In no particular order, we have compiled a list of the world's best central midfielders, focusing on their ability to dictate a tempo and control the game. These are arguably the most important members of their teams as they pull the strings in the heart of the team and they allow the flair players to punish the opposition in the attacking third. Many players have missed the cut who, on their day are as capable as the rest but with only ten places available, some huge stars have missed out.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
The midfield general is one of the greatest players of his generation and at 31-years-old, he still has the ability to control a game.
He is a World Cup winner and he's won numerous trophies at Bayern Munich and it's no surprise that he's a regular in both first elevens.
Xavi Hernández
The Spanish legend is another winner of multiple awards and trophies. He is arguably the best Spanish player of all time and his statistics, records and awards back that up. He dictates games on his own and he is formidable in the art of Tiki-Taka. He's not always a regular in the Barcelona line up as he is now 35-years-old but last night (Wednesday) he played 38 minutes and completed more passes (55) than another other Paris Saint-Germain player in the whole match.
Yaya Touré
The Manchester City powerhouse has struggled in some games this season but whenever he does not play for the Citizens, his absence is truly missed.
He turns defence into attack in the flick of a switch and his technical prowess along with his strength and physicality, makes him one of the best in the business.
Cesc Fàbregas
Another Spaniard who is involved in the line up is the new Chelsea man who cost the club £25 million. He looks to have proved to be a bargain with his outstanding displays and his assists recorded this season has been phenomenal in making Chelsea odds-on to retain the Premier League title after four years without the silverware.
Paul Pogba
The French international has the ability to surpass everyone else on this list due to his overall potential in the game. He is valued at around £60 million with the best clubs in the world tracking his progress. He is set to win another Serie A title at Juventus and his all-round ability has people dubbing him a future Ballon d'Or winner.
Toni Kroos
Another World Cup winner makes the line up as the former Bayern Munich ace is now a sensational fit at Real Madrid. He is one of the best passers of the ball on the planet and many regard him as Germany's most outstanding player. Kroos has built up an excellent partnership with Luka Modric in the heart of the Madrid midfield with many admirers suggesting he could lift the La Liga trophy in his first season at the club.
Andrea Pirlo
After winning the Player of the Year award for the past three years in Italy the Juve orchestrator is pivotal in the club's recent success. He finds space in front of the back four and his range of passing can cut through defences in an instant.
The Italian legend is still going well at the age of 35 and he will be sorely missed when he retires.
Nemanja Matić
The Serbian midfielder is one of the surprise players this season after Chelsea re-signed him from Benfica last year. The influence Jose Mourinho has had on him has seen him become the eventual replacement for Claude Makélélé who was the master in his holding midfield role. Matic allows the attacking players to score goals but defensively he is a rock and in possession he has the composure to begin attacks and set them on their way. He has been one of their most important players as they head for the league and cup double this season.
Arturo Vidal
The third and final Juventus man in the selection has an all-round game which sees him capable of anything.
He is technically outstanding and his physical presence allows the elegant Pirlo to pull the strings behind him. The Turin giants are set to win their fourth successive Scudetto and he has been one of their best players in that squad throughout.
Luka Modrić
The former Tottenham man is probably the best in the business as controlling the way a game is run. He is very similar to Xavi and Paul Scholes in dictating the pace and pulling the strings in the heart of midfield. The Croatian super star had a long lay-off this season due to injury and Carlo Ancelotti's men struggled because of it. Now he is back, they have a great chance in picking up silverware this season with the Champions League and the Spanish title on their radar.
