An attacking midfielder in soccer is like the maestro of the team, orchestrating scoring opportunities with exceptional vision, skill, and tactical acumen. They possess the ability to dissect opposing defenses with precise passes and ignite attacking moves with their every touch.
In the past, these players were seen as luxury performers who focused solely on creating chances without much regard for defensive duties.
However, the modern game demands more from them.
Today’s attacking midfielders are not only creative and technically gifted but also industrious, combative, and intense, fulfilling defensive responsibilities while maintaining their offensive flair.
Who Is An Attacking Midfielder?
An attacking midfielder, often referred to as a playmaker or number 10, is a player positioned centrally in the midfield who majorly focuses on creating goal-scoring opportunities for their team.
They normally operate between the midfield and forward lines, linking the two areas of the pitch.
Attacking midfielders are known for their vision, creativity, passing ability, and dribbling skills. They often orchestrate attacking plays, providing key passes to forwards or wingers, and may also take shots on goal themselves.
They operate further forward than traditional central midfielders but are still required to contribute defensively throughout the game.
They are too talented on the ball to be categorized as ordinary midfielders yet not advanced enough on the pitch to be considered second strikers solely seeking goal-scoring opportunities.
Here are the top best attacking midfielders in 2024, players who epitomize the modern blend of creativity, skill, and defensive work ethic.
1. Jude Bellingham
It’s hard to argue against Jude Bellingham being the best player in the world right now, and it seems he’s living out a dream at Real Madrid.
His debut months with the club have been nothing short of spectacular: last-minute goals, standout performances, and his celebration becoming a global trend.
Bellingham’s goal tally has surpassed Zinedine Zidane’s best season, and at just 20 years old, he’s reshaping the role of attacking midfielders, causing Real Madrid to adjust Vinicius Jr’s position to accommodate him.
It’s remarkable.
His awareness, movement off the ball, and hunger on the field are exceptional. His role as a false nine and number 10 hybrid is intriguing, especially considering his ability to also excel as a number 8.
Known for his superb ball control, physicality, and technical prowess, Bellingham is widely considered one of the top all-around midfielders in the world.
His versatility and vision earn him praise, and he’s hailed as a “do-it-all midfielder” for his dynamic style of play, excelling both in defense and attack.
His knack for making impactful runs and dribbles has earned admiration, as he seamlessly transitions from defense to offense.
Analysis from Bundesliga describes him as the complete package: a midfielder who can win possession, drive forward, maintain possession, resist pressure, find gaps in defenses, and contribute to both goals and assists.
2. Kevin De Bruyne
In the last five years, Kevin De Bruyne has consistently been recognized as the top attacking midfielder globally. However, due to recent injuries, he’s slipped to second place in CheapGoal’s rankings.
De Bruyne’s talent lies in his precise passes, often setting up Manchester City’s forwards for clear goal opportunities. His trademark move, crossing from the inside-right position, poses a significant threat to opposing defenses.
Opponents face a dilemma when dealing with De Bruyne: close him down and risk his quick thinking getting him out of tight spots, or give him too much space and witness the havoc he can wreak.
While he primarily operates as an attacking or central midfielder, De Bruyne is versatile and can excel in various roles, including winger, second striker, and even deeper creative midfield positions.
Pundits hail him as one of the most completely advanced playmakers of the modern era, citing his technique, skill, athleticism, vision, and powerful shooting ability with both feet.
Despite not being known for his physical strength or aerial prowess, De Bruyne is agile and graceful on the ball, with excellent dribbling skills and tactical intelligence.
His ability to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense, coupled with his knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities, makes him a potent threat, particularly on counter-attacks.
3. Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard is hailed as a modern playmaker, known for his delicate touch, skillful technique, and adept dribbling abilities.
His vision and passing range, combined with his ability to deliver precise curved balls from dead balls and set pieces, have drawn comparisons to Mesut Özil and Guti.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praises Ødegaard’s exceptional footballing intelligence, noting his ability to find spaces on the field and his remarkable work rate. He describes Ødegaard as both talented and industrious, highlighting his stamina and relentless effort on the pitch.
He is not just creative; he’s also a hardworking player who contributes energetically to pressing opponents and covering large distances to regain possession for his team.
During loan spells at Real Sociedad and Arsenal, he proved to be one of the most productive pressers on his team statistically.
His intelligent movement creates opportunities for his Arsenal teammates, and despite his young age, he exhibits a level of game control usually associated with more seasoned players.
Also, Ødegaard’s passing abilities are exceptional, playing a significant role in Arsenal’s rise in the league standings.
Beyond his creative contributions, Ødegaard’s defensive work rate is exemplary, and his knack for finding the back of the net adds another dimension to his game.
With 15 league goals last season, he proved his ability to deliver results consistently.
4. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva’s versatility makes him a prized asset for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, as he seamlessly fits into various positions on the field.
With his slender build and elegant style, Silva is a creative left-footed playmaker who can thrive in multiple attacking and midfield roles.
He’s been deployed as a winger on either side, though he favors the right flank, as well as in central midfield, as a deep-lying playmaker, attacking midfielder, second striker, false nine, and even as a wing-back on occasion.
Known for his exceptional technique, acceleration, agility, passing, and ball control, Silva excels in driving forward, creating opportunities, and orchestrating attacks. His defensive work rate is equally impressive, allowing him to cover ground, press opponents, and initiate counter-attacks.
While he’s adept at carrying the ball and running at defenses, he also demonstrates intelligence and teamwork, preferring to contribute to offensive build-ups rather than relying solely on individual dribbling runs.
Despite his role as a creative midfielder, Silva also has a knack for finding the back of the net himself, adding another dimension to his game.
5. Lionel Messi
Even after leaving Europe for a quieter life, Lionel Messi remains anything but ordinary as he continues to dominate games for Inter Miami and Argentina. While he may have toned down his intensity both on and off the ball, his ability to dismantle defenses remains undiminished.
Messi possesses a myriad of ways to dismantle opponents.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest passers ever, he’s also capable of unleashing long-range strikes and effortlessly deceiving defenders with his deceptive movements, even when seemingly moving in slow motion.
As a prolific goal scorer, Messi’s finishing, positioning, quick reflexes, and knack for finding attacking spaces are legendary.
Also, his playmaking abilities are exceptional, thanks to his vision and precision passing, often conjuring goals and opportunities seemingly out of thin air.
Tactically, Messi operates in a free attacking role, showcasing his versatility by attacking from various positions on the field. While he excelled as a playmaker in his youth, he initially started his career in Spain as a left-winger.
Over time, he’s been deployed in deeper roles, as well as on the right wing or as a false nine, adapting to different formations and styles of play.
Regardless of his position, Messi’s dribbling prowess is unmatched, solidifying his status as one of the best dribbler in the world and one of the greatest of all time.
6. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes arrived at Manchester United in January 2020 and single-handedly transformed their fortunes, guiding the club back into the Champions League.
While he initially struggled to maintain that level of performance, he has become a significant influence under Erik ten Hag.
As an attacking midfielder, Fernandes is dynamic and direct, acting as a box-to-box playmaker who can both challenge defenders and dictate the tempo of play.
His style often involves taking risks with his passes, leading to occasional turnovers, but he compensates by immediately pressing the opposition after losing possession.
Fernandes is renowned for his goal-scoring prowess from midfield, frequently attempting shots from outside the penalty area and displaying accuracy in both free-kicks and penalties. His off-the-ball movement is another asset, often drifting around attacking areas or dropping deeper to receive the ball.
In addition to his role as an attacking midfielder, Fernandes is versatile enough to operate in deeper central midfield positions or even as a second striker when needed.
7. Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala’s journey from Croydon left many guessing his future position on the pitch—whether he’d be a striker, winger, attacking midfielder, or even something resembling Thomas Muller’s role.
However, under Julian Nagelsmann, he found his place in midfield, becoming the linchpin around whom Thomas Tuchel built his team.
Musiala’s versatility allows him to excel on the wings and in various midfield roles.
According to Hansi Flick, who gave him his debut at Bayern Munich, Musiala possesses exceptional spatial awareness and confidence on the ball, thriving in the spaces between opposition lines.
Despite being just 21 years old, Musiala has made a significant impact at Bayern Munich, earning a spot in both the starting XI and Germany’s World Cup squad. His ability to navigate through defenses, physical presence, and tactical awareness showcase his remarkable talent and confidence on the field.
Although he narrowly missed out on the Kopa Trophy, Musiala’s winning goal for Bayern Munich in the title-clinching match exemplifies his contributions to the team’s success.
8. Phil Foden
A highly talented young English player, has already made a big name for himself in the Premier League.
He’s a unique English midfielder who feels right at home playing in the middle of the field under Guardiola’s management.
His exceptional skills with the ball—like his precise first touch, close control, balance, and composure—make him seem more like a modern Spanish midfielder than someone born in Stockport in 2000.
Foden is ambitious and forward-thinking, both in his passing and dribbling.
He’s comfortable playing in various positions, whether between the lines or dropping deep to collect the ball. He often delivers sharp passes to his teammates from deeper positions, making runs to provide options and navigate through crowded defenses.
When Foden is on the pitch, his technical brilliance is hard to miss. He’s been honored twice as the PFA Young Player of the Year, demonstrating his tenacity and grit without possession.
Despite being left-footed, Foden can play as a wing-back or a right-winger, but Guardiola sees him primarily as a midfielder.
Praised as a “special player” by Guardiola, Foden’s tight control and ability to maneuver past opponents have earned him recognition from pundits. His adaptability and tactical understanding allow him to excel in various positions on the field.
9. James Maddison
James Maddison’s strength lies in his exceptional passing ability, particularly in picking out defense-splitting passes in the final third.
While he may not be known for the long, extravagant passes like Pirlo or Fabregas, Maddison excels in finding key positions to deliver precise passes that break through the opponent’s defense.
With an impressive 86% accuracy in medium-range passes (between 15m and 30m), Maddison reliably progresses play without resorting to flashy maneuvers.
At Tottenham, he has proven to be indispensable for manager Ange Postecoglou, acting as the focal point of the team’s attacking play.
He directs the flow of the game, provides crucial assists, and offers leadership in the absence of Harry Kane. Maddison has elevated his game to become a consistent performer, resembling the output machine he was at previous clubs like Leicester City and Norwich City, potentially positioning his team for a title challenge.
Technically, Maddison prefers using the outside of his right foot to deliver long passes into the path of teammates like Vardy or Barnes.
He’s proficient in providing dangerous crosses into the box, particularly when operating on the left side or during corner duties.
While his short passing accuracy may appear lower at less than 40%, it’s because Maddison often operates in the final third where risks are higher.
His impressive average of 2.6 key passes per game, surpassing players like Mount or Grealish, reflects his willingness to take risks and attempt decisive passes rather than playing it safe.
10. Cole Palmer
When Fabrizio Romano hinted at a ‘mystery attacker’ joining Chelsea this summer, fans were left puzzled as the club usually conducts its business openly.
The mystery deepened when it was revealed that 21-year-old Cole Palmer, with limited senior experience, was the player to fill Chelsea’s creative gap.
However, as time passed, Palmer’s talent became undeniable.
While he hasn’t completely resolved Chelsea’s goal-scoring issues, his impact has been remarkable. His presence has energized the team, making them more dynamic in attack.
Palmer’s graceful style and precise ball control have drawn comparisons to what Chelsea initially expected from Kai Havertz when he arrived in 2020. With Palmer orchestrating play from midfield, Chelsea’s forwards are finding more opportunities to showcase their attacking instincts.
Previously, Chelsea’s play was cautious and risk-averse, but Palmer’s influence is gradually liberating their attacking potential, allowing them to play with greater freedom in the final third.
Other Best Attacking Midfielders In 2024
- Florian Wirtz
- Thomas Muller
- Julian Brandt
- Isco
- Eberechi Eze
- Xavi Simons
- Dani Olmo
- Morgan Gibbs-White
- Christopher Nkunku
- Kai Havertz
- Brahim Diaz
- Matheus Cunha
- Nicolo Zaniolo
- Andreas Pereira
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