The role of midfielders in a football team is very critical, as they are the heart of a team. A weak and unstable midfield can cost the whole team.
A midfielder plays a vital role in connecting the defense and the offense. Their primary job is to control the flow of the game by facilitating the transition from defense to offense.
They are charged with regaining possession, distributing the ball, creating scoring opportunities, and supporting their team’s defense when necessary.
In recent years, we has witnessed the rise of some incredible and talented youngsters in the midfield department.
Some young midfielders broke into the limelight with their abilities and accomplishments in the midfield position.
Hence, in this article, we want to take a look at the top 10 young midfielders in the world in 2023.
1. Pedri González (Barcelona)
Pedro González has been in the limelight the last couple of seasons, having debuted for Barcelona in the 2020/2032 season, making 37 league appearances.
Last season he made just twelve appearances in La Liga as injury set in, but his quality has seen him continue to be important for both club and country.
The 2022/2023 season is already making a better return for him, with three goals in fifteen La Liga games. Pedri has already played in the Olympics, Euros, and the FIFA World Cup winning the Golden boy and the Kopa Trophy in 2022.
Both soccer pundits and coaches have lauded him for his technical ability, vision, and passing skills.
Although he is only 20, his an integral member of both the Spanish national team and Barcelona.
Pedri possesses a natural talent and ability to read the game, a strong work ethic, dedication to training, and the ability to adapt to different playing styles and formations.
2. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
At 19 years old, Jamal Musiala is already making waves and impressing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the German national team.
He has already played at the World Cup, but his numbers as a teenager are astonishing. Five goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games last season isn’t bad, but he’s already bettered it with ten goals, and six assists in 18 Bundesliga matches this season.
Another Bayern legend is here, and only injury can stop a man who stood out in a poor outing for Germany at the World Cup.
Jamal Musiala can play as a winger and midfielder.
His technical prowess, dribbling skills, acceleration, awareness, and eye for goal are simply superb.
3. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Bellingham moved English lower leagues with Birmingham to one of the top five leagues in Europe with Borussia Dortmund with a minimum of fuss.
However, in a few years, he has already established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the world.
The midfielder has also broken into the England national team as a key player.
The 19 years old hit six goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season, one goal and assist in five games at his first World Cup.
He has four goals in five UEFA Champions League matches and has three goals and two assists in the 15 Bundesliga matches played so far.
It’s healthy competition productivity for the midfielder who is expected to be a high-scoring midfielder throughout his career.
Jude Bellingham is a hardworking and versatile midfielder.
His quick feet, intelligent runs into the box, and impressive passing range make him a complete midfielder.
4. Pablo Gavi (Barcelona)
Barcelona can assume that they are in an era where they have the talent to replace and replicate what Iniesta and Xavi did during their playing days at Camp Nou.
Apart from Ansu Fati and Pedri, there is Pablo Gavi, a young midfielder who is known for his technical and ball-retention ability.
Still only 18, Gavi is already among the best young midfielders in football.
Gavi played at the World Cup with the Spanish national team alongside Ansu Fati and Pedri. It’s not an understatement to feel they will rule the Spain midfield for a while.
The Spaniard is an amazing dribbler, passer, and tackler.
His anticipation, intelligence, vision, close control, change of pace, work rate, and ability to close down opponents makes him one of the top box-to-box midfielders in the world.
5. Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich)
There needs to be a study into why young players under 23 are ruling the midfield for traditional big teams.
Ryan Gravenberch started out at Ajax from their youth team to the main team, and now with Bayern Munich. Unlike the other talents on the list, Gravenberch didn’t play at the World Cup despite the Netherlands qualifying.
However, the $19 million transfer fee paid by Bayern for his services showcases the trust the Bavarians have in his technical level and work rate.
6. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
Enzo Fernández winning the best young players at the FIFA World Cup recently won by Argentina is a testament to his quality. Running the midfield for an Argentina side to the World Cup with less than a dozen full caps is commendable.
He is capable of breaking up play, creating chances, winning the ball, dictating the tempo, and recycling possession.
His value shot upwards, with Benfica selling him to Chelsea in a transfer record deal worth over £106.8 million.
7. Aurélien Tchouaméni
It is not easy for a young midfielder to fill the shoes left by one of the best midfielders of his generation, but that was what Tchouaméni did.
Since joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni has replaced Casemiro with ease and has cemented his place as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
His physical strength, athleticism, and intelligence, as well as his tactical awareness on the field, have made him stand out.
He played a key role for France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making sure that N’Golo Kanté was not missed.
8. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Singing Eduardo Camavinga from Rennes for a fee of 30 million is a big scope by Real Madrid. The 20-year-old is a midfield warhorse.
It’s no surprise he was able to sit in the French midfield in their run to the final of the FIFA World Cup.
Camavinga is already showing his technical skills at Real Madrid, where he’s expected to stay for a big part of his career.
9. Phil Foden
Phil Foden was already highly regarded when he was coming through the ranks at Manchester City academy.
He has justified the hype by establishing himself as one of the best players on Guardiola’s side.
Moreso, Foden has made himself integral to England at international level.
In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Phil Foden has already had seven goals and three assists to his name.
Despite being only 22, it seems like he has been playing for a long time.
Phil Foden has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
He has developed rapidly, becoming more versatile, consistent, and reliable.
10. Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
There is no doubt that Harvey Elliott is one of the top young midfielders in the world at the moment.
The 19-year-old became a regular for Liverpool in the 2022/23 season, where he has posted impressive performances.
He has scored twice in the Champions League this season, and has been a shining light in Liverpool’s poor campaign.
The attacking-midfielder has the potential and capabilities to progress further.
Honourable Mentions:
Other notable young midfielders in football include:
- Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Marquinhos (Arsenal)
- Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea)
- Vitinha (PSG)
- Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
- Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG)
- Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)
- Yunus Musah (Valencia)
- Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille).
