A football team’s motor is a box-to-box midfielder. They are expected to cover a lot of ground on the pitch, play defence, set the pace, and support the offence. The most successful in this position combine physical presence, technical proficiency, tactical knowledge, and endurance.
By dominating every aspect of the game in 2025, these ten midfielders have established themselves as the world’s top box-to-box midfielders.
10. 24-year-old Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool
Szoboszlai has given Liverpool’s midfield a new dimension of energy. He is a tremendous asset because of his ability to drive ahead with the ball, shoot from a distance, and perform in high-pressure situations.
• 2024–2025 stats: 5.3 progressive passes, 5 assists, and 7 goals per game
• Notable Strengths: Pressing vigour, long-range shooting, and ball carrying
• Contributions on defence: 1.1 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per contest
9. 27-year-old Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United
The centre of Newcastle’s midfield is Guimarães. He keeps his cool in possession, wins defensive duels, and manages the game’s tempo. He is among the most well-rounded midfielders due to his ability to protect the backline and pass the ball efficiently.
• 2024–2025 stats: 2.4 tackles, 8 assists, and 2 goals per contest
• Notable strengths include passing range, defensive intelligence, and poise under duress.
• Completion rate: 82%
8. Scott McTominay, a 28-year-old from Naples
McTominay has grown into a versatile midfield player. He is a dangerous goal threat due to his physical presence, late runs into the box, and aerial dominance, and his defensive play guarantees that he is still productive in transition.
• 2024–2025 stats: 1.4 tackles per game, 2 assists, and 7 goals
• Notable advantages include physicality, box-to-box mobility, and aerial duels.
• 88% of duels were won.
7. Enzo Fernández (24 years old, Chelsea)
Fernández has been an exceptional player for Chelsea, displaying exceptional passing and defensive awareness despite the team’s ups and downs. He is one of the best midfielders in his position because of his ability to split opposition lines with accurate passes and connect defence to attack.
• 2024–2025 stats: 7.1 progressive passes per game, 4 goals, and 8 assists
• Notable strengths include vision, precision while passing, and poise under duress.
• Won tackles: 2.2 per contest
6. Nicolò Barella (28 years old, Inter Milan)
Barella possesses the unwavering energy, technical skill, and tactical discipline that are essential for a box-to-box midfielder. He is one of Serie A’s most complete players since he is equally good at advancing the game and regaining control.
• 2024–2025 stats: 8.11 progressive passes, 6 assists, and 3 goals per game
• Notable Strengths: Link-up play, endurance, and progressive passing
• There are 1.8 key passes every game.
5. Declan Rice, a 26-year-old Arsenal player
With his growing attacking influence and defensive prowess, Rice has developed into a real all-around midfield player. He is the cornerstone of Arsenal’s midfield due to his leadership, physical presence, and positional understanding.
• 2024–2025 stats: 2.74 progressive carries per game, 3 goals, and 7 assists
• Notable advantages include leadership, defensive positioning, and progressive passing.
• Won duels: 1.1 per match
4. Bruno Fernandes, a 30-year-old Manchester United player
Fernandes remains Manchester United’s creative engine. He is an important player in every aspect of play because of his vision, ability to score from midfield, and unrelenting pressuring. One of the best midfielders in the world, he works tirelessly for the team and generates a lot of opportunities.
• 2024–2025 stats: 3.7 critical passes per game, 11 goals, and 13 assists
• Notable Strengths: High pushing intensity, creativity, and leadership
• 59 chances were created, ranking third in the Premier League.
3. Jude Bellingham (21 years old, Real Madrid)
Bellingham is one of the most dominant midfielders in football because of his ability to impact games at both ends of the pitch. He stands out from most midfielders his age due to his goal-scoring prowess, defensive awareness, and transitional intelligence.
• 2024–2025 stats: 4.96 progressive carries per game, 11 goals, and 11 assists
• Notable Strengths: Box presence, physicality, and goal scoring
• Won tackles: 2.09 per contest
2. Federico Valverde (26 years old, Real Madrid)
The ideal modern midfield player is Valverde. One of the most complete players in world football, he can drive forward with the ball, cover great distances, and contribute to both attacking and defensive transitions.
• 2024–2025 Stats: 8.2 km per game, 8 goals, and 6 assists
• Notable Strengths: Long-range shooting, adaptability, and endless stamina
• There are 1.6 interceptions per game.
1. Pedri, a 22-year-old Barcelona native
Pedri is now the best complete box-to-box midfielder in football due to his intelligence, technical skill, and ability to dominate games. Barcelona has total control over games thanks to his ability to set the pace, advance play, and assist in offensive areas.
• 2024–2025 stats: 88% pass accuracy, 5 goals, and 6 assists
• Notable Strengths: Playmaking vision, intelligence, and poise
• 2.3 carries per game are progressive.
xz
