"Football revolves around the best central midfielders in the world, with the engine room still what decides games at the highest level. In 2025, many of the best players in the world right now are all-action centre-mids, with nine-figure fees splashed out in recent years on box-to-box ballers and controllers in the middle of the park. And in an era of increased physicality and supreme technical level, you have to be a well-rounded no.8 to survive at the top"
"Our esteemed team were asked to consider current ability and current form, but also form over the past 12-18 months and historic pedigree while minimal points were assigned for players who rank highest for statistical metrics across Europe, such as progressive passing and duel-winning. Treat yourself to your favourite World Cup 2026 shirt 35 players were left overall, with the top 20 getting into our final list,"
Elite football hinges on central midfielders and the engine room often decides top-level matches. In 2025 the trend favors all-action centre-mids with major transfer fees spent on box-to-box players and controllers. Increased physicality and technical standards demand well-rounded No.8s. An expert panel awarded points to the best No.8s based on current ability, recent form and historic pedigree, with minimal emphasis on pure statistical dominance. The selection considered form over the past 12–18 months. Thirty-five candidates were shortlisted and a final top 20 was produced, with positional judgments separating attacking and defensive roles.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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