Definition of Central Midfielder
covers this role
1. Box-To-Box
Midfielder : The midfielders who operate in both defensive and
offensive game, occasionally went forward to support attacking game or even
scored by themselves
2. Defensive Holding
Midfielder : The midfielders who mostly based on the central
midfield area, available in ball controlling, vision and passing, must be good
in defensive game as well, and classify into 2 positions. Defensive Holding
Midfielder and Central Holding Midfielder depend on degree of defensive
quality.
3. Wing-Half : The midfielders who played in semi-side position, had a role to stop both inside-forward and out-side forward of opponent side and support offensive game primarily in central area.
3. Wing-Half : The midfielders who played in semi-side position, had a role to stop both inside-forward and out-side forward of opponent side and support offensive game primarily in central area.
4. Destroyer
: The midfielders who mainly responsible for destroying the game of opponent.
Implication : All Central Midfielder
covers every midfielder who possesses sufficient level of combination set of
defensive skills like ability to win the ball, aggression and physical strong and the gap between their defensive and offensive ability is narrow enough. It
is also certainly an advantage of box-to box midfielder and holding midfielder
to be ranked higher position than destroyer because they were available in
defensive and offensive skills. In another word, Some might be called
“Commanding Midfielder". Describing of this characteristic of player in
early decades of football history, they were called as “Center-Half ” in 2-3-5 system.
50. Yaya Toure
Date Of Birth : 13 May 1983
Height : 191 cm, Position : Box-to-Box Midfielder
Nation : Ivory Coast, Caps : 78 Games (16 Goals)
Major Club : Barcelona
World Cup Participation : 2006 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time English Premier League
1 Time Greek Super League, 1 Time Greek Cup
1 Time Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Spanish Cup
2009 UEFA Champion League, 2009 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : 2006 African Nation Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 4 Times African Footballer of The Year ( 2011 - 2014)
2015 Silver Ball African Footballer of the Year
2013 BBC African Footballer of The Year
2015 Silver Ball African Footballer of the Year
2013 BBC African Footballer of The Year
2021 IFFHS Africa All-Time Dream Team
Yaya Toure is the greatest African midfielder of all-time and is the best African footballer during the first half 2010s. Touré played primarily in the centre of the pitch as either a holding midfielder or as a box-to-box midfielder, often switching between offensive and defensive stances throughout matches in the latter role. Touré was a complete and versatile midfielder. He was also capable of playing as a centre-back or in the number 10 role. His key strengths were his passing range, vision and physical ability. He was gifted with good technique and ball control, although he also excelled defensively at breaking down opposing attacking plays and winning back possession through his powerful tackling ability. He was known for his pace, stamina and physical presence, which was often combined with runs from midfield. He is also named in Manchester City All-Time XI.He holds the record most times in CAF team of the year with 7 times and African footballer of the year with 4 times. He is named in PFA Team of the year twice. Toure was voted in 12nd place in Ballon’Dor twice and 14th place once. He is also named in ESM team of the month 8 times.
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49. Jim Baxter
Nation : Scotland
Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 188 cm
Major Club : Glasgow Rangers
Caps : 34 Games
World Cup Participation : None
Club Honours : 3 Times Scottish League
3 Times Scottish Cup, 4 Times League Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : None
‘Slim Jim’ Jim Baxter is the best prime Scottish footballer ever. He mainly played as left-half and sometimes moved to inside-left, he moved to Rangers for a Scottish record transfer fee and helped the club to win ten trophies during 5 seasons. However he started drinking heavily during a four-month layoff caused by a leg fracture until his fitness suffered. This problem effects him not able to settle down for any club after then. Baxter retired from football at the age of 31 only. In his prime, Baxter was known for his ability to raise a team's morale, his good tactical vision, precise passing and ability to send opponents the wrong way and also was good in slide tackle. In 1963, which may have been Baxter's best year overall, he played in the "rest of the world" in a match against England to celebrate the centenary of The Football Association. He was nominated only once time in Ballon'Dor achieved in 1965. The statue of Baxter was erected in his hometown.
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48. Paul Pogba
Date Of Birth : 15 March 1993
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 191 cm, Caps : 70 Games
Major Club : Juventus, Man Utd
Height : 191 cm, Caps : 70 Games
Major Club : Juventus, Man Utd
World Cup Participation : 2014, 2018
Club Honours : 4 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Coppa Italia
2017 Europa League
2 Times Coppa Italia
2017 Europa League
International Honours : 2016 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
2018 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 2014 Bravo Awards
2014 FIFA World Cup Best Young Player
3 Times Series A Team of the Year
2015 FIFPro World XI
2017 Europa League Best Player
2019 PFA Team of the Year
Paul Pogba is one of the greatest offensive midfielders in the World during the mid 2010s. Pogba primarily plays as a central midfielder. He can also play as a deep-lying playmaker or as an attacking midfielder Pogba was described by as a "powerful, skillful, and creative" player who has "an eye for goal and a penchant for the spectacular. He can also play as an offensive-minded central midfielder that often drifts out wide, known as the "mezzala" role in Italy. During his time in Italy, he gained the nicknames Il Polpo Paul ("Paul the Octopus") for his long legs that look like tentacles and "Pogboom" for his explosive pace and energy on the pitch. A quick, hardworking, and physically strong player, he possesses good aerial abilities, good passing, and good vision. He is also known for his powerful and accurate shots from distance. He is also known for his ability to make forward runs from deeper areas of the pitch. He is nominated in Ballon Dor 4 times in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018 and 3 of which are in top 15. He is named in ESM Team of the month 9 times.
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47. N'Kolo Kante
Date Of Birth : 29 March 1991
Position : Destroyer, Height : 168 cm
Major Club : Chelsea, Caps : 53 Games
World Cup Participation : 2018 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Premier League
1 Time FA Cup, 2019 UEFA Europa League
1 Time FA Cup, 2019 UEFA Europa League
2021 UEFA Champion League
International Honours : 2016 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
2018 World Cup Winner
Individual Achievement : 2017 PFA Player of the Year
2017 FWA Footballer of the Year
2017 French Player of the Year
2017 FWA Footballer of the Year
2017 French Player of the Year
2021 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
Kante is the greatest defensive midfielder in the world and the best French pla yer during second half 2010s. He was a key player in leading Leicester surprisingly won premier league in 2016 and also led France win 2018 World Cup and Chelsea won 2021 UEFA Champion League. A dynamic, diminutive, and disciplined player Kanté is known for his relentless energy and excellent ball-winning abilities as a defensive midfielder in the centre of the pitch. This is attributed to his strong positional sense, off the ball movement, and ability to read the game. Predominantly known for his tactical awareness, intelligence, anticipation, and the defensive aspect of his game—his ability to tackle and regain possession, intercept passes, and block shots—Kanté is also capable of playmaking from inside his own half and is an efficient passer on the counter-attack, helping kick start attacking plays immediately after winning back the ball. He is also quick up and down the pitch and often makes late attacking runs in to the box. He is voted at 8th, 11th and 5th Ballon’Dor in 2017, 2018 and 2021, respectively and is voted at 8th and 5th in 2017 and 2021 FIFA Best Men Player respectively. He is named in ESM team of the month 9 times.
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46. Stefan Effenberg
Date Of Birth : 2 August 1968
Nation : Germany,
Height : 188 cm, Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Major Club : Bayem Munich, Borussia Munchengladbach
World Cup Participation : 1994 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Bundesliga Champions
2 Times DFB-Pokal, 2 Times League Cup
2001 UEFA Champion League Winner, 1999 Runner-Up
2001 Intercontinental Cup
lnternational Honous : 1992 European Championship Runner-Up
Individual Adievement : 1992 EUFA Euro Team Of Tournament
2001 UEFA Champion League Most Valuable Player
"Der Tiger" Stefan Effenberg was the German superstar midfielder in the 1990s. He possessed leadership skills, powerful shooting ability, vision to pass long and physical strength, but also a fearsome and controversial character. His international career was marked by controversy and several years in the international wilderness, after the DFB refused to consider him for selection following an incident at the 1994 World Cup, he had gestured in an inappropriate manner to fans at the stadium. In the German first division alone, Effenberg collected 109 yellow cards as Bundesliga Record. All in all, Kicker magazine rated him in World-Class just a half of season in 2000 and other 8.5 International-class seasons. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor twice times. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German midfielder of the year twice times, finished second place German footballer of the year in 2000 and was named in Bundesliga team of the season eight times and one of them is the most weekly appearances in 1996. Effenberg is named in ESM team of the month 8 times and team of the year once time. He was chosen in all-time Bayern XI by the fan in 2005.
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45. Valery Voronin
Date Of Birth : 17 July 1939
Nation : Russia,
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 181 cm, Major Club : Torpedo Moscow
World Cup Participation : 1962, 1966 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Soviet League, 1 Time Soviet Cup
International Honours : 1964 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1962 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
2 Times Soviet Union Footballer Of The Year (1964, 1965)
1964 Eastern European Footballer of the Year
Valery Ivanovich Voronin was the best defensive midfielder in the World during the mid 60’s, a versatile midfielder who had incredible technical abilities and passing combined with his toughness in defensive game led him as one of the most completed defensive midfielders, was also capable of playing as central defender. Voronin played important role for the golden age of Soviet Union national team. He won fourth place in World Cup 1966 with Soviet Union and the same place in EURO 1968. He is the first winner of Soviet footballer of the year in 1964. During the summer of 1969 he was involved in a serious car accident from which he recovered physically but finally ended his career at 30 years old. During his peak in the mid-60s, he finished in top eleven Ballon'Dor three times in row between 1964 and 1966, twice of these is the best ranking of defensive midfielder, finished highest place at 8th in 1965.
_______________________________________44. Johnny Giles
Date Of Birth : 6 November 1940
Nation : Ireland Republic,
Height : 177 cm, Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Major Club : Manchester United, Leeds United
World Cup Participation : None
Club Honour : 2 Times English Top Division
2 Times Inter Cities Fair Cup
2 Times FA Cup, 1 Time League Cup
lrternetional Honous : None
Individual Achievement :
UEFA Jubilee Awards (Republic of Ireland)
Johnny Giles was surprised to win UEFA Jubilee Award instead of Liam Brady. He was moved to Manchester United after the Munich disaster to represent of Duncan Edwards, played alongside Boby Charlton in midfield. After wards, He was transferred to Leeds United, played in midfield alongside skipper Billy Bremner and went on to form a central midfield partnership which was one of the best in English club football. Giles was known as the creative force. Despite his craft, Giles was later pinned down as one of the tougher and dirtier players in what was an often uncompromising Leeds side. In altogether, Giles won more than 500 appearances and scored more than 100 goals for Leeds United. He was finished 5th Leeds United’s greatest player ever by The Times. Although Giles never played in international major tournament as Ireland's disqualification, he made an incredible five participation in World cup Qualification.Giles was nominated in Ballon'Dor once time in 1972.
_______________________________________43. Zito
Date Of Birth : 18 August 1932
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 46 Games
Height : 176 cm, Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
World Cup Participation : 1958,1962,1966 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 9 Times Brazil State Champions
4 Times Brazil National Championships
2 Times Copa Libertadores Cup (1962, 1963)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1962, 1963)
International Honours :
2 Times FIFA World Cup Winners (1958,1962)
Individual Achievement : 1962 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 46 Games
Height : 176 cm, Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
World Cup Participation : 1958,1962,1966 (10 Games)
Club Honours : 9 Times Brazil State Champions
4 Times Brazil National Championships
2 Times Copa Libertadores Cup (1962, 1963)
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1962, 1963)
International Honours :
2 Times FIFA World Cup Winners (1958,1962)
Individual Achievement : 1962 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
“The Manager” Zito is one of the most decorated defensive midfielders ever, was the greatest South American defensive midfielder in the first half 1960s and is the best defensive midfielder in history of Copa Libertadores Cup. He was highly strong and tough in defensive role but rather slow. A strong, commanding and influential midfielder, known for his leadership, Zito usually played in a supporting role as a wing-half or half-back, serving as a defensive foil to his more offensive minded teammates. An intelligent and highly organised player, he was known for his ability to win back possession with his tackling, and subsequently set the tempo in midfield through his movement off the ball and precise passing; although he was competent in possession, he preferred to play the ball to other more creative and skillful midfielders rather than carry it forward himself. He was also capable of starting attacking plays after winning the ball by quickly distributing the ball forward with simple, yet neat and efficient passes. He was one of key players of Santos to achieve one of the most peak performance in history of South American club and played for only Santos club in his entire career.
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42. Michael Ballack
Date Of Birth : 26 September 1976, Height : 189 cm
Nation : Germany , 98 Games (42 Goals)
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club : Bayem Munich, Chelsea
World Cup Participation : 2002, 2006 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time English Premier League
4 Times German Bundesliga , 3 Times DFB-Pokal
3 Times FA Cup, 1 Time League Cup,
2 Times UEFA Champion League Runner-Up (2002, 2006)
lnternational Honours : 2002 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
2006 FIFA World Cup Third Place, 2008 UEFA Euro Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 2002 UEFA Club Midfielder of The Year
3 Times German Footballer of The Year (2002, 2003, 2005)
2008 UEFA Euro Best XI, 2002 FIFA World Cup Top Assister/All Stars
Michael Ballack is the greatest German footballer during the 2000s, was famous for his leadership and effectiveness. He is one of the most runner-up trophies players, won second place in UEFA champion league, European Championship and FIFA World Cup. Especially, Ballack won the triple runner-up in 2001-2002 season with Leverkusen, consisted of Bundesliga, UEFA Champion league and DFB-pokal. He played as defensive midfielder in some year during early 2000s and settle his position up to attacking midfielder. By the end of 2008-2009 season, Ballack is totally rated by kicker ranking in a half of world-class season in 2002 and 8.5 international-class seasons although he could be considered in twice world-class domestic seasons by INC media, was voted fifth place European Footballer of the Year in 2002 as the best central/defensive midfielder. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German midfielder of the year in five times and was named in Bundesliga team of the season six times. Ballack is named in ESM team of the month 9 times and team of the year once time. Aside from 2002, he was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times.
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41. Herbert Prohaska
Date Of Birth : 8 August 1955
Nation : Austria,
Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 183 cm, Major Club : Austria Wienna
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Times Austria Bundesliga
1 Time Italian Series A, 1 Time Coppa Italia
4 Times Austrian Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : UEFA Jubilee Award (Austria)
4 Times Austria Footballer of The Year (1975,1984,1985,1988)
“Schneckerl” Herbert Prohaska is selected from Austria football association as their greatest player in the last 50 years beat Austria’s legend like Hans Krankl. He played as deep-lying playmaker. A combative midfielder, he is known for his intelligence, precision passing and his uncompromising to destroy opponent’s game. Prohaska played in Austria for eight years before decided to move playing in Italian Series A with Inter Milan for two seasons. Then, He was transferred to AS Roma where he played just a season but that was very special because he could be a part to win their first Italian Series A trophy in history. Guerin Sportivo rating of him could be considered in World-Class in his last season in Series A with AS Roma. Prohaska scored more than 100 goals during his professional career. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor twice and finished highest place at 7th in 1980.
_______________________________________40. Karel Pesek Kada
Date Of Birth : 20 September 1895
Date Of Birth : 20 September 1895Nation : Czechoslovakia
Caps. : 44 Games
Height : 173 cm
Caps. : 44 Games
Height : 173 cm
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Major Club : Sparta Prague
Olympic Games Participation: 1920, 1924
Club Honours : 5 Time Czechoslovak League
1927 Mitropa Cup Winner, 1930 Runner-Up
1927 Mitropa Cup Winner, 1930 Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : None
Karel Pesek Kada was generally acknowledged as the greatest European defensive midfielders in the 1920s and is the best Czechoslovakian footballers in the pre-war era. He played as center-half, known for his commitment, his understanding of the game, his overview and game intelligence were outstanding. He is considered the inventor of the tackle with which he often took the ball from his opponents. Pešek was a very hard-working player with amazing fighting spirit. He was very useful in defensive lines with his leadership and his extraordinary tackle became he was very difficult to pass. Pesek led Czechoslovakia to the final of 1920 Olympic but the team was punished as disqualified after protesting referee. Pesek Kada is a key player of Sparta Prague in its glory years, participated in 3 Mitropa Cup tournaments and was one of the best players of the 1927 and 1930 tournament. He is also evaluated as one of the best players in the World in 1920, 1921 and 1927.
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39. Dave Mackay
Date Of Birth : 14 November 1934
Nation : Scotland,
Position : Defensive Midfielder/ Center-Back
Height : 172 cm, Major Club : Tottenham Hot Spurs
World Cup Participation : 1958 (1 Game)
Club Honours : 1 Time Scottish Champion
1 Time English Top Division
1 Time Scottish Cup, 2 Times Scottish League Cup
3 Times FA Cup,1963 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1969 FWA Footballer Of The Year
Dave Mackay is the finest destroyer in history of British football. Mackay was not only a superlative destroyer who was indispensable for his team but also great in passing and reading the game. He is one of the strongest footballers in history of the game. It is often overlooked that the powerful half back could beat a player just as easily as he could stop one in his tracks. Mackay suffered two broken legs, the second in a reserve match as he was returning from the first, but his spirit remained intact during a punishing recovery program of strengthening exercises and dieting. That drive – accompanied by fine vision and passing – pushed Spurs to success in the Sixties, A warrior of a player who walks with a bow-legged gait that stems from a career of exertion, He could play as sweeper as well. Mackay was selected by the times as Spurs’s the second greatest player of all-time. However, he was never nominated in Ballon'Dor.
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38. Edgar Davids
Date Of Birth : 13 March 1973
Nation : Netherlands, Caps : 74 Games
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 170 cm, Major Club : Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1998 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Dutch League
3 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1 Time Copa Italia
1992 UEFA Cup, 1995 UEFA Champion League
1992 UEFA Cup, 1995 UEFA Champion League
3 Times UEFA Champion League Runner-Up (1996,1998,2003)
1995 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1998 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
2000 European Championship Best XI
Edgar Davids is one of the best defensive midfielders of the World during the late 1990s, was the great powerful dinamo midfielder, was noted for his tireless running, uncompromising and excellent agility. Davids liked to support attacking game with his technical abilities and great acceleration. He had glaucoma, which requires him to wear protective goggles during football matches. His dreadlocked hair and his protective eye wear make Davids one of the most recognizable footballers of his generation. He did not see much playing time at Milan, and moved on to league rival Juventus. Davids is considered a s the best defensive midfielder in the 1998 FIFA World Cup which Holland finished fourth place. In 2001, Davids was suspended for a year by FIFA when he tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid, nandrolone. Davids could be considered in twice world-class domestic season by media rating. Davids is named in ESM team of the month twice times only. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times between 1998 and 2000, reached highest place at 8th in 1998 as the best defensive midfielder.
_______________________________________37. Danilo Alvim
Nation : Brazil,
Height : 182 cm, Position : Wing-Half
Major Club : Vasco Da Gama
World Cup Participation : 1950 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Brazil State Championship
1948 South American Club Championship
International Honours : 1949 Copa America Champion
1950 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1947 Brazilian League Best Player
1953 South American Championship Best XI
"The Prince" Danilo Alvim is the most talent and complete Brazilian defensive midfielder of all-time, is one of the forgotten legends from the era of the 2nd half 1940s despite being one of the greatest center-halfs in the World in his time. It is largely due to a highlight of defect in his career that lost Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final in which is considered the worst disaster in history of Brazilian football. He also faced the car accident and resulting broken leg in his early career and have to wait until his 25 years old to win first caps. Danilo was famous for his elegant and beautiful ball control. Style replete of perfect passes and objective, short dribbles. He invented a very sophisticated and characteristic movement which was an elegant ball smoothing with the thigh. He possessed a very refined technique with majestic long passes. He was one of the best players of the 1948 South American Club Championship.
Nation : Scotland,
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Liverpool
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982, 1986 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times English Top League
3 Times Scottish Top League, 1 Time Copa Italia
3 Times Scottish Top League, 1 Time Copa Italia
4 Times English League Cup, Scottish League Cup
3 Times European Cup Winners (1978, 1981, 1984)
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1981 European Cup Top Scorer
Graeme Souness is regarded as the best midfielder to ever play for Scotland national team and was one of the most important players of Liverpool in their golden era dominating in the Europe, Souness was the complete package midfielder, an elegant brute with a seam of sadism running through him. The greatest part of his game is the stuff that went unnoticed. Most of his passes were 10 yards or less and, after releasing the ball, he'd invariably move into space to receive it back. Souness played for Middlesbrough for 4.5 seasons before move to Liverpool. According to Guerin Sportivo rating, he was the fifth best foreigner in Series A in his first season with Sampdoria but the second season was very tend down. Souness finally retried his career with Rangers. He was selected in PFA team of the year in 4 times. The Times ranks him as Liverpool’s fourth greatest player ever. Souness reached the highest place in Ballon'Dor at 6th in 1984.
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Date Of Birth: 1 April 1976
Nation : Netherlands, Caps : 87 Games
Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 176 cm, Major Club : AC Milan
World Cup Participation : 1990 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Eredivisie, 1 Time Dutch Cup
3 Times ltalan Series A, 1 Time Spanish La Liga
4 Times UEFA Champion League (1995,1998,2004,2007)
1996 Intercontinental Cup, 2001 FIFA Club World Cup
2005 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2 Times Dutch Football Talent (1994,1998)
2007 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
Clarence Seedorf is a consistency international-class player during the 2nd half 90s to 2000s and being the only player in history of the game to win UEFA Champion League with three different teams. He is a versatile midfielder, can adapt himself to create game on the left or right side in midfield, possesses high stamina, basic technique, excellent teamwork, fitness and intelligent. Seedorf started well-known with golden generation of Ajax alongside Kluivert, Davids and Rizeger. He also played for Sampdoria and Inter Milan but didn’t win any trophy with them. His national appearances had not been more impressive due to his ongoing conflict with Van Basten. Seedorf has mostly been a starter for his club for more than a decade, has played more than 780 games in club level. However, Italian media rating consider him not to reach any world-class season in Series A. Seedorf is named in ESM team of the month 8 times and team of the year once time and was named in UEFA Team of the year twice times. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times.
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34. Toninho Cerezo
Date Of Birth : 21 April 1955
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 57 Games
Height : 183 cm, Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Major Club : Atletico Mineiro, Sampdoria
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1978 (10 Games)
Club Honours: 1991 Italian Series A, 4 Times Copa Italia
1984 European Cup Runner-Up
1991 UEFA Cup Winners Cup
1993 Copa Libertadores Cup
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1992, 1993)
International Honours :1978 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement :
2 Times Brazilian League Footballer Of The Year (1977, 1980)
3 Times Brazilian League Best XI
2 Times Brazilian League Footballer Of The Year (1977, 1980)
3 Times Brazilian League Best XI
Toninho Cerezo is one of the greatest Brazilian defensive midfielder of all-time, was a great organizer and also full of defensively toughness and tireless combined with above average of skillful. After won player of the year in Brazil twice times, Toninho continued the successful career in Italian Series A and Italian rating of him shows his best season is the 1984 - 1985 with AS Roma. Aside from Sampdoria, He previously played for AS Roma and reached European cup final round with them. Toninho notably made a big mistake passing in the 1982 World Cup and Brazil disqualified for semi-finalist as a result. Toninho was selected in Brazilian Series A team of the year in three times. In 1993, He was selected as man of the match in intercontinental cup. He was chosen as starter in all-time Sampdoria XI by voting of journalists in www.channel4.com. He was named in top ten South American Footballer of The Year once time in 1980 which he finished 7th place.
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Date Of Birth : 29 August 1934
Nation : Germany
Position : Destroyer
Height : 178 cm
Major Club : Wuppertaler, Catania
Caps : 43 Games
World Cup Participation : 1958, 1962 (9 Games)
Club Honours : None
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1962 Guerin Sportivo Series A Player of the Year
Horst Szymaniak was the greatest German midfielder during 2nd half 1950s. He had very good ball skills, had clarity and was able to make long passes to unerringly to a team mate. At the same time it drew from two combat of strength, and the sliding tackle was judged to be his trademark. He was rated by kicker magazine in 4.5 world-class seasons, include 2.5 seasons of international-class of his career in Bundesliga. Szymaniak was nominated in Ballon'Dor between 1957 -1961 and finished in top ten three times as the best place of defensive midfielder, He was one of a few German players to play outside his country, was transferred to Italian Series A to play with three clubs in 5 seasons, was believed reaching 2 seasons of international-class with Catania. Later, He moved to play for Inter Milan where he won a European Cup with team but not a starter. Szymaniak never won any trophy due to regularly play for small clubs.
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32. Roy Keane
Date Of Birth : 10 August 1971
28. Osvaldo Ardiles
Nation : Republic Of Ireland, Caps : 66 Games
Position : Destroyer, Height : 178 cm
Major Club : Manchester United
World Cup Participation : 1994, 2002 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Times English Premier League
1 Time Scottish Premier League
4 Times FA Cup, 1 Time Scottish League Cup
1999 UEFA Champion League
1999 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2000 FWA Footballer Of The Year
2000 PFA Player’s Player Of The year
Roy Keane is one of the best footballers of Ireland Republic, was an aggressive powerful midfielder and one of the most hard-men in British football history. He was full of winning-mind and proved himself as a true leader for his club and national team, was a very good team work player and a key to create Man U’s glory year, routinely activate his team to get back as a winner even being led for scores. His role helped Man Utd won the only major triple champions in history of English football. However, It often became his violent behavior, was suspended and sent-off several times during his career until holds the record for the most red cards in English football with 13. The most famous event was his hard tackling to Alf-Inge Haland due to his wanting to revenge until broken leg and retired from football shortly afterwards. Roy Keane could be considered in 3 world-class domestic seasons according to media rating. He was named PFA team of the year five times and premier league player of the month twice. Keane is named in ESM team of the month 5 times and team of the year once time. Keane was nominated in Ballon'Dor once time in 1999 and finished sixth place as the best defensive midfielder.
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31. Xabi Alonso
Date Of Birth : 25 November 1981
Nation : Spain, Caps : 113 Games
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 183 cm
Major Club : Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010, 2014 (13 Games)
Club Honours: 1 Time Spanish La Liga
2 Times Bundesliga, 1 Time DFB Pokal
1 Time Copa Del Rey, 1 Time FA Cup
2 Times UEFA Champion League (2005,2014), 2007 Runner-Up
International Honours : 2 Times UEFA Euro Winner (2008, 2012)
2010 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 2003 Spanish Footballer of The Year
2012 UEFA Euro Team of The Tournament
Nation : Spain, Caps : 113 Games
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 183 cm
Major Club : Real Sociedad, Liverpool, Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010, 2014 (13 Games)
Club Honours: 1 Time Spanish La Liga
2 Times Bundesliga, 1 Time DFB Pokal
1 Time Copa Del Rey, 1 Time FA Cup
2 Times UEFA Champion League (2005,2014), 2007 Runner-Up
International Honours : 2 Times UEFA Euro Winner (2008, 2012)
2010 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 2003 Spanish Footballer of The Year
2012 UEFA Euro Team of The Tournament
Xabi Alonso is one of the best defensive midfielders in the World in the late 200s to early 2010s. He started his extraordinary performance during he played for Real Sociedad where he was a key man in midfield helping the club to achieve second place in 2003-2004 Spanish La Liga season as a great destroyer before developing himself to excel an defensive holding midfielder role in his Liverpool years and continued his consistency with Real Madrid where he achieved his peak career. He incredibly achieved world-class performance with Bayern at his 33 years old. Xabi possesses a technique, vision, and varied passing range. He also had a powerful and accurate shot from distance, and he is an effective set-piece and also in the aerial game. His defensive attribute tactical intelligence, aggressive tackling and ability to read the game. He was named as La Liga best defensive midfielder in 2012 and UEFA Champion League best XI in 2014. He was named in ESM team of the month twice and appeared in FIFPro World XI twice times. He was nominated in Ballon'dor three times between 2010 - 2012, finishing the tenth in 2010 as his best place
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30. Billy Bremner
Date Of Birth : 9 December 1942
Nation : Scotland,
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 164 cm, Major Club : Leeds United
World Cup Participation : 1974 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times English Top Division
1 Time FA Cup, 1 Time League Cup
2 Times Inter Cities Fairs Cup (1968, 1971)
1975 European Cup Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 1970 FWA Footballer Of The Year
Leeds United’s Greatest Player Ever
Billy Bremner
was chosen by The Times as the greatest player in history of Leeds United club.
and has a statue outside the South East corner of Elland Road. By the time
debuted his career for Leeds, Bremner quickly established himself as an
uncompromising player, tough in the tackle and often going beyond the rules to
get the better of a skilled opponent. He had a stamina to work from one end of
the pitch to the other and could pass with precision and timing. He also
weighed in with his share of goals, and had an extraordinary ability to score
crucial goals in the biggest games. Bremner played 772 matched for Leeds United
that is almost the record of his club just only to Jacky Charlton one game and
scored 115 Goals. In 1973, Bremner was best honoured in international level,
was voted 5th in Ballan’ Dor as the best defensive/central midfielder and also
finished in top ten Ballon'Dor in 1974.
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29. Rodri
Date Of Birth : 22 June 1986
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 190 cm, Major Club : Manchester City
Height : 190 cm, Major Club : Manchester City
Caps : 70 Games, World Cup Participation : 2022, 2026
Club Honours 4 Times Premier League. 1 Time FA Cup
2023 UEFA Champion League, 2021 Runner-Up
3 Times UEFA Champion League (09,11,15)
3 Times FIFA Club World Cup (09,11,15)
3 Times FIFA Club World Cup (09,11,15)
International Honours : 2023 UEFA Nation League
2024 UEFA Euro Champion
2026 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 2023 UEFA Champion League MVP
2023 Global Scocer Award Best Midfielder
2023 Global Soccer Awards Best Midfielder of the Year
2024 UEFA Euro Best Player
2024 IFFHS World Best Player
2024 European Footballer of the Year
2024 Silver BAll FIFA Best Men Player
2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
Rodri is the greatest central midfielder in the world during first half to the mid 2020s, is the second central midfielder in history to have won Ballon’Dor aside from Lothar Matthaus, and is the only central midfielder in history of teh game to win player of the tournament in all 3 main competition including UEFA Champion League, UEFA Euro and World Cup. He is an instrumental midfielder of Manchester City and Spain National team that won most important European trophies. Rodri is a physically strong and tall player. His physique helps him to frequently win tackles, challenges on opponent players, as well as aerial duels. Rodri is further known for his versatility and tactical intelligence. He is known for his contributions to his team's build-up play. Often used as an anchor, or water carrier, his primary role is to win back possession in midfield and distribute the ball to start counterattacks. His ability to maintain possession under pressure allows him to perform this role effectively. Aside from 2024, he also finished 5th Ballon dor and 6th FIFA Best men player. He is named in ESM team of the month 4 times.
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Date Of Birth : 3 August 1952
Nation : Argentina
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 169 cm
Major Club : Tottenham Hot Spurs
Caps : 63 Games
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 2 times FA Cup, 1984 UEFA Cup
International Honours : 1978 FIFA World Cup Winner
Individual Achievement : None
“Ossie” and “The
Python” Osvaldo Ardiles is one of the legendary Argentinian midfielders, was
rated by so many as the finest South American foreigner in history of
English league. He was a competitive and skillful central midfielder. He snaked
like dribbling skill and possessed great passing abilities. Because of
Tottenham's perceived defensive weakness, He was signed to play for the club
after winning World Cup 1978 with Argentina as one of the very best central
midfielders of the tournament and being the most important role to control
defensive and offensive game. He notably left England for a period as a result
of the outbreak of the Falklands War in 1982, thus missing most of the 1982–83
season. In 2008, He was induced into Tottenham Hotspurs Hall of Fame. Ardiles
was named in top ten South American Footballer of The Year once time in 1978.
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27. Frank Lampard
Date Of Birth : 20 June 1978, Height : 183 cm
Nation : England, Caps : 90 Games (23 Goals)
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder, Major Club : Chelsea
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times English Premier League
3 Times FA Cup, 2 Times League Cup
2012 UEFA Champion League Winner , 2008 Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2004 UEFA Euro Team Of Tournament
2005 FWA Footballer Of The Year
2005 Silver Ball FIFA World Player Of The Year
2005 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
2008 UEFA Club Best Midfielder
2 Times England Player of The Year (2004, 2005)
Chelsea All-Time Top Scorer - Greatest Player Ever
Frank Lampard was one of the best midfielders in Europe in the mid-2000s. He plays most often as a box-to-box midfielder and has also enjoyed spells in a more advanced attacking midfield role, is known for his positional awareness fit to the tactical strategy as a main scoring role from midfield line. Lampard is the highest goal-scoring midfielder in Premier League history with 174 league goals in total and scored 255 goals in all competitions, he is also 2nd in the all-time Premier League assists table. Johan Cruijff ever give his sentence about him that “Lampard is the best midfielder in Europe”. In 2005, He won many individual awards and became the only player in history of Chelsea club to win award in European Footballer of The Year. He was selected in PFA team of the year for three times, is the top premier league assisters in twice seasons, is a top scorer of the FA Cup and the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, Lampard could be considered in twice world-class domestic seasons according to media rating. He was awarded Premier League player of the month four times and 18 times ESM team of the month and 3 times team of the year.
_______________________________________26. Gerson
Date Of Birth
: 11 January 1941
Nation : Brazil, Caps
: 70 Games (14 Goals)
Position : Box-to-Box
Midfielder/Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 170
cm, Major Club : Botafogo
World Cup
Participation : 1966, 1970 (5 Games/2 Assists)
Club Honours : 6
Times Brazil State Champion
1 Time Brazil National
Championship
International Honours
: 1970 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual
Achievement : 1970 FIFA World Cup Best Midfielder
Brazil Football Museum
Hall of Fame
"Parrot"
Gérson de Oliveira Nunes was one of the greatest central midfielders in the
World in the late 1960s. A successor of Didi in central midfield role, although
he didn't play well in the 1966 tournament, he was the mastermind behind the whole
Brazil national team in the 1970 tournament. He is regarded as the best passer
and midfielder in that Cup and the best player in the final against Italy. He
played as central midfielder, orchestrated most of Brazil's brilliant attack.
Gerson stayed deep in midfield and drew his marker out position. He was great
in defensive duty combined with high level of ball controlling skill. However,
He was more attacking player in the club level and scored 129 goals in 306
games before having switched to play deeper since the age of 28 years old. His
prime was performed during his career at Botafogo, he also played for Flamengo,
Sao Paulo and Fluminese.
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25. Patrice Vieira
_______________________________________
22. Jean Tigana
21. Fritz Szepan
Date Of Birth : 2 September 1907
Date Of Birth : 23 June 1976
Nation : France, Caps : 107 Games
Position : Defensive-Holding Midfielder
Height : 192 cm, Major Club : Arsenal
World Cup Participation : 1998, 2002, 2006 (12 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times English Premier League
3 Times Italian Series A, 4 Times FA Cup
International Honours : 1998 FIFA World Cup Champion
2006 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
2006 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
2000 European Championship
2001 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 2001 French Player Of The Year
Premier League Team of The Decade
Patrice Vieira is the greatest defensive midfielder in history of Arsenal club. He was born in Senegal and moved to settle down in France during his teenage years. Vieira possessed all-round abilities, very strong in defensive task, good ball controlling and passing. Vieira played as holding midfielder for Arsenal and France, always showed his great as organizer in midfield. Vieira started professional career with Cannes and spent a failure season at AC milan before settle down playing for Arsenal and played in Italian Series A in the late career. He was commented by French football fan that he never been as great performance in national level as his career with Arsenal where he was very remarkable. According to media rating, Vieira could be considered in 3 world-class domestic seasons. He was selected in PFA team of the year in 6 times but was never awarded premier league player of the month and was voted 5th Arsenal's greatest ever by the fan in 2008. He was named in ESM team of the month 9 times. Vieira was nominated in Ballon'Dor twice.
_______________________________________24. Igor Netto
Date Of Birth : 9 January 1930
Nation : Russia,
Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 179 cm, Major Club : Spartak Moscow
World Cup Participation : 1958, 1962 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Soviet Union Champions
3 Times Soviet Cup Winners
International Honours : 1960 European Championship Winner
1956 Gold Medal Olympic Game
Individual Achievement : 1960 UEFA Euro Team Of Tournament
3 Times Soviet Footballer of The Year (1952,1953,1954)
3 Times Soviet Footballer of The Year (1952,1953,1954)
Spartak Moscow Greatest Player Ever
Soviet Merited Master of Sports
Soviet Merited Master of Sports
Igor Netto is the best midfielder in history of Soviet Union football, is one of the greatest versatile players ever. He could play well in all positions in defense and midfield line. Netto started out as a left defender but, due to his offensive mentality, dribbling and technical abilities includes anticipation let moving into midfield. Netto is a great versatile player as his variety skills, could switch to play in the side of the field effectively. He was the captain of the USSR national football team from 1954 to 1963. During his career, He played for only one club was Spartak Moscow as a regular first team player in consecutive 15 seasonal years, dominating Soviet football during the 1950s. He participated only one game in the 1958 World Cup due to injury and finally participated all matched help USSR to reach quarter-final in the 1962 tournament. Netto never won Soviet footballer of the year because this award was established when he was already 34 years old. Netto was nominated in Ballon'Dor once time and finished ninth place in 1957.
23. Obdulio Varela
Date Of Birth : 20 September 1917
Nation : Uruguay,
Height : 178 cm, Position : Destroyer
Major Club : Penarol
World Cup Participation : 1950, 1954 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 6 Times Uruguay Champions
International Honours : 1950 FIFA World Cup Winners
1942 Copa America Winner
Individual Achievement : 1942 Copa America Best Player
1950 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
“The Black Chief” Obdulio Varela was the greatest defensive midfielder in the World in the 1940s, is one of the biggest Uruguayan legends . His nickname due to his dark skin and the influence he had on the pitch, and especially after the unlikely victory over Brazil. People recall Varela as one of the greatest classic centre halves, a midfield player equally adept in defense eating scoring chances. Varela was a hard-man destroyer who has limited in technical ability but it was compensated by his leadership and impact to the game of his team, best remembered for the event in the 1950 FIFA World Cup final. Even Uruguay was disadvantage to host nation Brazil, he activated his teammate and finally won the trophy as a result. The win is remembered as a miracle and made Varela immortal in the eyes of the Uruguayan people. Varela was voted 13th South America’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll.
_______________________________________
Date Of Birth : 23 June 1955
Nation : France,
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height :166 cm, Major Club : Bordeux
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986 (12 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times French League, 3 Times French Cup
International Honours :1986 FIFA World Cup Third Place
1984 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 1984 French Player Of The Year
1984 European Championship Team Of Tournament
1984 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1986 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
Bordeux Greatest Player Ever
"The Don Quichotte of Mali" Jean Tigana is the greatest French defensive midfielder of all-time, was the greatest defensive midfielder in the World in the mid-80s, is well-known as one of “The Magic Square” the great midfield foursomes of all-time, alongside Michel Platini, Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez in World Cup 1986. He born in Mali with Malian Father and French Mother. Tigana was best noted for his intelligent vision in great movement and teamwork in coordination with his teammates and possesses tireless stamina. In club level, He could reach European Cup semi-final round once time which is the best record of the club. Also, He won fourth place in World Cup 1982 with France. Tigana was also nominated in the 1986 Ballon'Dor.
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Date Of Birth : 2 September 1907
Nation : Germany, Caps : 34 Games
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 177 cm
Major Club : Schalke 04
World Cup Participation : 1934, 1938 (5 Games)
Club Honours : 6 Times German Champions
1 Time DFB-Pokal
International Honours : 1934 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : None
Fritz Szepan was the “Beckenbauer” of the pre-WWII years, is one of the great legends of German football. He is one from the gallery of great playmakers, not markedly pacy, but talented to make the game pacy. He knew how to play directly but also capable of great solos - all that while being strong enough defensively to have played as a stopper. His name is synonymous with the great Schalke era of the 1930s and early-1940s. He started career at 15 years old as inside right but gained international recognition in his interpretation of the center half role at a time other center halves were largely committed to covering the opposing center forward. However, he was not an easy-going player and declared his retirement from international play more than once. Szepan had a comeback in late-1936, playing at inside left. His displays again reached the high level of his 1938 World Cup performance. Szepan prominently won German Double Champion with Schalke in 1937, He scored 234 goals in 342 games in club career.
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20. Bryan Robson
Date Of Birth : 11 January 1957
Nation : England,
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Manchester United
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986,
1990 (8 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times
English Premier League
4 Times FA Cup, 1 Time League Cup
1991 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : None
“Captain Marvel” Bryan Robson is
regarded as the greatest British central midfielder ever. He was a consistency
box-to-box midfielder who made a large number of scores, great tackles, ball
winning and passing abilities and was a good header of the ball, but what set
him apart from other midfielders was his ability to get to the goal. Robson
captained both Manchester United and England for more than a decade. He is best
remembered in World Cup 1982 as the second fastest scorer in history of World
Cup with 27 second in match against France. He had to wait until 37 year olds
for a league champion medal. Robson scored almost 100 goals for Manchester
United. Although never won any individual award, he was selected in PFA team of
the year for six times and was voted in top ten European Footballer Of the Year
four times between 1983 to 1985 and 1987, three of these is the best place of central/defensive midfielder. He was also voted in top ten World Soccer Player of the year twice in 1983 and 1984.
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19. Danny Blanchflower
Date Of Birth : 10 February 1926
Date Of Birth : 6 July 1969
17. Marco Tardelli
Date Of Birth : 24 September 1954
Nation : Northern Ireland,
Height : 173 cm, Position : Wing-Half
Major Club : Tottenham Hot Spurs
World Cup Participation : 1958 (5 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time English Top League
2 Times FA Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : Tottenham Greatest Player Ever
1958 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
2 Times FWA Footballer Of The Year (1958, 1961)
Danny Blanchflower was ranked as the number one greatest player in Spurs history by The Times in 2009, is remembered as one of the great tacticians in the history of the game, renowned for his passing as an outstanding right-half. He was an indispensable for Spurs during lately 1950s to early 1960s and help them won their first double champion ever. He was the man who ran the show, and what a show it was. Always keeping the ball moving, would wait for an opening and find a pass that the opposition had not seen and an angle that didn’t seem to exist. He did the most important role for Northern Ireland as well, Led them reach the deepest round in World Cup in history of his country at quarter-final round in 1958. Blanchflower is not too great in defensive quality but excellent as a game controller in deep-lying midfield area, hardly scored by himself. He was nominated in Ballon'Dor three times.
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18. Fernando Redondo
Nation : Argentina, Caps : 29 Games
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 186 cm, Major Club : Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 1994 (4 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Spanish La Liga (1995, 1997)
1 Time Copa Italia,
3 Times UEFA Champion League (1998, 2000, 2003)
International Honours : 1993 Copa America Winner
1992 FIFA Confederation Cup
Individual Achievement : 1992 FIFA Confederation Cup Golden Ball
2000 UEFA Champion League Most Valuable Player
Fernando Redondo
is the most talented defensive midfielders of all-time, is one of the greatest
holding midfielders in history of the game. He could perform in either a
defensive or creative midfield role with his great left-foot. Redondo was a
master of creativity, ball controlling and passing abilities. All of these were
perfectly performed as usual. Nevertheless, Redondo's qualification is
characterized as an abnormal function as his superb set of offense in technical
and creative ability is even superior to many attackers but also possesses a
considerable defensive quality. Sir Alex Ferguson ever said that Redondo’s
boots is comparable to magnetization. He played for Argentina less than 30
matches because of refusing to cut his long hair and this was a rule of
Passarella. Redondo's career was interrupted by serious injury frequently. He
was named in La Liga Best XI twice including 4 times ESM team of the month and 1 times ESM team of the year. He was also nominated in Ballon'Dor twice times.
Nation : Italy,
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 178 cm, Major Club : Juventus
World Cup Participation : 1978, 1982, 1986 (13 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Italian Series A
2 Times Copa Italia
1977 UEFA Cup, 1984 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
1985 European Cup, 1983 Runner-Up
International Honours : 1982 FIFA World Cup Winners
Individual Achievement : 1980 UEFA Euro Team Of Tournament
Italian Football Hall of Fame
Marco Tardelli is widely regarded as the greatest Italian defensive midfielder ever and is the greatest defensive midfielder in the World during the 1st half 1980s. He was well known for his battling qualities, primarily his stamina and mentality as well as his ruthless tackling. He was also known for his technical abilities and his ability to score vital goals. Tardelli spent the majority of career part with Juventus in ten seasons and scored 51 goals. Tardelli is one of a few players in history to win all three titles of European competition. He is particularly remembered for his famous goal celebration in the 1982 FIFA World Cup final match. According to italian media rating, Tardelli could be considered in world-class in 3.5 domestic seasons. Tardelli was selected by many journalists in www.channel4.com in all-time Juventus XI. Tardelli was nominated in Ballon'Dor once time in 1982.
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16. Jose Pirri
Date Of Birth : 11 March 1945
Nation : Spain,
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height :174 cm, Major Club : Real Madrid
World Cup Participation : 1966, 1978 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 10 Times Spanish La liga
4 Times Copa Del Rey
1966 European Cup Winner
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : None
Jose Pirri is regarded as the greatest Spanish footballer during the late 1960s to 1970s. He played as defensive midfielder for Real Madrid and Spain until his 28 year olds before moved to play as sweeper. He could be in the back of the field, and in master of seconds, he could be scoring a goal, specially thanks to his superb stamina. He made his debut in 1964 and become a leader inside Real Madrid’s structure as a true captain. He played with his heart for the white team, once, in the final against Chelsea with his arm on a sling, due to an arm injury, or even with his jaw broken, this proved his amazing tolerance to injury of all kinds. He stayed in Real Madrid for 16 years scoring the amazing amount of 170 goals. Since 1975, he finished second place and third place Spanish La Liga player of the year once of each. According to El Mundo rating, He was the La Liga Best player twice times in 1977 - 1978 and 1979 - 1980 season. Pirri finished in top ten Ballon'Dor three times, twice of these is the best ranking of defensive midfielder.
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15. Gerhard Hanappi
Nation : Austria,
Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 169 cm, Major Club : Rapid Vienna
World Cup Participation : 1954, 1958 (8 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Austrian League
1 Austrian Cup, 1951 Mitropa Cup
International Honours : 1954 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1955 Austria Sportsman of The Year
3 Times Austrian Footballer of The Year (1950, 1954, 1955)
Rapid Vienna Greatest Player Ever
Gerhard Hanappi is an famous Austrian legend, a versatile midfielder. Hanappi was very combative player, tireless runner and brilliant technician, was very intelligent with excellent sense of anticipating which made him very useful in defensive duties, and also enabled him to make well timed runs in the box and to score a lot of goals. Hanappi mainly played as wing-half and was also remarkable in playmaking skill. He started his career at SC Wacker Wien, Deemed as Austria's biggest football talent, he then controversially moved to play for big city rivals Rapid Vienna where he proved to be very successful, He also captained the side for seven years and was chosen in Rapid's Team of the Century in 1999. Hanappi was voted 3rd greatest Austrian footballer ever by IFFHS’s poll. After retirement, He worked as an architect. He planned the Weststadion in Vienna, which was renamed to Gerhard Hanappi Stadium after his death.
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Date Of Birth : 6 August 1935
14. Mario Coluna
Nation : Portugal,
Position: Central Holding/Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 172 cm, Major Club : Benfica
World Cup Participation : 1966 (6 Games)
Club Honours : 10 Times Portuguese League
6 Times Portuguese Cup
2 Times European Cup Winners (1961, 1962)
3 Times European Cup Runner-Up (1963, 1965, 1968)
International Honours : 1966 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1966 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
“The Sacred Monster” Mario Coluna is the best midfielder ever to born in the Africa and is the best midfielder in history fo Benfica and Portuguese Liga, is best remembered as the best assister to Eusebio in Portugal’s glory year. Some call him as "Didi of Portugal". His primitive race was Mozambique as well as Eusebio, captained the legendary team of the "Magriços". Regarding his style of play, Strong at midfield, Coluna was known for the way he played on the field because of his elegant and efficient style with accurate passing and superb vision and ability to read the game. Coluna used to score long distance goals with ease. He was also known for is stamina, that allowed him to control all the areas in the field. In 1967, He was selected as a starter FIFA World XI against Champion of Europe “Spain” Coluna scored around 150 goals in 677 matches for Benfica. Coluna finished highest place in Ballon'Dor at 13th in 1966. He was named World Soccer Player of the year 5 times during 1960s.
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13. Steven Gerrard
Date Of Birth : 30 May 1980, Height : 188 cm
Nation : England, Caps : 107 Games (21 Goals)
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder, Major Club : Liverpool
World Cup Participation : 2006, 2010 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times FA Cup, 3 Times League Cup
2005 UEFA Champion League Winners, 2007 Runner-Up
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2000 PFA Young Player Of The Year
2005 UEFA Champion League Most Valuable Player
2005 Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year
2006 PFA Player’s Player Of The Year
2009 FWA Footballer Of The Year
2 Times England Player of The Year (2007, 2012)
Liverpool's Greatest Player Ever
Liverpool's Greatest Player Ever
Order Of The British Empire
“Stivi G” Steven Gerrard was one of the best midfielders in the World and was one of the most popular superstars in the World during the second half 2000s. Gerrard has already been selected as the second best ever of Liverpool club by The Times. He started well-known as a prominent defensive midfielder in the premier league in his early career. He switched to play as central midfielder and attacking midfielder later then but still had a full of defensive awareness. Gerrard is a modern midfielder who is remarkable in movement in many midfield areas, organizing, work rates, leadership and superb long-shot with a high spiritual attitude of athlete, became one of the most important scorers of his club, scored more than 20 goals in three seasons. According to media rating, Gerrard could be considered in 3 - 4 world-class domestic seasons. Gerrard finish in top 8 FIFA World Player of the Year four times. He was selected in PFA team of the year in 7 times and holds the record most winners in Premier League players of the month with six, all of them are awarded in different seasons. Gerrard was named in UEFA Team of the year and FIFPro World XI three times including ESM team of the month 7 times and team of the year once.
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12. Luis Monti
Nation : Argentina, Position : Destroyer
Height : 167 cm, Major Club : Juventus
Caps : 16 Games For Argentina, 18 Games For Italy
World Cup Participation : 1930, 1934 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Argentina League
4 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Italian Cup
International Honours : 1934 FIFA World Cup Champion
1930 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1927 Copa America Winner
1928 Silver Medal Olympic Games
Individual Achievement : San Lorenzo Greatest Player Ever
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1930, 1934)
“The Double Wide” Luis Monti is considered as the greatest Half-Back in the pre-war era. Monti was gotten his nickname because of his coverage on the pitch, was a rugged and ruthless player, but had good technical skills to go with his strong tackling. He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system. As such he would mark the opposing centre forward when his team were defending,but would be the main midfield playmaker when his team was on the attack due to his passing and creativity. He played in two World Cup finals with different team, fist won runner-up with Argentina and changing to play for Italy and winning the 1938 World Cup after then. A match against Austria in World Cup 1934 was one of the best remembered games of his, Monti responsible for marking Matthias Sindelar who was one of the greatest attackers in that era, This task was a lot of success completed.
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11. Willem Van Hanegem
Date Of Birth : 20 February 1944
Nation : Netherlands,
Height : 178 cm, Position : Central Holding/Box-To-Box
Midfielder
Major Club : Feyenoord Rotterdam
World Cup Participation : 1974 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Dutch
Champions
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1974 UEFA Cup
1970 European Cup, 1970 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 1974
FIFA World Cup
Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : Feyenoord
Greatest Player Ever
“The Crooked” Willem Van Hanegem is
regarded by many Dutch old-timers as one of their greatest footballers ever, is one of the most complete box-to-box midfielders the world has ever seen and is one of the most underrated midfielders of all-time as he was never voted in top ten Ballon'Dor. He is respected for his tactical insight. Both his way of sprinting
(he had bandy legs), and his skill to give the ball a curve achieved by
striking the ball with the outside of his left foot. He is also well known for
his fantastic passing range, his ability with the ball at his feet and his
excellence in the air. Mainly played as defensive midfielder for Netherlands, Van Hanegem was a good tackler and not afraid to go physical challenges, he anyway was never fulfilled his talent in
international country competitions as one of the most prominent players in the world. He had an impressive
record scoring almost 100 goals around 300 games for Feyenoord.
_______________________________________
Date Of Birth : 15 September 1951
Date Of Birth : 16 October 1953
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 34 Games
10. Johan Neeskens
Nation : Netherlands, Caps : 49 Games (17 Goals)
Height : 172 cm, Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club : Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1978 (12 Games/5 Goals)
Club Honours : 3 Times Dutch League
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1 Time Copa De Rey
1979 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
3 Times European Cup (1971, 1972, 1973)
1972 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours :2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (74,78) Individual Achievement : 1974 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
1976 Best Spanish League Foreign Player
“Johan The Second” Johan Neeskens is one of the most completed central midfielders ever and was the best central midfielder in the World in the first half 1970s, is best known for being a partner with Johan Cruijff in Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona and Holland national team. He began playing as right-back until the end of 1970-1971 season which he was a starter in European Cup final. Neeskens transformed his position to central midfielder because of his tireless running, great technical skills and scored his fair share of goals. He was a mercurial midfielder who could fulfill any role – ball winner, creator or scorer. Always one of the fittest players on the pitch, He was also deadly on penalty kicks. He personified the “Total Football Style” as well as Johan Cruijff. Neeskens is one of three midfielders to score five goals in a world cup and is regarded as the best central midfielder in the 1974 World Cup as being named by all 3 medias in the 1974 World Cup best XI. In 1974, He finished 5th European footballer of the year. According to El Mundo rating, He was the La Liga Best player in 1975 - 1976 season. Within 5 seasons in Spain, he was named La Liga team of the season three times.
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9. Josef Masopust
Date Of Birth : 9 February 1931
Nation : Czechoslovakia, Caps : 63 Games (10 Goals)
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Height : 177 cm, Major Club : Dukla Prague
World Cup Participation : 1958, 1962 (9 Games)
Club Honours : 8 Times Czechoslovakian League
3 Times Czechoslovakian Cup
International Honours : 1962 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1960 UEFA Euro Team of The Tournament
1962 FIFA World Cup Best Playmaker - All Stars Team
1962 European Footballer of The Year
UEFA Jubilee Award (Czech Republic)
IFFHS Czechoslovakia Greatest Player of The Century
“Czech Knight” Josef Masopust is the greatest Czechoslovakian footballer of all-time, is the best midfielder in Europe during the early 1960s. A World-Class deep-lying playmaker, his exploits in the 1962 World Cup tournament helped him become the first player from Eastern Europe to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or as Europe's finest player in 1962. In the final match against Brazil, Masopust could easily have taken the ball from Pele but held off, seeing the Brazilian's distress. Pele returned the compliment by putting the ball out of play. He spent the majority of his career with ATK Prague scoring 79 goals in 386 games before moving to Belgium where he spent three seasons with Crossing Molenbeek. When his playing days were over, he took up a coaching career with stops at Zbrojovska and Hasselt of Belgium before returning to coach Dukla.
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Date Of Birth : 7 March 1926
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8. Ernst Ocwirk
Nation : Austria, Caps : 62 Games
Height : 183 cm, Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club : Austria Wienna, Sampdoria
World Cup Participation : 1954 (5 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Austria Bundesliga
3 Times Austrian Cup
International Honours: 1954 FIFA World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 1951 Austrian Sportsman Of The Year
Sampdoria Greatest Player Ever
1954 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
“The Clockwork” Ernst Ocwirk is considered as the second greatest Austrian footballer of all-time, is one of the most underrated footballers of all-time. A very completed midfielder, he was voted by IFFHS’s poll as the second place Austria’s player of century only to Matthias Sindelar. He is often cited as the last of the old-fashioned attacking centre-halves; he was known for his multifunctional skills for the aesthetic and technical style of playing, his heading ability, and his passing range. The fans loved him for his modest and fair personality. The international media of the era saw Ocwirk as "the best center-half in the world". In 1953, His international successes earned him the honour of twice being named captain of the "FIFA World team". Ocwirk was chosen in Austria’s team of the century in 2001.
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7. Paul Breitner
Date Of Birth : 5 September 1951
Nation : Germany, Caps : 48 Games (10 Goals)
Position : Box-to-Box Midfielder
Height : 176 cm, Major Club : Bayern Munich
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1982 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Bundesliga Champions
2 Times Spanish Liga
1 Time Copa Del Rey, 2 Times DFB-Pokal
1974 European Cup Winner, 1982 Runner-Up
International Honours : 1974 FIFA World Cup Winner,1982 Runner-Up
1972 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 1972 UEFA Euro Best XI
1974 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
1981 German Player Of The Year
1981 Silver Ball European Footballer Of The Year
Paul Breitner is considered as the best central midfielder in Europe during early 1980s. During the first half of his career, He operated as left-back, most outstanding in support offensive game as wing-back. Kicker rated him as a world-class player during his four years with Bayern Munich in one seasons and two international-class seasons. Afterwards, He moved to play for Real Madrid for three seasons. This affected him not to be called for West Germany for six years because of Jupp Derwall’s rule that would not include any player who played outside the country. However, He backed to play for Bayern again and switching his position to central midfielder that he was rated 2.5 world-class seasons and 3.5 international-class seasons. Breitner became one of the best midfielders in the world for this position. According to German Footballer of the year voting, He was German midfielder of the year four times and was named in Bundesliga team of the season six times. Breitner also finished 4th place Ballon'Dor in 1974 as a defensive lateral. He was chosen by 2 medias from total 3 in 1974 FIFA World Cup best XI
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6. Jozsef Bozsik
Date Of Birth : 28 November 1925
Nation : Hungary,
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder
Height : 173 cm, Major Club : Kispest Honved
World Cup Participation : 1954, 1958 (8 Games)
Club Honours : 5 Times Hungarian League
1959 Mitropa Cup
International Honours : 1952 Olympic Game Gold Medal
1953 Central European Champion
1954 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1954 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
1952 Hungarian Football Federation Player of the Year
1952 Hungarian Football Federation Player of the Year
“Cucu” Jozsef Bozsik is regarded as the greatest deep-lying midfielder in history of Eastern European football and was the best midfielder in the World during the mid-50s, was one of World-Class players but was overshadowed by the gifted attackers “The Magic Magyars” The Hungary Golden team. He was known for his flawless technique, flair, tactical nous, passing accuracy in both short and long range with the right moment, reliable ball possession with very difficult to lose the ball and control the game with ease, although he suffered from a lack of pace. He was an extremely intelligent player and was often used as a deep lying playmaker where his tackling ability was also helpful. He holds the record most Caps and most consecutive years of Caps for Hungary national team.Throughout his career, Bozsik won many honours. Bozsik was voted 6th European footballer of the year in the first year of this award. Besides, He was voted the third place Hungary’s player of century by IFFHS’s poll. Budapest Honved Stadium is named after him.
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5. Luca Modric
Date Of Birth : 9 September 1985
Nation : Croatia, Position : Central Holding Midfielder
Height : 174 cm, Caps : 178 Games
Major Club : Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, Real Madrid
World Cup Participation: 2006, 2014
Club Honours : 3 Times Croatian League, 4 Times La Liga
2 Times Croatian Cup, 1 Time Copa Del Rey
6 Times UEFA Champion League (14,16,17,18, 22,24)
3 Times FIFA Club World Cup (14,16,17)
International Honours : 2018 World Cup Runner-Up
2022 World Cup Third Place
Individual Achievement : 11 Times Croatian Footballer of the Year
2 Times Spanish La Liga Best Midfielder
4 Times Eastern European Footballer of the Year
4 Times Eastern European Footballer of the Year
2017 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
2018 Croatian Sportsmen of The Year
2018 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, 2022 Bronze Ball
2018 UEFA Men Player of the Year, FIFA Best Men Player
IFFHS World Team of The Decade 2010s
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4. Falcao
Nation : Brazil, Caps : 34 Games
Height : 183 cm, Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club : Internacional, AS Roma
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986 (7 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Brazil National Champions
1 Time Italian Series A, 1984 European Cup Runner-up
International Honours : 1991 Copa America Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1982 FIFA World Cup Silver Ball
1979 Bronze South American Footballer Of The Year
1982 Silver Ball South American Footballer Of The Year
2 Times Brazilian League Footballer of The Year (1978, 1979)
Internacional Greatest Player Ever
Brazil Football Museum Hall of Fame
“8th King Of Rome" Falcao is the greatest central midfielders in the World in the late 1970s to 1980s. He is also one of the greatest players ever of AS Roma which he was chosen as a starter in their all-time XI by many journalists in www.channel4.com. Falcao is the most central talented midfielder of all-time. He played as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder. An elegant and technically gifted player with an eye for goal from midfield and ability to orchestra his team attacking's moves and is known for his flair, vision, passing and long-range shooting ability as well as his tactical intelligence, organizational ability and leadership. After winning best players award in Brazilian League twice, Falcao was rated by Guerin Sportivo in all four world-class Series A seasons and was also rated as the greatest foreign player in the 1982 - 1983 season. He was also selected in 1975 Brazilian championship best XI.
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3. Xavi Hernandez
Date Of Birth : 25 January 1980
Height : 170 cm, Nation : Spain, Caps :133 Games
Height : 170 cm, Nation : Spain, Caps :133 Games
Position : Central Holding Midfielder, Major Club : Barcelona
World Cup Participation : 2002,2006,2010,2014 (17 Games/2 Assists)
Club Honours : 7 Times Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Copa Del Rey
3 Times UEFA Champion League (2006, 2009, 2011)
2 Time FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2012)
International Honours : 2 Times UEFA Euro (2008, 2012)
2010 FIFA World Cup Champion
Individual Achievement : 1999 La Liga Young Player Of The Year
2005 Spanish Player Of The Year, 2008 UEFA Euro Best Player
4 Times IFFHS World Best Playmaker, 2009 UEFA Club Best Midfielder
2009 Spanish National Sportsman of The Year
2009 Spanish National Sportsman of The Year
2009 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
2009 Bronze Ball Ballon’ Dor, FIFA World Player of The Year
2010 FIFA World Cup All-Stars Team
2 Times Bronze Ball FIFA Ballon'Dor (2010, 2011)
2021 IFFHS All-Time World Dream Team
"A Puppet Master" Xavi Hernandez is one of the most team decorated footballers of all-time and was one of the most valuable players in history of Spanish football, was the best midfielder in the World in the very late 2000s to the beginning 2010s. He is a key man of the achievement for Barcelona and Spain that meet their golden era, has made more than 180 assists for his club. Xavi is not a style of spectacular and all-round player style but full of intelligent and effectiveness in central midfield area as an indispensable organisor with reliable ball controlling and his ability to find and exploit spaces and made very accurate short passing as an embodiment of Tiki-Taka tactical strategy, having assisted to a lot goals. Xavi won the best player of Euro 2008 tournament plus man of the match in 2009 UEFA Champion league final round. Xavi holds the record most appearances in UEFA Champion League. He was named in ESM team of the year 23 times and team of the year 3 times. Xavi was named in UEFA Team of the year five times and FIFPro World XI six times In 2008, Xavi was also voted 5th European footballer of the year. Xavi made around 180 assists in overall career.
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2. Frank Rijkaard
Date Of Birth : 30
September 1962, Height : 190 cm
Nation :
Netherlands, Caps : 73 Games (10 Goals)
Position :
Defensive Holding Midfielder
Major Club : AC
Milan, Ajax Amsterdam
World Cup Participation
: 1990, 1994 (8 Games)
Club Honours :
5 Times Eredivisie, 3 Times Dutch Cups
2 Times Italian Series A, 1987
UEFA Cup Winners Cup
3 Times European Cup (1989,
1990, 1995), 1993 Runner-Up
2 Times Intercontinental Cup
(1989, 1990)
International Honours
: 1988 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement : 2
Times Dutch Golden Shoe (1985, 1987)
2 Times Bronze Ball European
Footballer Of The Year (1988, 1989)
1988 European Championship Team
Of Tournament
1992 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
Frank Rijkaard is the greatest defensive midfielder of all-time. His primitive race is
Suriname. He started his professional career as central defender but he was
transformed into a world-class holding midfielder at AC Milan and became an
indispensable player alongside his comrades like Ruud Gullit and Marco Van
Basten to build their glory year. Rijkaard basically played as man’s marker for
Netherlands national team. He is one of the strongest players ever. possessed tremendous determination and excellent
technique, both of which served him well in controlling the middle of the
field. His vision and ability to advance forward also made him a formidable
defensive force. Rijkaard was remembered of his unsuitable behavior spat in
Voller’s hair. This led him to be sent off and Holland finally lost to West
Germany. He ended his career with a luxury scene winning the first UEFA
Champion League in 1995.In spite of being a defensive player, He scored more
than 150 goals in all club competition. He also finished in top ten World Soccer Player of the year in the early 1990s twice.
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1. Lothar Matthaeus
Date Of Birth : 21 March 1961
Nation : Germany
Position : Box-To-Box
Midfielder
Height : 175 cm
Major Club : Inter Milan, Bayern Munich
Caps : 150 Games (23 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1982, 1986, 1990,
1994, 1998 (25 Games)
Club Honours : 7 Times Bundesliga
Champions
1 Time Italian Series A
2 Times DFB-Pokal
2 Times UEFA Cup (1991, 1996)
2 Times UEFA Champion League Runner-Up (1987, 1999)
International Honours : 1990
FIFA World Cup Champion
1986 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement
1978 Bravo Award
1990 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
1990 World Soccer
Player Of The Year
1990 IFFHS World Best Player of the Year
1990 IFFHS World Best Player of the Year
1991 FIFA World Player
Of The Year
European Footballer Of The Year : 1990 Gold,
2 Times German
Footballer Of The Year (1990, 1999)
1988 European
Championship Team Of Tournament
“The
Superman” Lothar Matthaus is the greatest central midfielder of all-time, was a powerful dynamo midfielder, has played in five
World Cups more than any other outfield player, and holds the record for the
most World Cup appearances with 25 games. He also played in Euro for four
tournaments. He is the most capped German player of all time with 150. The
first half of his career was performed as a box-to-box midfielder. Kicker
Magazine rated him as a world-class player in World Cup 1986, 1990 and 7.5
international-class seasons as a midfielder in Bundesliga. However, He also
reaches 3 world-class years at Inter Milan where he won many big individual
awards. Aside from 1990 and 1991, He won 4th in Ballon’ Dor in 1989.
Afterwards, He moved down to play as Libero, was rated a half world-class
season and 5.5 seasons international-class, noted for his two years injury. He
was renowned for his perceptive passing, positional sense, movement, tireless,
acceleration and well-timed tackling, as well as his explosive shot. According
to German Footballer of the year voting, He also finished second place three times, is German defender of the year three times and German
midfielder of the year four times and was most appeared in Bundesliga team of the week in twice seasons in 1985 and 1994. He played in professional level for 22
seasons. Matthaus was voted 15th World’s player of century in IFFHS’s poll and
the same place in UEFA Jubilee’s poll.
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The Memorial
Duncan Edwards
Date Of Birth : 11 October 1936
Nation : England,
Nation : England,
Position : Defensive Holding
Midfielder
Height : 180 cm, Major Club : Manchester United
World Cup Participation : None
Club Honours : 2 Times
English Top Division
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement :
1957 Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year
“Big
Dunc” Duncan Edwards is the most regrettable losing in history of football. He
was one of the victims who died as a result of the Munich air disaster when his
age was just 21 years old. Nevertheless, Edwards had gotten everything
indicating that he would go on his road to be as one of the greatest British
footballers ever and one of the greatest central midfielders of all-time. He was a
starter to play for Manchester United at his only 17 year olds of age and
already played for almost five seasons with 177 games and won twice top
division titles. Also, He was caps 18 matches for England. Moreover, He won the
third place in European footballer of the year in 1957 despite his only 20 year
olds. In abilities, Duncan Edwards was a completed and versatile midfielder, is
one of the strongest footballers the world has ever seen. As a defensive
midfielder, He could switch to play as center-back or even striker when needed.
His greatest asset is physical strength, stamina, toughness, his level of
authority on the pitch and dynamic coming forward, the power and timing of his
tackles, his ability to pass and shoot equally well with both feet, his surging
runs up the pitch and was equally skilled at heading the ball and at striking
fierce long-range shots.
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Statistics
By Nations/ Continent
Germany : 6
Brazil : 5
Netherlands : 5
England : 4
England : 4
Scotland : 4
Spain : 4
France : 4
Argentina : 3
Austria : 3
Soviet Union : 2
Ireland 2
Uruguay : 1
Uruguay : 1
Italy : 1
Northern Ireland 1
Portugal : 1
Belgium : 1
Hungary : 1
Croatia : 1
Croatia : 1
Czechoslovakia : 1
Africa : 1
By Decade
1920s : 2
1930s : 2
1940s : 3
1950s : 10
1960s : 7.5
1970s : 8
1980s : 6
1990s : 5.5
2000s : 6.5
2010s : 2
2010s : 2
By Position
Box-To-Box Midfielder : 19
Central Holding Midfielder :13
Defensive Holding Midfileder : 11
Destroyer : 5
Wing-Half : 2
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CLASSIFICATION
Class : Crown
None
|
||
Class : King
|
||
Gold
None
|
Silver
None
|
Bronze
Lothar Matthaus
|
Class : Queen
|
||
Gold
Didi, Frank Rijkaard,
Joszef Boszik, Falcao,
Luis Monti,
Ernest Ocwirk, Paul Breitner
Xavi Hernandez, Luca Modric
|
Silver
Willem Van Hanegem,
Obdilio Varela,
Johan Neeskens, Gerhard Hanappi,
Danny Blanchflower, GersonJose Pirri, Fernando Redondo Fritz Szepan, Mario Coluna, Igor Netto, Jean Tigana, Marco Tardelli, Bryan Robson, Patrice Vieira, Osvaldo Ardiles, Frank Lampard, Luca Modric, Nestor Rossi, Rodri |
Bronze
Graeme Souness, Billy Bremner
Toninho Cerezo, ,
Karel Pesek Kada,
Herbert Prohaska, Johnny Giles, Stefan Effenberg, Jim Baxter,
Michael Ballack, Danilo Alvim,, Roy Keane, Zito, Edgar Davids Horst Szymaniak, N'Kolo Kante Clarence Seedorf, Xabi Alonso Paul Pogba, Yaya Toure
|
Substitution Group : First Class
Zlatko Cajkovski : Yugoslavia 50s
Sergio Busquets : Spain 2010s
Claude Makelele : France Late 90s to Early 2000s
Arie Haan : Netherlands 70s
Didier Deschamps : France 90s
Carlos Dunga : Brazil 90s
Uli Stielike : Germany/late 70s to Early 80sPuck Van Heel : Holland/30s
Uli Stielike : Germany/late 70s to Early 80sPuck Van Heel : Holland/30s
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The Highest Central
Midfielder's Peaks of All-Time
1. Lothar
Matthaeus
2. Didi
3, Falcao
3, Falcao
4. Willem
Van Hanegem
5. Josef Masopust
6. Frank Rijkaard
6. Frank Rijkaard
7. Ernst Ocwirk
8. Fernando Redondo
9. Luca Modric
9. Luca Modric
10. Steven Gerrard
