The final months of a year are always about reviewing what has happened in that year and 2017 is no different. That’s how we evaluate our lives and almost everything surrounding it. In the world of football, a year represents a lot of things—a cycle of sorts that keeps repeating every year and yet has something unique to it.
This year, 2017, has seen some excellent football like every other year. While some players might have struggled to get the goods, some other have done exceedingly well. Midfielders are always in the middle of things, but for this series, we shall begin with them.
And here are the top 5 midfielders for the year of 2017…
Toni Kroos
A list like this without the German is no list at all. Playing at the centre of the park, he has been the engine for the Galacticos. He might not be among the highest goalscorers or assisters, but that is not his job anyway.
His job is to set the tempo of the team—and he does that bloody well. The former Bayern Munich star is the pillar on which Madrid stands, and it is not a coincidence that his decline in form this season has also directly reflected on the Galacticos.
Philippe Coutinho
If it weren’t for Liverpool’s stubbornness, Coutinho might as well have been the second most expensive player in the world right now while plying his trade for Barcelona. The Brazilian midfielder has been in the form of his life for the whole of the year and has continued his magic to this season.
And his work was rewarded by his manager Jurgen Klopp as he was handed the captain’s armband in Liverpool’s last game.
Thiago Alcantara
He was supposed to be the heir to Xavi’s throne at Barcelona, but he was instead let go for relatively cheap to Bayern Munich. One can’t blame the Spaniard of Brazilian descent for moving to Germany as his chances with the Blaugrana was limited.
Sitting in the middle of the park, he has transformed into a phenomenal central midfielder with the ability to not only set the play up but also make driving forward runs while at it. His presence helped Bayern topple a surging RB Leipzig in the league last season
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite the fact that Manchester City didn’t win anything in 2017, it can’t be denied that Kevin De Bruyne was one hell of a player this year. His constant barrage from midfield to the attacking third is something that always captures the imagination.
His stats speak for themselves. He has 7 goals and 12 assists from a midfield position in 24 games this season—what else do I need to add to prove his worth?
Luka Modric
The imperial Croatian—the best midfielder in the world. He is one of the biggest reasons as to why Real Madrid won 5 trophies in 2017. The way he drives the Blancos from the centre is a sight to behold, and his efforts were well recognised as he was awarded the best player in the Club World Championship earlier this month.
For Madrid to make a solid comeback next year, the former Spurs player has to play a huge role.
