As the 2023-24 Premier League season nears its end, the race for the title is still up in the air, while other results seem pretty much decided.
While Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, are the favorites to secure the title once more, they can’t afford to take it easy against a strong West Ham United side, boosted by the attacking talents of Lucas Paquetá, Mohamed Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be banking on a slip-up from Manchester City as they target a win against Everton on the last day of the season.
At the bottom of the table, Luton Town is facing probable relegation due to a considerable goal difference deficit compared to Nottingham Forest, while Burnley and Sheffield United have already been relegated.
On the flip side, Aston Villa has pulled off a surprising qualification for the Champions League. The race for Europa League and UEFA Conference League berths is intensifying, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United all vying for a spot.
In every successful team, the midfield is pivotal, dictating play and bridging the gap between defense and attack. This season, numerous midfielders have excelled, standing out with their performances. Here are five outstanding midfielders from the 2023-24 Premier League season.
#5 Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister has been Liverpool’s standout midfielder this season.
Alexis Mac Allister made a high-profile move to Liverpool from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported fee of £36 million last summer. Already esteemed as one of the league’s top midfielders, his consistent displays at Anfield have further cemented his reputation.
While the 25-year-old faced some form fluctuations early in the season, he has notably improved in the latter half. Despite initial challenges, there’s no denying that the former Boca Juniors midfielder deserves a spot among the top five midfielders of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
In his first season at Liverpool, Mac Allister made a significant impact, scoring six goals and assisting seven, especially shining in the latter part of the season.
While starting as a defensive midfielder, his performance skyrocketed after shifting to the number 8 position, partly due to Wataru Endo’s emergence. This positional switch enabled Mac Allister to excel further forward on the field. With him anchoring the midfield, Liverpool’s prospects appear promising.
#4 Bruno Guimares
Bruno Guimarães is drawing interest from both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Bruno Guimarães has emerged as the driving force behind Newcastle United, particularly with key players like Sandro Tonali and Joelinton unavailable.
Despite playing alongside younger teammates like Sean Longstaff, Elliott Anderson, and Lewis Miley, Guimarães has excelled, showcasing leadership and exceptional form.
His contributions in midfield have been vital in propelling Newcastle towards a potential top-six finish. While Alexander Isak’s prowess in attack is noteworthy, it’s Guimarães’ relentless midfield performance that has been the cornerstone of their success.
Guimarães has cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s top five midfielders this season, tallying six goals and six assists.
His ability to dictate play, execute precise passes, deliver lobbed through balls, and take shots from long range makes him a formidable force in midfield. His exceptional displays have caught the attention of elite clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City.
However, with a hefty £100 million release clause, it remains to be seen if Eddie Howe can keep hold of his prized midfielder.
Guimarães’ influence on Newcastle’s campaign has been immense, and his future will undoubtedly be crucial to the club’s ambitions.
#3 Martin Odeggard
Arteta oversaw a successful season for Martin Odegaard.
Martin Ødegaard’s presence as an attacking midfielder presents formidable obstacles for rival midfielders and defenders, given his ability to exploit open areas and either take shots himself or set up opportunities for his teammates.
While Ødegaard has formed a strong alliance with Declan Rice, the third midfield position has experienced some inconsistency.
Kai Havertz has frequently operated as a false nine rather than in midfield, and neither Fábio Vieira nor Emile Smith Rowe have cemented a consistent starting position.
Lately, Mikel Arteta has chosen a midfield threesome comprising Jorginho, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard, with Rice adopting a number 8 role instead of his usual number 6 position.
Throughout the campaign, Ødegaard has excelled, netting 11 goals and delivering nine assists in all competitions, reinforcing his reputation as a potent attacking threat.
His exceptional vision, creativity, and scoring prowess establish him as a crucial asset for Arsenal, and his displays have played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements.
#2 Declan Rice
Declan Rice is indeed a talented player, but as far as I know, he hasn’t transferred to Arsenal. Did something change recently?
It sounds like Declan Rice has been making quite an impact at Arsenal! His versatility and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively must be a huge asset for the team.
£105 million is a significant investment, but if he’s delivering the goods on the pitch, it seems like money well spent.
Absolutely, having a player like Declan Rice anchoring the midfield can provide stability and allow other players to thrive.
If Arsenal’s squad is maturing and hitting their prime, it bodes well for their future success. Consistency and cohesion are key ingredients for building a formidable team, and it seems like Arsenal is on the right track.
#1 Rodri
Rodri’s impact at Manchester City has been undeniable. His ability to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game has been crucial for the team’s success under Pep Guardiola.
At just 27, he still has many years ahead of him to continue making significant contributions to the club. It’s no surprise that he’s regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Rodri’s absence clearly has a noticeable impact on Manchester City’s performance, highlighting his importance to the team.
His ability to contribute defensively while also chipping in with goals and assists showcases his versatility and value to the squad. It’s impressive to see a defensive midfielder make such significant offensive contributions.
Having a suitable backup for Rodri seems like a prudent move for Manchester City, considering his importance to the team’s midfield.
A capable replacement would ensure continuity in their style of play and help mitigate any potential disruptions due to injuries or fatigue.
Rodri’s consistency and influence make him a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup, so having reliable cover for him is essential for maintaining their high standards throughout the season.
