In modern soccer, the midfielder is an all-around player who withstands an opponent's tight pressing, controls the tempo of the match, and at times steps up as a finisher. The flow of a game itself changes depending on how a midfielder opens up attacking routes and how effectively they cut off the opponent's offense.
On Monday, The Seoul Economic Daily asked three soccer experts — Coupang Play commentator Han Jun-hee, Coupang Play commentator Lim Hyung-cheol, and Huh Jung-moo, chairman of Daejeon Hana Citizen — to name the best midfielders set to grace the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.
The experts selected Lionel Messi (Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Spain), and Jude Bellingham (England) as attacking midfielders, and Vitinha (Portugal), Pedri (Spain), and Declan Rice (England) for the central and defensive roles.
Messi's strengths are the rich experience gained from playing in five World Cups and a wide field of vision that takes in the entire pitch. Spain's "supernova" Yamal possesses outstanding creativity, dismantling opposing defenses with dazzling footwork, while Bellingham leads the three players in tireless stamina and a flair for sharp shooting.
What the three players have in common is penetrating ability rivaling that of an out-and-out striker and exceptional passing that can lead to goals. This season, Messi recorded a league-leading three key passes per 90 minutes for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Yamal recorded 2.6 and Bellingham 1.7, commanding Europe's major leagues. This means delivering at least two threatening passes in a single match.
For central and defensive midfielders, the most important role is to regulate the tempo of the game along with defending. Vitinha is the key midfielder of Paris Saint-Germain, which won the European Champions League two seasons in a row. He is responsible for the overall offensive and defensive balance of Portugal, a side that boasts a glittering attack including Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) and Rafael Leao (AC Milan). Pedri is a playmaker standing at the pinnacle of Spain's much-vaunted "midfield production line." With a wide field of vision that reads the entire match and creative passing, he leads Spain's possession-based soccer. Rice, together with Bellingham, completes England's "golden midfield." He boasts outstanding ability to protect the back four, along with formidable tackling and interception skills.
What the three players have in common is that their ball recovery ability — regaining possession of the ball the team has lost during a match — is top-class in their respective leagues. This ability is a powerful spear that cuts off the opponent's attack while simultaneously turning it into a counterattack. Pedri posted the best figure at 297, while Vitinha and Rice recorded 271 and 210, respectively.
Huh Jung-moo, chairman of Daejeon Hana Citizen, said, "The selected players are all drawing great attention worldwide," adding, "Watching these players perform will be another way to enjoy this World Cup."
