There has never been a higher demand for midfielders.
While ephemeral number 10s have always been sought after, the last 18 months have seen an explosion in the value of all-action central midfielders; four of the five most expensive players in the history of this position have commanded nine-digit transfer fees this calendar year – and the three costliest midfielders of all time currently reside in the Premier League.
90min’s power rankings attempts to pick out the seven most in-form midfielders of the 2023/24Premier League campaign.
*Updated 05/03/24
It took Alexis Mac Allister a little while to get up to speed at Liverpool – with many questioning if he was capable of playing in a deeper role – but the World Cup winner is now showing his class.
The Reds’ title bid could hinge on his ability to pull the strings.
Bernardo Silva is a brilliant footballer.
And he proves that week in, week out for Manchester City – especially now that Riyad Mahrez isn’t eating into his minutes anymore.
Douglas Luiz has been one of the most consistent performances in the Premier League this season.
He’s unlocking defences for fun, played a ridiculous pass with the outside of his boot for Ollie Watkins to gobble up at Sheffield United, and has nine goals to his name.
Without Rodri, treble winners Manchester City have actually looked like a pretty normal team this season.
With him, they look like the best football team in the world. That’s how good Rodri is.
Fuelled by chips, Aston Villa captain John McGinn has been in fine form this season.
He’s key to Unai Emery’s free-flowing system, and has registered a career-high tally of Premier League goals.
It only took two appearances against Newcastle United and Burnley for Kevin De Bruyne, sidelined long-term because of injury, to remind everybody of his class.
He’s stepped things up since then, firmly reminding everybody that he’s the creator in chief at the Etihad.
The fact that no one has talked about his hefty price tag speaks volumes about how good Declan Rice has been for Arsenal.
The England midfielder has come up trumps in a number of big games, with his all-action displays seeing him register a career-high number of goals and assists, and he’s a genuine contender to win the PFA Player of the Year.
And to think there was those who doubted his ability to step up at a big club.
