Even the best attacking midfielders in the world were deemed as luxury players not too long ago. They were seen as anachronistic throwbacks to a time of laissez-faire off-ball effort; expendable, if you want to really compete.
Things have turned 180 degrees and playmakers are now deemed to be as essential as anyone else. Attacking midfielders have a vital role to play in the modern game, not just in their influence with the final pass but everything leading up to it: intensity off the ball, setting the tempo and dictating a game. No.10s are back, all right…
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How our experts decided the best attacking midfielders in the world
“Attacking midfielder” is a broad term that can be used to describe all kinds of players and formations. Our experts decided to look for any players loosely described playmakers and No.10s, whether they operate in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or any other kind of formation. We assessed midfielders who operate centrally but are tasked primarily with leading the attack – though we have compiled lists for the best central midfielders in the world and the best defensive midfielders in the world, too.
Our experts devised their own top 10s, as 14 different players made the cut – assessing each player's current ability, form this season and last, and their historic achievements and impact on the role. We then collated each expert's score to come up with an average of who made the cut: any player who also plays in another position was only included in the list in which they got the most votes.
If you're looking for a forward who might play a little further forward, we've got it covered. We have lists of the best right-wingers in the world, the best left-wingers in the world and the best strikers in the world.
We've ranked players behind the midfield, too. Our lists include the best goalkeepers in the world, the best centre-backs in the world, the best right-backs in the world and the best left-backs in the world. Let's go!
10. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
A standout performer at this summer’s Euro 2024 success, Spaniard Dani Olmo enjoyed a tournament years in the making, having taken the unusual trip to Croatia early in his career to develop away from the limelight.
By the time Olmo arrived at RB Leipzig in 2020, he was an exciting and complete attacking midfielder ready to compete at the top level of European competition. Equipped with a quick brain and a keen eye for a pass, Olmo’s talents saw him return to boyhood club Barcelona over the summer in a €60 million deal as he continues his rise as one of the world’s greatest midfielders.
9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Cole Palmer enjoyed perhaps the greatest breakout season of a youngster in Premier League history, having failed to see any substantial game time before departing Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023. 39 goal involvements in 38 Premier League appearances later and Palmer is now widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in Europe, with Chelsea’s team now largely revolving around him out on the right.
Still only 22 years old, Palmer promises to be challenging for major team and individual honours for years to come, while adding yet another potential world-class talent to the England ranks for the next decade-and-a-half.
8. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
From silky winger to ruthless goalscorer, to creative genius, Antoine Griezmann is an expert in redefining himself to suit his team's needs. Undoubtedly an Atletico Madrid legend, the World Cup winner is approaching 400 career goal involvements in an age when players of his skillset appear to be fading out.
Griezmann’s immense technical ability, however, has helped offset a lack of physicality to establish himself as one of the greatest attackers of his generation. While his trophy cabinet at club level may see him overlooked in certain conversations, history would be wise to look back at Griezmann’s career as one littered with magic.
7. Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
Wonderkids so rarely live up to their potential but Martin Odegaard has bucked the trend to become one of the best midfielders in the world. Last season saw the Norwegian drop deeper to control – and though he’s the kind of No.10 that guarantees 10+ goals from the edge of the penalty area, his ability to control games was what so nearly led Arsenal to the title.
The heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side, Odegaard has poise on the ball, playing with grace and never being afraid to stop time altogether in possession. He’s not just one of the best ability wise, he’s one of the best footballers to watch in the world, too.
6. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
An attacking midfielder in the purest sense, Bruno Fernandes has dominated the creative metrics in the Premier League since his arrival at Old Trafford back in 2020.
Fernandes has thrived despite the ever-present chaos at Manchester United with remarkable consistency, topping the charts for minutes played and chances created while playing a staring role in the Red Devil’s recent domestic trophy success. Perhaps a victim of his own loyalty, Fernandes’ ability could have earned him a shot at competing for the biggest trophies on earth, while his honours list would be littered had different decisions been made.
5. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Having broken onto the scene at 17, Florian Wirtz spent the first two years of his senior career establishing himself as perhaps the most exciting youngster in Europe before a tear of his anterior cruciate ligament looked set to prevent him from ever touching that lofty potential.
Two years down the line, Wirtz has played a leading role in Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible league triumph, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and reestablishing himself in the German national team ahead of the summer’s European Championships. Drawing interest from the world’s biggest teams, Wirtz looks destined to be recognised among the greatest players on earth as he continues his whirlwind development in the coming years.
4. Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Very few players can confidently say they were ever Pep Guardiola’s favourite at a certain point in time, but Phil Foden ranks only behind Lionel Messi in the legendary Spaniard’s eyes. Once dubbed ‘the most talented player’ Guardiola had ever seen, Foden has been lighting up the Premier League for years now with his darting speed, untouchable dribbling, unpredictable creativity and imperious finishing.
Fresh off the back of his greatest season to date last year, in which he recorded 39 goal involvements across all competitions, Foden promises to be one of the world’s best for at least another decade.
3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala announced his arrival on the world stage at Euro 2024 this summer, as mainstream audiences were given their first proper look at one of the Bundesliga’s best young players.
The German-born, Croydon-raised former Chelsea youth product is a true technician who can turn defenders inside-out with his pace and goalscoring ability. After last season’s trophy blank, Bayern Munich will be hoping they can hold onto the jewel in their crown next summer.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The 2023/24 season was a testing one for Kevin De Bruyne, as injuries restricted him to just 18 Premier League appearances, but that doesn’t mean his powers have waned, as he netted four times and conjured up ten assists to help inspire Manchester City to a record-breaking fourth straight Premier League title.
The Belgian turned 33 this summer and is in the final year of his City deal, so won’t be on this list forever, but only a fool would bet against him having a significant role in the title race this term and cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s best-ever players.
1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
What more can you say about the man who’s rapidly on course to become his country’s defining star of a generation? The Stourbridge Madridista’s unique combination of maturity, physical acumen and acute intelligence made him one of the standout teenagers in English football from the minute he made his Birmingham debut: now, he’s lighting up the Bernabeu with whatever Real Madrid require of him. Last season it was goals, this term it may be the need to deliver a little more creativity.
Bellingham’s got the complete skillset, though and looks destined to become England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Now if he could only avoid the same burnout…
