Midfielders rule the world: Guardiola's top three choices!

Padma95551

"Football has an old saying: """"Midfielders rule the world."""" However, in the history of football, there have been numerous famous and powerful midfielders, making it difficult to list the strongest midfield organizers. That's why it's interesting to consider the perspective of current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who believes that there are only three players who can reach the status of world-class midfield organizers.

1. Lionel Messi

As a well-known Lionel Messi enthusiast, it's no surprise that Messi's name appears on Guardiola's list of top midfield organizers. While this may differ from the common perception of Messi as a goal-scoring machine, his ability to organize from midfield is outstanding. Messi has won the International Midfield Organizer award five times, and he has recorded 350 assists in his career. Beyond the statistics, Messi possesses exceptional technique and vision. He can control the tempo of the game, has a brilliant passing range, and can dissect defenses with his precise and incisive passes. Guardiola's admiration for Messi is well-founded, as Messi's versatility and skill make him a deserving contender for the title of the greatest midfielder in history.

2. Xavi Hernandez

Xavi, one of my favorite players, was an integral part of the legendary Barcelona team that was often referred to as """"Dream Team."""" In a Barcelona side filled with exceptional talent, Xavi stood out as an irreplaceable midfield organizer. Playing as the central figure in midfield, Xavi possessed impeccable passing accuracy, both in short and long-range distribution. His ability to dictate the rhythm of the game and make the right decisions under pressure made him the perfect midfield orchestrator. Xavi was the team's cerebral presence, constantly moving off the ball, and delivering crucial passes to forwards during key moments of the match.

3. Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne may not have had the smoothest career path, facing setbacks and loan spells earlier in his career. However, upon joining Manchester City under Pep Guardiola's guidance, he found his ideal role within Guardiola's possession-based system. De Bruyne's rise to prominence as a world-class midfield organizer was remarkable. He excels in all aspects of midfield play. In attack, he serves as both the team's brain and its finisher. In defense, he's the first line of the team's press, disrupting the opposition's advances. De Bruyne possesses elite passing vision and precision, making him one of the best playmakers in the world. His ability to both create scoring opportunities and provide defensive stability has earned him the reputation as the Premier League's top midfielder.

All three of these players share a common thread: they have all played under Pep Guardiola, which has allowed Guardiola to fully appreciate their exceptional qualities as midfield organizers."

Shri333

"Your perspective on midfielders and their rankings is certainly valid, and football discussions often come down to personal opinions and preferences. You've made some noteworthy points about other exceptional midfielders who may not have been mentioned in Pep Guardiola's statement.

You rightly highlight Luka Modrić as one of the top midfielders in contemporary football. His accomplishments with Real Madrid, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles and his contributions to the Croatian national team's success, indeed showcase his excellence as a midfielder. Modrić's versatility and skills in both attacking and defensive aspects of the game have set him apart as one of the best.

You also mentioned the importance of David Silva, who had a remarkable career at Manchester City, contributing significantly to the team's achievements. Silva's style of play and creative abilities in midfield earned him a place among the top midfielders of his era.

It's worth noting that football fans and experts often have differing opinions on who should be considered the best in any position, and there are numerous talented midfielders globally, each with their unique strengths.

Ultimately, the debate about the greatest midfielders is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and criteria for evaluation. Nonetheless, it's clear that there are many exceptional midfielders, and they all bring their own flair to the beautiful game."

Sona59

It's true that there seem to be fewer midfield maestros in the game today compared to two or three decades ago. Additionally, players like Messi and De Bruyne are often closer in playing style to forwards and attacking midfielders.

Kabir903

Messi has the strongest finishing ability, although his defensive skills aren't as prominent. In the later stages of his career, he transitioned more towards midfield but still possesses exceptional organizational skills and a great sense of the game. Xavi, on the other hand, is renowned for his incredible control of the game and midfield organization, even though scoring goals is not his strong suit. De Bruyne excels in providing assists and often showcases his ability to penetrate defenses with his passes.

Iti9

I think what Guardiola said isn't entirely accurate. A team still needs overall strength; no matter how strong your midfield is and how well it controls the game, if you lack a clinical finish in front of the goal or a solid defense, you'll still concede goals and struggle. So, overall team strength remains crucial, and individual midfield prowess alone may not be sufficient.

Janak9955

Guardiola's selection of these three players isn't necessarily wrong, but when it comes to achievements and honors, De Bruyne may indeed have a bit of catching up to do. In the current season's UEFA Champions League, he must give it his all.

Furthermore, the article doesn't specify whether Guardiola was referring to players he has coached or if he simply considers these three as the best. If it's the latter, it could indeed spark significant controversy.

Pooja193

Doesn't Zinedine Zidane deserve a place in the discussion of midfielders?