The Premier League is once again proving to be the most competitive and entertaining league in the world. Over the years, it has been home to some of the best midfield talents, who have showcased their artistry, skills, creativity and authority on the pitch.
Midfielders play a crucial role in the game, as they are responsible for controlling the flow of the game, creating chances, regaining possession and protecting the backline. A team’s performance on the pitch can suffer massively without the presence of quality midfielders.
Without further ado, here are the top five midfielders from the opening three months of Premier League action.
Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Douglas Luiz has established himself as a reliable Premier League midfielder in the last couple of years. He has been impressive under Unai Emery and is vital to Aston Villa’s system. The Brazilian has been outstanding in the middle of the park for an Aston Villa side that currently lies fifth in the table.
Luiz, 25, has been more productive going forward, registering five goals and an assist in 12 games so far this season. The South American’s ability to control the midfield, break up opposition attacks and initiate counter-attacks make him a valuable asset for Emery’s side. All in all, he has been one of the main factors behind Villa’s impressive start to the 2023/24 campaign.
Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
After failing to establish himself as a regular under Antonio Conte following his move from Brighton last summer, Yves Bissouma has been one of the standout players for Ange Postecoglou in the opening three months of his Tottenham reign. He has been at the heart of Tottenham’s re-emergence as a challenger to the top 4 places, with a new brand of attractive, dynamic and free-flowing football under Ange Postecoglou seemingly getting the best out of the defensive midfielder.
A commanding presence in the centre of the pitch, the Mali international is always looking to get the ball winning and create opportunities for the Tottenham forwards. Spurs are a much better team when he is on the pitch and his ability to break up play as well as dictate the tempo of games has made winning the midfield battle against Spurs all the more difficult.
However, Bissouma has already received a straight red card and picked up six yellow cards, so the combative midfielder must definitely work on the disciplinary aspect of the game.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Despite being a top-class defensive midfielder, Declan Rice has often been deployed as a No.8 for Arsenal this season and he hasn’t disappointed. In fact, a defensive presence behind him has allowed the England international to explore a creative role and attack the opposition box more.
Rice, 25, only has two goals and an assist to his name this season in the Premier League but has made the Gunners a much stronger outfit due to his calmness in possession, defensive diligence and ability to drive forward with the ball. Mikel Arteta’s decision to use him in a new No.8 role has been a key development in Arsenal managing games better than last term.
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri has been the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League for the last few years and played a crucial role in Man City’s treble success in 2022/23, scoring the all-important winner in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in May. He is a dynamic midfielder who possesses exceptional technical skills and physical strength.
Man City are a much better team when Rodri is on the pitch and this is evidenced by the fact that they have lost two of the three games that the Spaniard has missed through suspension this season. The 27-year-old continues to be one of the first names on Guardiola’s teamsheet and has once again been their best player alongside Julian Alvarez this season.
James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)
James Maddison joined Tottenham this summer in a £40m deal from Leicester City and he has made that price tag look like an absolute bargain with his eye-catching displays. He has been one of the most consistent players for the club this season, netting three goals and supplying five assists in 11 Premier League appearances.
The England international, 26, has quickly become the creative hub of Spurs, and it is not a surprise that he is the joint third-highest assist provider in the division. However, an ankle injury suffered in Spurs’ 4-1 defeat to Chelsea will keep him out until the New Year along with Micky van de Ven, which is a double body blow for Postecoglou.
Spurs have lost back-to-back Premier League games against Chelsea and Wolves respectively, and Postecoglou will hope to stop their free fall post the international break without Maddison.
