Box-to-box fiends are no longer in charge in England. The days of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are over.
That does not, however, imply that the quality has significantly decreased. Not at all. Rather, there are numerous midfield profiles in the Premier League, each with their own special talent.
While press resisters have been more popular recently due to teams' efforts to regain possession high up the field, the box-to-boxer is still used, albeit less frequently. Additionally, there is an abundance of exceptional attacking midfield players who possess all the necessary keys to open any lock that is put in front of them.
Based on their 2024–2025 performances, WanderlustSport lists the top midfield players in the Premier League.
5. Morgan Rogers [Aston Villa]
Rogers, who had a slump in form before tearing apart Manchester City before Christmas, hasn't had an easy time.
In addition to having the height and quickness to dominate at transitions, Rogers is technically proficient enough in confined spaces to go past opponents and create opportunities for himself in the final third.
While Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins are competing to become Aston Villa's top player, Rogers has consistently played the role of Robin.
4. Carlos Baleba [Brighton]
Baleba has had a great sophomore season and appears to be destined to be Brighton's next big sale. Under Fabian Hurzeler, the 20-year-old Cameroonian midfielder is developing into something truly unique.
Although his game-changing effort against the champs in November garnered him more attention, he has consistently displayed his strong skills throughout the season.
Few players take up ground as much as Baleba, who excels in holding and box-to-box midfield positions because to his sophisticated work in possession.
3. Moises Caicedo [Chelsea]
Towards the close of his first season at Chelsea, Caicedo showed signs of life, but in 2024–2025, the midfielder's skill level has increased to unprecedented levels.
The Ecuadorian's versatility has been exploited by Enzo Maresca, who has occasionally deployed Caicedo as an inverted full-back. His finest work, nevertheless, is produced in the middle of the field.
Caicedo, a skilled duel-winner with exceptional tackle strength, has served as Maresca's team's top stabiliser. The Blues' success this season has been greatly attributed to him, and the outrageous £115 million asking price is beginning to look more affordable every week.
2. Cole Palmer [Chelsea]
Cole Palmer gained notoriety in August 2023 after Chelsea lured him away from Manchester City with the prospect of playing regular football.
Few predicted Palmer would score 25 goals in his first season at Stamford Bridge, and even fewer anticipated that he would carry on the momentum as the Blues roared into another cycle under yet another head coach.
Palmer, however, has demonstrated that he is already among the world's top attacking midfielders.
1. Ryan Gravenberch [Liverpool]
Ryan Gravenberch had to sit on the sidelines and wait for an opportunity for the majority of Jurgen Klopp's last season at Liverpool.
As the unheralded Wataru Endo gained consistent playing time, it prompted many to conclude that the former Bayern Munich midfielder was simply not suited for life in the Premier League.
However, the Dutchman has found new life under Arne Slot, giving Liverpool the solidity and skeleton they were looking for in Martin Zubimendi, a failed transfer target. The table-topping Reds have found that Gravenberch is the ideal holding midfielder.
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