The Premier League is host to some of the greatest talents in world football and what is more interesting is the fact that the quality in the league is distributed all around the country and also all around the field. There are some star players playing in each and every position this season who have been helping their team to achieve their goals. One position that has at least one star player for every team is the midfield area. Right from Chelsea to Sunderland at the bottom, the clubs in the Premier League have some decent players playing in the middle of the park but who has been the most effective this season? Here are the top 4 central midfielders in the league this season based on the stats:
N’Golo Kante (Chelsea):
The French midfield engine has easily been the best central midfielder in the league this season. He has had more touches and more passes than any other Chelsea player this season and is also stands in top-5 of both the lists. With 59 interceptions and a duel win percentage of 42% and a passing percentage of 89%, Kante has been brilliant in winning the ball back for his side. He has also won 94 tackles, the second highest for a midfielder and his contribution to Chelsea’s title charge is just immeasurable.
Adam Lallana (Liverpool):
Playing in a slightly deeper role this season, Adam Lallana has been the most influential midfielder for Liverpool this season. He has 7 goals and 7 assists to his name this season making him one of the most effective midfielders in front of goal. He has had 1570 touches and has made 1183 passes, which is on the higher side for the league. He has also made 18 interceptions, thus showing his value on the defensive side as well. Surely, the England Player of the Year for 2016 has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season.
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool):
The Liverpool skipper has not been in action for a few weeks now, yet finds a place in this list. Having made more passes than any other player in the league this season, Henderson has been effective in a CDM role under Jurgen Klopp this season. He has more touches than all but two players in the Premier League and has made 150 more passes than the next best passer in the league. His pass completion which stands at 56% is also on the higher side in the league. He has made 88 tackles for his side and a further 44 interceptions, making him one of the most effective players in his position in the league this season. Surely, Henderson is currently one of the best midfielders in the country.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton):
Just shading Ander Herrera and Oriol Romeu to this list is Everton’s engine, Idrissa Gueye. With 1708 touches, more than any other Everton player this season, Gueye has also made more passes than any other player from the Blue of Merseyside. He has 101 tackles to his name, which is the highest for a player in the domestic league this season and has only become better as the season has progressed. With 50 interceptions and a pass completion of 85%, he is right up there with the best midfielders not just in the league but also in Europe according to the numbers at least.
*All stats were taken from the Premier League’s official website.