In football, the midfield is where magic happens. It’s the heart of every great team, the engine room that drives success, and the stage for some of the most brilliant talents the game has ever seen. From visionaries who orchestrate play to relentless creators who dominate the stats sheets, the modern attacking midfielder is a force to be reckoned with.

Here, we take a look at the 11 best attacking midfielders in the world right now—players who don’t just perform but redefine what it means to be extraordinary on the pitch..

11. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Phil Foden’s 2024/25 season with Manchester City has been a mix of highs and lows. In the Premier League, he made 22 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. His performance in the UEFA Champions League was notable, with 3 goals and 1 assist over 9 matches.  Despite these contributions, Foden experienced a dip in form during a stretch of league games, coinciding with a series of team defeats.  However, he regained momentum later in the season, delivering crucial performances that underscored his resilience and value to the squad.

10. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Roger Ibañez has been a surprising attacking force for Aston Villa in the 2024/25 season, adapting his game to contribute creatively in the final third. His ability to drive forward, link up play, and chip in with key goals and assists has made him one of the Premier League’s standout attacking midfielders.

His journey from Manchester City cast-off academy to Villa superstar is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. This season he’s scored 12 goals and 6 assists for Aston Villa

9. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Rarely do young talents fulfil the immense expectations placed upon them, but Martin Ødegaard has defied the odds to establish himself as one of the finest midfielders in football. Last season, the Norwegian maestro dropped into deeper areas, dictating play with precision and control. Though still a No.10 capable of delivering 10+ goals from the edge of the box, it was his orchestration of Arsenal’s attacks that almost propelled them to Premier League glory.

As the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s side, Ødegaard exudes elegance, gliding across the pitch with unmatched composure. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match and freeze time with his touches makes him as mesmerising to watch as he is effective. With 11 goal contributions already this season, Ødegaard continues to prove his class

8. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Maddison has always shown flashes of brilliance, even during his Leicester City days, but this season at Tottenham, he has elevated his game to new heights. With 17 goal contributions already, Maddison has been instrumental in Spurs’ resurgence.

His flair for creating chances, delivering pin-point passes, and threatening defences with his attacking nous make him a complete attacking midfielder. Maddison’s rise this season is a testament to his dedication and undeniable talent.

7. Dani Olmo (Barcelona)

Dani Olmo’s journey to the top has been unconventional but captivating. Leaving Barcelona’s academy to develop in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb, Olmo emerged as a creative gem at RB Leipzig before returning to his homeland.

A standout at Euro 2024—where he shared the Golden Boot with three goals—Olmo has seamlessly slotted into Barcelona’s lineup, delivering 7 goals and 5 assists this season. His flair, creativity, and composure under pressure make him a vital asset for club and country alike.

6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Manchester City may regret letting Cole Palmer leave for Chelsea. Last season, the youngster announced himself to the world with a sensational 22-goal debut Premier League campaign, and he’s continued to impress in 2024/25 with 14 goals and 6 assists.

Palmer’s knack for delivering in big moments, coupled with his ability to produce moments of magic, makes him one of the most exciting players in football today. His transfer may have seemed expensive at the time, but it now looks like a masterstroke by Chelsea.

5. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

Antoine Griezmann might just be the most underappreciated player of his generation. From leading France to World Cup glory in 2018 to topping the assist charts in consecutive tournaments, Griezmann has done it all. Yet, he remains a player whose brilliance often flies under the radar.

This season, with 16 goals and 7 assists, the Atletico Madrid talisman continues to redefine his game, transitioning from a clinical finisher to a complete creator. For Diego Simeone, Griezmann is arguably his greatest-ever player—an enduring symbol of the club’s fighting spirit.

4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Since arriving at Manchester United in 2020, Bruno Fernandes has been a creative juggernaut. Despite the chaos that has often surrounded the club, Fernandes has thrived, consistently leading the Premier League in chances created and contributing significantly to United’s trophy pursuits.

With 11 goals and 13 assistsacross all competitions this season, Fernandes remains one of the most influential midfielders in the game. His loyalty to United may have cost him opportunities to compete for the sport’s biggest honours, but his talent is unquestionable.

3. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Few players combine artistry and efficiency like Jamal Musiala. The Bayern Munich star is a magician with the ball, capable of gliding past opponents and creating chances out of thin air.

This season, with 16 goals and 5 assists, Musiala continues to be the crown jewel of Bayern and the German national team. He embodies the future of German football—relentless, creative, and unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence.

2. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Florian Wirtz burst onto the scene at just 17, dazzling fans with his creativity and skill before a devastating ACL injury threatened to derail his career. Yet, Wirtz has come back stronger than ever, playing a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten league triumph last season and earning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.

With 14 goals and 9 assists this term, Wirtz is the beating heart of Leverkusen’s attack, attracting interest from Europe’s elite. Alongside Jamal Musiala, he’s considered one of Germany’s brightest talents—an intelligent, technically gifted playmaker destined for greatness.

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham is redefining what it means to be a modern midfielder. At just 21, the Englishman has already established himself as one of the best players in the world.

Whether it’s his goalscoring exploits or his ability to control games, Bellingham has been a revelation for Real Madrid, racking up 22 goal contributions this season. With his mix of intelligence, physicality, and skill, he looks set to become England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen.