They are the linchpin in the offensive game: The perfect central attacking midfielder combines technique, creativity, genius and goal threat. At the 2022 World Cup we will be able to marvel at the world’s top ten. We take a look at the currently strongest kickers in such a role.
Phil Foden made the leap from talent to star this season at the latest. The Englishman is a very important anchor point in the Skyblues game and is responsible for the creative moments alongside de Bruyne. However, Foden is also technically strong, extremely dynamic and very difficult to stop. He has six goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, confirming his renewed efficiency. The 22-year-old could also become a difference player for the Three Lions. But there are other candidates, which of course makes it easier for the youngster. Foden would still be one of the faces of Team England.
The 19-year-old is THE Spanish super talent and is already an important cornerstone at FC Barcelona. Pedri has played 14 international matches for Spain so far. The World Cup could also make the playmaker indispensable for La Roja. Pedri had already attracted attention with strong performances at the 2021 European Championship.
The Bayern youngster is becoming more and more of the greatest offensive hope in the DFB team. 16 goals in 15 competitive games for Munich are outstanding for a 19-year-old. Musiala no longer has to hide from the world elite because he has unique facilities himself. His tight ball control, his dribbling, his precise finish and his ability to free himself from pressure situations are great cinema. Musiala is on the way to the top. Only very rarely do you still see his youth and his lack of robustness. However, there are also almost no games in which Musiala cannot put any stamp on the game at all. Musiala could become the man for the special moments at Team Germany.
Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the most consistent and strongest tens in the world for years and could well be listed further up. Compared to some other candidates, the Belgian only focuses on football and puts his skills at the service of the team. With nine assists, he is currently the top assist provider in the Premier League. The 31-year-old is technically brilliant and an absolute creativity monster who can always play the deadly pass. Belgium’s hopes rest on his shoulders as some other stars are a little past their prime. Not so Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City’s ten is still absolutely world class.
If you look at the performance that Neymar has conjured up on the pitch this season, away from all the noise, the Brazilian is once again among the absolute best in the world. In the current season, the magic foot has been able to mark 21 scorers in 16 competitive games, which is simply fantastic. When it comes to football, Neymar has it all, that much should be clear to everyone, but he must not be impressed by the background noise. Easier said than done when you consider that he has been charged and faces two years in prison. On the pitch, too, it will be important that he doesn’t fall back into diva-like moods when opponents attack him harder.
This article was originally published on 90min.de as WM-Power-Ranking: The five best central attacking midfielders.
