In the next FIFA World Cup 2022, midfielders will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between defense and offense. It's normal to see a wide range of players occupying the midfield, both offensively and defensively. Several players have been consistently good for their teams in 2022-23; in light of this, we provide a statistical breakdown of the top midfielders to keep an eye on.
The midfield is the heart of a football team and must shoulder many responsibilities. Good midfielders are irreplaceable because of their ability to think creatively, create opportunities for the team's forwards, and perform defensive duties with flair. Different types of midfielders include defenders, holders, playmakers in deep positions, attackers, box-to-box players, and wide-wingers.
1. Christian Eriksen - Denmark
Source: Getty Images
Christian Eriksen is a classic number 10, and Manchester United has shown that he can also play a deeper role. He can be a deep-lying playmaker who chooses the right passes and sets the pace. In the Premier League 2022-23 season, Eriksen has thrown 32 accurate long balls, created two big chances, recovered 77 balls, and made 3 interceptions. He has played for Denmark in 117 games and scored 39 goals.
2. Adrien Rabiot - France
Source: Getty Images
Now that Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante are injured, France relies heavily on Adrien Rabiot. With 29 caps for his country, he has the potential to be an integral box-to-box player. After his transfer from Man United fell through, Rabiot has thrived with Juventus. Opta reports that in Serie A 2022-23, Rabiot has scored three goals while recording 47 recoveries, 11 interceptions, and four clearances with an accuracy rate of 87.78 percent.
3. Casemiro - Brazil
Source: Getty Images
Belgium will be able to move Kevin De Bruyne into a more advanced role since he is a player on a global level. If necessary, he can also be used as a playmaker who drops deep in the defense. De Bruyne has played 93 times for Belgium and has scored 25 times for the national team. KDB has recorded three goals, nine assists, 12 through balls, 38 accurate long balls, and 47 recoveries for Manchester City in the 2022–23 Premier League season.
4. Kevin De Bruyne - Belgium
Source: Getty Images
Belgium can move Kevin De Bruyne up to a more advanced role because of his world-class play. If necessary, you can use him as a playmaker who drops deep. In 93 career games for Belgium, De Bruyne has scored 25 times. During the 2022–23 Premier League season, KDB has recorded the following statistics for Manchester City: 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 through balls, 38 accurate long balls, and 47 recoveries.
5. Luka Modric - Croatia
Source: Getty Images
Luka Modric, a senior player for Real Madrid, will be in charge of leading Croatia in the upcoming match against Qatar. At age 37, Modric has shown remarkable vitality and endurance. He's played for his country 154 times and scored 23 goals. Modric is an all-around playmaker who has helped Real Madrid to the La Liga title this season. He has a 90.95% pass accuracy from deep in the Real defense. Moreover, he has recorded 20 opportunities created, 2 clearances, 4 interceptions, and 37 ball recoveries.