaled in his position within the pinnacle of global football. Additionally, he acclaimed this player’s unmatched stature in the history of the Premier League.