Best Premier League Midfielders of 2022/2023
The 2022/2023 Premier League season produced some of the finest midfield performances in the history of English football. With Manchester City claiming a historic treble and Arsenal mounting a genuine title challenge for the first time in decades, the midfield battle across the division was fierce, creative, and endlessly entertaining.
Kevin De Bruyne — Manchester City. There is simply no list of the best Premier League midfielders that does not start with Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro delivered yet another masterclass campaign, registering 7 goals and 16 assists across all competitions. His vision, range of passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match are unmatched in English football. De Bruyne was the engine of Pep Guardiola's treble-winning machine, orchestrating City's relentless pressure play from deep and wide positions alike. When he plays, City look unstoppable.
Rodri — Manchester City. Alongside De Bruyne, Rodri was arguably the most important midfielder in the league in 2022/2023. The Spanish defensive midfielder won the ball back relentlessly, provided defensive cover for City's marauding full-backs, and chipped in with crucial goals including a Europa League final screamer. His passing accuracy, positional intelligence, and composure under pressure make him the heartbeat of City's system. Without Rodri, City are simply a different team.
Martin Ødegaard — Arsenal. The Norwegian captain was the driving force behind Arsenal's title challenge, finishing the season with 15 Premier League goals and 7 assists — extraordinary numbers for a creative midfielder. Ødegaard's combination of technical quality, leadership, and goal threat elevated him to the very top tier of the Premier League. He orchestrated Arsenal's high-energy pressing system with elegance and precision, and his performances consistently drew comparisons to the great creative midfielders of the modern era.
Declan Rice — West Ham United. Before his record-breaking £105 million move to Arsenal in the summer of 2023, Declan Rice signed off his West Ham career with another commanding season. The England international demonstrated why he is one of the most complete midfielders in Europe — aggressive in the press, composed in possession, and a consistent threat from range. His passing range improved significantly, turning him from a purely defensive asset into a genuine box-to-box force.
James Maddison — Leicester City. Despite Leicester's tragic relegation, James Maddison was undoubtedly one of the standout individual performers of the season. The England midfielder scored 18 goals across all competitions, showcasing his lethal free-kick delivery, intelligent movement, and creative spark. His performances earned him a place in England's World Cup squad and, ultimately, a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Maddison proved that world-class talent can shine even in the most difficult team circumstances.
Alexis Mac Allister — Brighton & Hove Albion. The World Cup winner was one of the surprise packages of the 2022/2023 season. Mac Allister was instrumental in Roberto De Zerbi's high-octane Brighton side, combining pressing intensity with technical quality and an eye for goal. His World Cup triumph with Argentina in Qatar added a mental edge to his game, and he consistently outperformed expectations in a Brighton midfield that dazzled the entire football world.
Conclusion. The 2022/2023 Premier League season underlined just how important the midfield battle has become in modern football. Whether you prefer the creative genius of De Bruyne, the defensive dominance of Rodri, or the leadership of Ødegaard, one thing is certain: English football's midfield talent pool has never been richer. These six players defined the season — and most of them will be central figures once again as clubs battle for supremacy in the campaigns to come.
