Over the years, Spain’s top-tier league, La Liga has seen and produced some of the best midfielders ever in the football world. It was in Spain where some of the most beautiful plays from the middle of the park were invented.
From the likes of Zidane and Xavi to now Pedri and Gavi the quality of midfield players in La Liga has not died down. The game in the Spanish league is mainly dependent on passing and build-up play which is what makes the midfielders so important.
The number of great midfielders to have made an appearance is very high thus making it hard to shortlist only a few. However, we have managed to shortlist the 10 best midfielders of all time in La Liga:
10. Michael Laudrup
Mainly known for his pace on the ball, he played an important role for two great teams Barcelona and Juventus. He also won the Danish player of the year award and was signed for one of the highest transfer fees at that time. He had a very intelligent footballing brain and great technical ability on the ball.
9. Luis Suárez Miramontes
Having played for the likes of Inter Milan, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team he is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish football players. He also received the Balon D’or for his brilliant playmaking abilities and several titles that he won over time.
8. Xabi Alonso
One of the most decorated midfielders of all time, he played a crucial part in the Champions League-winning team of Real Madrid. After his time at Real Madrid, he went on to play at Bayern where he continued to show his finesse and class in the middle of the park.
7. Mesut Ozil
Considered one of the best playmakers with a magical left foot, his time at Real Madrid was highly underrated. The vision, passing, and chance-creation ability he possesses are better than most midfielders in the world.
6. Sergio Busquets
Playing in an under-appreciated role he has been a defensive midfielder for the ages for Barcelona. Smooth on the ball and excellent positioning without it, his one and two-touch passing are what excel his game.
5. Toni Kroos
Part of the dynamic Kroos-Modric-Casemiro dynamic trio for Real Madrid, he is one of the most talented midfielders of this generation. After his 2013 treble success at Bayern, he added four more Champions Leagues’ at Real Madrid. The achievements are off the charts.
4. Luka Modric
The Croatian Balon D’or winner has a magic touch on his feet. The ball retention and interceptions along with the distance covered might be a class apart from the rest. A key figure in one of the most successful Real Madrid squads.
3. Zinedine Zidane
The former Real Madrid manager was even better in his playing days for them as he made his mark as one of the best-attacking midfielders. His set-piece abilities, dribbling skills, and long shots were only some of his special traits amongst others.
2. Xavi Hernandez
The current Barcelona manager is already a legend at the club owing to his previous contributions. One of the greatest of the Blaugrana, Xavi revolutionized the way midfielders play and their aspect in the game.
1. Andres Iniesta
Now having reached the final phase of his career at Vissel Kobe, in his prime Iniesta captained Barcelona for three seasons but took the lead in almost every match he started. More than just a midfielder he was the heart of the team, able to influence ever player with his game in the mid.
