Ten of the Best Midfielders in the World

Strikers may score most of the goals, but many of the game’s real artisans reside in midfield. Here are 10 of the best midfielders in the world.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)

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2009’s World Player of the Year has so far been unable to replicate his Barcelona form for Argentina and has borne the brunt of criticism from the fans and media. But playing behind the striker, Messi is capable of the sublime and dazzled at times in the 2010 World Cup, despite not scoring. His critics have suggested he is not properly committed to Argentina, having played with Barca since he was 13.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)

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Although, like Messi, he can also feature as a striker, Ronaldo is Portugal's main creative force from a withdrawn position. Arguably the most eye-catching player in the world game, Ronaldo's array of skills make him worth the admission fee alone. His step-over is world renowned, and he scores an abnormally high number of goals for someone who is not an out-and-out striker.

3. Xavi Hernandez (Spain & Barcelona)

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Now into his 30s, Xavi's greatest attribute is his passing. Capable of being both economic or expansive in possession, Xavi can dictate a game's rhythm. He has become invaluable for Barcelona as the years have gone on, and although not a prolific scorer from midfield (he has only got into double figures once in his career), his runs into the box and ability to take free-kicks are invaluable for club and country.

4. Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)

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Iniesta's understanding with club-mate Xavi Hernandez borders on the telepathic at times. The short, eye of the needle passing the pair produce can pierce holes in the most stubborn of rearguards. Iniesta is also very modest, never creating problems for the coaches he works under. Scored the winner in the World Cup final against the Netherlands.

5. Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands and Inter Milan)

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His move from Real Madrid to Inter Milan in 2009 re-ignited Sniejder's career. The Dutchman pulls the strings for club and country, his penetrating runs and passes causing no end of problems for opposition defenses. He also has a deadly free-kick, with Inter reaping the reward of this talent soon after his arrival at San Siro.

6. Cesc Fabregas (Spain & Arsenal)

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Cesc was desperate to join former club Barcelona in the summer of 2010, but Arsenal rejected two bids from the Catalans and refused to even entertain the idea of selling their captain. And no wonder. The Spaniard is the heartbeat of the Gunners with his passing and creativity making him the first name on the team-sheet. Struggled to find the net early in his career but has matured into one of the best goalscoring midfielders in the game.

7. Steven Gerrard (England & Liverpool)

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There is a school of thought in England that Gerrard has underperformed in an England shirt. The swashbuckling displays he has produced on a regular basis for Liverpool have not always translated to the international stage, but his superb long range passing, thunderbolt shot and lung-bursting runs from midfield ensure that he remains an asset for the national team.

8. Arjen Robben (Netherlands & Bayern Munich)

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Robben has that deadly combination of pace and skill that frightens defenses. He also has end product, with an impressive goalscoring record over the years. Injuries have undermined him, but when on song, there are few better wide players in the world game.

9. Kaka (Brazil & Real Madrid)

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The Real Madrid playmaker has the ability to make the game look easy, the manner in which he glides past defenders. Capable of a defense-splitting pass, and also getting into the area to finish off chances, this free-kick specialist is the crème de la crème of world soccer. Wears an 'I Belong To Jesus' T-shirt under his top.

10. Franck Ribery (France & Bayern Munich)

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The highly coveted Ribery signed a new contract with Bayern Munich in May 2010. No wonder the Bavarians were so desperate to keep hold of him. The Frenchman has an abundance of skill and trickery, as well as an ability to break into the box and score goals from his left-wing position.