At the 2022 World Cup, there were many spectacular performances by midfielders, and some of the top midfielders showed that style in Qatar.
While most of the time it is the flashy strikers who go out with the plaudits, it is the midfielders who are the heart and soul of any team. According to World Cup data, midfield is where footballers’ intelligence and skills are tested. Space is limited in midfield because there are so many people.
Let’s take a look at the five best midfielders at the 2022 World Cup.
5. Jean Ameni (France)
Joanie played as if he belonged there, his reading and defensive abilities belying his age, and the French midfield possessed a steely strength.
The Real Madrid man proved himself, but what really set him apart was his neat handling of the ball. In the 2022 World Cup, Joan Ameni completed 90.4 percent of his passes.
As a result, he is not only an excellent disrupter in midfield, but also a player his team-mates can always rely on with the ball. The 22-year-old is already one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
4. Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)
The addition of Enzo Fernandez was a turning point in Argentina’s World Cup win. Fernandez was not a starter for Argentina when he entered this tournament, but he impressed when he took his limited chances as a substitute in the first two games.
Fernndez is not only technically gifted, he is also a tireless man in midfield. He did not flinch for a moment, creating chances with superb passing and vision.
Fernandez is very good with the ball when defending the transition. After arriving in Qatar as a promising midfielder, he will return to his club with the title of best Young Player in the World Cup and his value will rise significantly.
3. Luka Modric (Croatia)
When Luka Modric’s heroics sent Croatia to the 2018 World Cup finals four years ago, it was thought it would be the legendary midfielder’s last hurrah on the world stage.
Four years later, Modric is still the best man on the pitch and riding the Qatari soil as he did in his prime. He directed Croatia’s play with authority, manipulating time and space.
The 37-year-old played 656 minutes for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and Modric is a presence everywhere, winning the ball with efficient challenges and an uncanny ability to pass. Luka Modric made the most aggressive passes of all players at the 2022 World Cup (61).
2. Amrabat (Morocco)
Morocco may be the most impressive team at the 2022 World Cup after they made history by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Fiorentina midfielder Amrabat is one of their heroes and, at times, he looks like he is doing the job of two players because he seems to be everywhere and he is not only excellent as a midfield spoiler but he is also crisp on the ball.
He also covered an incredible 70.58km in six appearances, showing amazing defensive determination and consummate technique whenever he emerged from the crowd and his team mounted a full counter-attack. He is one of the stars of the 2022 World Cup.
1. Griezmann (France)
Griezmann is the heart of the French team, having come so close to winning back-to-back World Cups, and the dynamic player has excelled in midfield.
France’s midfield will be hit by the absence of Pogba and Kante. While June Ameni provided them with a strong defensive presence in midfield, it was Griezmann’s pace and creativity that set them apart.
Griezmann was France’s top provider of assists with three in seven appearances at the 2022 World Cup. He averages 3.5 threatened passes per game, with Griezmann creating the most chances at the 2022 World Cup (21).