Football has evolved over the years, in terms of how various roles are interpreted on the football pitch. The false 9, the attacking wing-back, or the ball-playing goalkeeping. Some of these functions have materialized as the need to evolve new tactics in football have presented themselves.
One position that’s not so new is that of the regista or the director translated to English from Italian. This position is referring to a deep-lying playmaker. This is usually a technically gifted individual who is placed in the defensive midfield position. He’s not really given defensive responsibilities but his role is to dictate play from deep midfield. Some of the best registas in football of all-time are Charlie Roberts, Vittorio Pozzo, Xavi Hernandez, Andrea Pirlo, and Xabi Alonso.
Here are some of the best football registas for 2021
1. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
The 31-year-old German midfielder is the engine that keeps the Real Madrid machine moving smoothly. Kroos is blessed with a wide range of passes that helps keep his team always on the front foot. His invaluable midfield contributions have made Los Blancos such a dominant force these past few years. His 4 goals and 5 assists in the league last term helped Real claim a record 34th La Liga title.
2. Thiago Alcantara – Liverpool
The Spanish International has continued to cement his position as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the game. Able to dictate and retain possession for his team the Liverpool FC midfielder has the tools to best most opposition midfielders. Thiago was a crucial piece in a brutally efficient FC Bayern Munich side that cleared all opposition before them on their way to a historic treble. Thiago will be hoping he can replicate that same form with his current team, Liverpool.
3. Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
He may not grab all the attention and headlines like his Liverpool FC team-mates Mohamed Salah or Virgil Van Dijk, however, there is no doubt that the Reds won’t have achieved so much success without the brilliance of their captain. Jordan has been the midfield base upon which the Merseysiders have built their formidable attack. Jordan’s crisp passes and telegraphic long balls have been instrumental to Liverpool’s recent league title successes. He is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Despite the summer arrival of Thiago, one suspects Henderson will still be heavily relied on if Liverpool are to maintain their level of success.
4. Marco Verratti – PSG
The Italian midfielder is technically gifted and also blessed with a good range of passes. Described as being artistic on the football field, the 28-year-old was at the heart of a very impressive Paris Saint Germain team that won a domestic treble last season.
5. Frenkie de Jong – FC Barcelona
The young Dutchman was part of an impressive Ajax Amsterdam team that surprisingly reached the semifinals some seasons back in the UEFA Champions League. This earned Frenkie a prestigious move to Catalan giants FC Barcelona. The 23-year-old has taken time to settle but there is no doubting his talent. Blessed with an eye for a pass and good technique, De Jong has the tools to slip into the big shoes of Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez. This season, Ronald Koeman has allowed Frenkie De Jong to go into goal-scoring positions, and score goals.
Honourable Mentions:
- Jorginho – Chelsea
- Arthur – Juventus
- Maxime López – Sassuolo
- Dani Parejo – Villarreal
- Matthias Ginter – Borussia Monchegladbach
- Sandro Tonali – AC Milan
- Bruno Guimarães – Lyon
