Over the last few years in the Premier League, midfielders have gradually come to the fore as probably the most important component of any team. The Premier League has seen the best managers from all over the world in recent years and this has led to increased competition in the league with the traditional big 4 strata system banished.
This season, the likes of Pep Guardiola, Antonio Conte, Jurgen Klopp, Jose Mourinho, Walter Mazzarri, Mauricio Pochettino and the rest will be competing in the same league and it is something not many countries can boast of. With these managers preferring systems which usually require technically sound midfielders who can control the game from the deep midfield areas, we take a look at the 3 midfielders who have impressed the most since the start of the season.
1. JORDAN HENDERSON
The Liverpool midfielder has improved drastically after an underwhelming performance against Burnley, for which he was slated mercilessly. He has performed admirably in an unfamiliar position and a part of the credit should go to Georgino Wijnaldum who has more often than not covered for Henderson.
The Liverpool captain leads the pack of midfielders to have the highest number of successful passes (431) which fetched him an accuracy of 90%. He has also impressed creatively from the deeper areas and has supplied 8 key passes. Henderson’s ability to turn over possession to the advanced areas has been instrumental in lending the balance to the front four’s enigmatic displays.
2. IDRISSA GUEYE
The former Aston Villa midfielder has slotted in seamlessly into the Everton midfield. He has been instrumental in Everton’s scintillating form this season and his partnership with Gareth Barry has been a success story. Hopeful Everton fans believe he could replicate the impact N’Golo Kante had at Leicester City last season.
He currently sits in the 2nd place amongst the midfielders with 352 successful passes with an accuracy of 90%. He has further provided 7 key passes for his teammates and all of this mirrors Kante’s performances from last season. His consistency over a period of time will be crucial for them to continue prospering in the manner that they are doing now.
3. FERNANDINHO
The low-key Brazilian has been a revelation for Manchester City ever since he came on board. Asked to perform various roles, he has excelled in all of them. Pep has used him in front of the back four, shielding them when not in possession and dropping back alongside them to facilitate building out from the back when in possession.
He has been superb in both the roles which can be seen from the number of successful passes he has completed (346) with an accuracy of 89%. He has also provided 6 key passes which show his comfort in the advanced areas as well.
