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It’s time to take a look at the best up-and-coming young midfielders who are poised to become the next superstars of the sport. From dynamic playmakers to versatile box-to-box engines, this list has it all. So buckle up and get ready for an in-depth analysis of the most promising young talents that are set to dominate world football in the years ahead!
The top 10 young midfielders in the world:
The next generation of football superstars is upon us, and there are a plethora of young midfielders making a name for themselves on the global stage. Here are the 10 best young midfielders in the world, aged 23 or younger, who are set to take the footballing world by storm.
What makes a great young midfielder?
A great young midfielder is a player who can control the game in the middle of the park. They are usually the engine room of the team, dictating the tempo and dictating the play. A great midfielder is also comfortable on the ball, and can spray passes around with both feet. They also need to be good at reading the game, and be able to see openings that other players might not see. Lastly, a great midfielder needs to have an eye for goal, and be able to chip in with a few goals here and there.
There are a few key attributes that make a good midfielder. Firstly, they must be able to read the game and anticipate where the ball is going. They need to have good vision and be able to pick out passes. Secondly, they need to be able to control the ball and keep possession. Thirdly, they need to have the stamina to run up and down the pitch for 90 minutes. Lastly, they need to be good at set pieces, both taking them and defending them.
We’ve put together this table that summarises the best young midfielders, listed by;
- ETH price (on sorare)
- Our rating (out of 100)
| Name | Age | POS | Team | SR :Listed | Rare ETH Price | Our Rating |
| Thiago Almada | 22 | M | Atlanta United | y | 0.50 | 85 |
| Martin Baturina | 20 | M | Dinamo Zagreb | y | 0.30 | 84 |
| Xavi Simons | 20 | M | PSV | y | 0.40 | 83 |
| Jude Bellingham | 19 | M | BVB (Dortmund) | y | 0.60 | 90 |
| Gavi | 18 | M | Barcelona | y | 0.70 | 90 |
| Pedri | 20 | M | Barcelona | y | 0.70 | 90 |
| Cole Palmer | 20 | M | Man City | y | 0.15 | 78 |
| Pino | 18 | M | Villarreal | y | 0.15 | 82 |
| Camavinga | 19 | M | Real Madrid | y | 0.15 | 82 |
| Caicedo | 21 | M | Brighton | y | 0.16 | 79 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 22 | M | Sporting CP | y | 0.3 | 82 |
| Maxence Caqueret | 22 | M | Olympique Lyonnais | y | 0.2 | 80 |
| Arda Güler | 19 | M | Fenerbahçe | y | 0.3 | 80 |
| Gabriel Sara | 23 | M | Norwich City | y | 0.2 | 78 |
| Orkun Kökçü | 22 | M | Feyenoord | y | 0.2 | 80 |
| Kenneth Taylor | 20 | M | Ajax | y | 0.50 | 80 |
| Sandro Tonali | 22 | M | Milan | y | 0.37 | 79 |
| Joey Veerman | 24 | M | PSV | y | 0.35 | 80 |
Jude Bellingham 
RNDM RATING – 90/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Plays regularly for BVB and has a transfer already agreed to Real Madrid | – One of the more popular players on Sorare and as a result expensive |
| – Scores well, England and club consistent performer | – currently has a reported knee injury |
Jude Bellingham has already made a significant impact in the world of football at a young age. The 19-year-old English midfielder has garnered attention from top clubs due to his impressive performances, especially at the youth level. Bellingham currently plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and has showcased remarkable skills and potential.
Despite his tender age, Bellingham’s composure on the pitch is noteworthy. He displays great confidence and maturity in his game, reminiscent of a seasoned professional. With his excellent passing ability and vision, Bellingham is not only adept at creating scoring opportunities but also at orchestrating attacks from the midfield. His versatility allows him to adapt to different positions, providing managers with flexibility in team formation and tactics.
Furthermore, Bellingham’s work rate and determination contribute to his ability to win back possession and make impactful contributions to the team’s defensive efforts. As he continues to develop and gain experience, there is no doubt that Bellingham has the potential to become one of the top midfielders in the world.
Currently courted by numerous clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United, it will be interesting to see where Jude moves next as he steps up his glittering career.
Gavi 
RNDM RATING – 90/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Plays regularly for Barcelona | – One of the more popular players on Sorare and as a result expensive |
| – Scores well, consistent performer, strong team, international utility | – plays in a strong league and can be rotated |
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, commonly known as Gavi, is a highly talented Spanish professional footballer renowned for his prowess as a central midfielder. He currently showcases his exceptional skills at Barcelona, one of the prominent clubs in La Liga. Gavi’s immense potential has also earned him a spot in the Spain national team, where he continues to make his mark on the international stage.
In recognition of his outstanding abilities, Gavi achieved notable accolades in 2022. He was honored with the prestigious Golden Boy award, a testament to his exceptional talent and promise as a rising star in the footballing world. Additionally, during the esteemed Ballon d’Or ceremony, organized by France Football, Gavi was awarded the esteemed Kopa Trophy, further solidifying his status as one of the brightest talents in the sport.
As he continues to develop and mature in his career, Gavi embodies the epitome of a dynamic and influential midfielder. His technical skills, vision, and versatility make him a vital asset for both Barcelona and the Spain national team. With each performance, Gavi showcases his ability to control the game, contribute to scoring opportunities, and dictate the tempo with his exceptional passing range. As one of the most promising talents in football, Gavi’s achievements and accolades serve as a testament to his immense potential and future success.
Pedri 
RNDM RATING – 90/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Plays regularly for Barcelona and has now grabbed his spot in the team | – One of the more popular players on Sorare and as a result expensive but better value than the other top players |
| – Tipped to be a future Number 1 for Spain | – plays in a heavily rotated midfield but is often the first choice midfielder |
Pedro González López, popularly known as Pedri, is an immensely talented Spanish professional footballer recognized for his exceptional abilities as a central midfielder. Currently representing Barcelona, one of the renowned clubs in La Liga, Pedri has established himself as a pivotal figure in the team’s midfield. Additionally, he proudly dons the Spanish national team jersey, further showcasing his immense potential on the international stage.
In 2021, Pedri’s exceptional performances garnered significant recognition and accolades. He was honored with the prestigious Golden Boy award, a testament to his outstanding talent and promise as a rising star in the world of football. Furthermore, during the esteemed Ballon d’Or ceremony organized by FIFA, Pedri was presented with the distinguished Kopa Trophy. This notable recognition solidifies his status as one of the brightest prospects in the sport, further elevating his reputation on a global scale.
As a central midfielder, Pedri possesses an exceptional skill set. His impeccable ball control, vision, and passing ability allow him to dictate the rhythm of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Despite his young age, Pedri displays remarkable maturity and composure on the field, making intelligent decisions and showcasing his exceptional work rate. His ability to read the game and contribute to both offensive and defensive aspects make him an invaluable asset for Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
As Pedri continues to develop and showcase his immense talent, he epitomizes the future of Spanish football. His achievements and accolades at such a young age highlight his enormous potential and solidify his place among the brightest stars in the sport.
Xavi Simons 
RNDM RATING – 84/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Plays regularly for PSV and has been heavily linked to several major clubs | – One of the more popular players on Sorare and as a result expensive |
| – Tipped to be a future Number 1 for the Netherlands and has many seasons ahead of him at domestic and international level | – plays in a dominant Eredivise team. Uncertainty over future performances if leaves |
Xavi Simons is one of the hottest young attacking midfielders in the world right now.
Having emerged from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy, Xavi Simons embarked on a new chapter in his football journey when he signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in July 2019. Initially starting with the under-19 team, Simons swiftly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut in February 2021. During his time with PSG, Simons achieved notable success, securing a Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France trophy.
In 2022, Simons made a decision to return to his home country, the Netherlands, joining PSV. His debut season with the club proved to be a resounding success as he contributed significantly to their triumphs. Simons played a pivotal role in helping PSV clinch the KNVB Cup, Johan Cruyff Shield, and also claimed the prestigious Eredivisie top scorer award. These accomplishments highlight Simons’ remarkable talent and his ability to make a significant impact on the field, solidifying his status as one of the rising stars in football.
At just a tender age, Simons has already made a name for himself and caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. Currently playing for PSV, Simons possesses exceptional skills and potential that sets him apart from his peers.
Simons showcases remarkable technical ability and creativity on the field. His close ball control, precise passing, and impeccable vision make him a potent playmaker in the attacking third. With an eye for goal and the ability to unlock defenses with his intricate passes, Simons consistently poses a threat to opposing teams. Furthermore, his agility and quickness allow him to navigate through tight spaces and evade defenders with ease. Simons’ awareness and understanding of the game enabled him to make intelligent runs, positioning himself in scoring positions while also providing crucial assists to his teammates.
Despite his young age, Simons exhibits great maturity and composure beyond his years. He demonstrates an understanding of the tactical nuances of the game, making him a valuable asset in orchestrating attacks and dictating the tempo of play. As he continues to develop his skills and gain more experience, there is no doubt that Xavi Simons has the potential to become a prominent figure in world football and leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Martin Baturina 
RNDM RATING – 75/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Scores well, consistent performer, bags of future potential | – One of the more ‘under the radar’ players on Sorare and as a result not as popular |
| – Scores well, consistent performer, bags of future potential with mid-week fixtures to boot | – plays in Croatia and as such future is uncertain |
Martin Baturina (born 16 February 2003) is a Croatian professional footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Prva HNL club Dinamo Zagreb.
Having honed his skills at Dinamo Zagreb’s youth setup, Baturina made a significant progression to the senior team. As a dynamic midfielder, he exhibits exceptional technical ability, including precise passing, dribbling, and impressive vision on the field. Baturina’s versatility allows him to contribute to both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, making him an asset to his team.
As he continues to develop and gain experience, Baturina aims to leave a lasting impact on the football world. His dedication, work ethic, and determination serve as strong foundations for future success. With his continued growth, Baturina has the potential to become a prominent figure in Croatian football and make a significant contribution to the beautiful game.
Thiago Almada 
RNDM RATING – 85/100
| PRO | CON |
| – Plays regularly for Atlanta United in MLS | – One of the more risky players on Sorare as a big move could ruin his AA scores |
| – Young with bags of potential and a big move should be on the cards to Ligue 1 or La Liga | – plays in a poor Atlanta team and often concedes 2+ goals a game |
Thiago Ezequiel Almada, born on 26 April 2001, is an immensely talented Argentine professional footballer who showcases his skills as an attacking midfielder or winger. Currently, he plies his trade for the renowned Major League Soccer club Atlanta United, as well as representing the Argentina national team. Almada has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on the footballing world.
Notably, Almada was part of the Argentina squad that triumphed in the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup, etching his name in history as the first player from Major League Soccer to secure a world title. His contribution to the team’s success was invaluable, showcasing his exceptional technical ability, vision, and creativity on the field. Almada’s performances consistently demonstrate his prowess in both scoring and creating goals, making him a vital asset for any team.
As he continues to shine in his career, Almada’s ambition and talent have positioned him as a rising star in Argentine football and beyond. With his impressive achievements and undeniable potential, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide and embodies the spirit of excellence in the beautiful game.
Who are the best young midfielders in the world?
- Who are the best young midfielders in the world?
With so many talented young midfielders emerging in recent years, it’s difficult to narrow down the list to just a handful of players. However, here are five of the best young midfielders in the world that have established themselves and also caught our eye:
- Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
- Jadon Sancho (Man United)
- Eziquiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
Who are the future young midfielders ‘under the radar’ (wonderkids) who will affect the future of football?
The next generation of footballers is upon us, and there are a number of ‘under the radar’ wonderkid young midfielders who are poised to take the world by storm. Here are the best young midfielders in the world, ranked:
Young Midfielders ‘under the radar’ – Wonderkids
- Arthur Vermeeren (Antwerp)
- Giovanni Reyner (Borussia Dortmund)
- Jacob Ramsey(Aston Villa)
- Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (West Ham United)
- Sebastían González (LDU Quito )
- Yari Verschaeren (Anderlecht)
Conclusion
The next generation of young midfielders superstars is here and it looks promising. We have seen some standouts amongst the young midfielders in the world for 2023, with many more on their way up. With a new decade comes new challenges and opportunities for these talented players to make their mark on football history. It will be exciting to see which players can rise above the rest, become stars, and lead their teams to glory. Keep an eye out—the future of football is just beginning!