Trying to define a “central midfielder” in modern football is no simple task.
With positions more fluid than ever and tactical roles constantly evolving, midfielders today are asked to do a bit of everything—defend, build play, break lines, press and even score. But amid all this complexity, there’s still a distinction between the different types of midfielders.
This list focuses exclusively on true central midfielders—those who typically operate in the No. 8 role or as balanced, box-to-box players. These are the players who connect defence and attack, carry the ball through midfield, and often dictate the rhythm of a match from the centre of the park.
To keep things clear, we've excluded traditional defensive midfielders (the out-and-out No. 6s), as well as classic attacking midfielders (the No. 10s) who play higher up the pitch in more advanced creative roles. Both of those categories deserve separate recognition.
What remains is a group of versatile, influential midfielders who embody the modern game's demands. And while ranking them is no easy feat, here’s carefully considered list of the current 25 best.
