Ranking the 11 best young center midfielders in world football right now in 2024
It isn't easy for a young player under the age of 23 to make a major impact in the center midfield positions, because it's a position that requires a combination of technical quality, tactical intelligence, defensive grit, energy, work rate, veteran know-how, and all-around footballing quality.
Here are 10 young players under the age of 23 who have been standouts for their clubs in midfield.
To be considered one of the best young center midfielders in the world, a player must be a 6 or an 8 and cannot only play as a 10. Players who are No. 10 playmakers but have a past history of success as a 6 or 8 are able to qualify for this list, because they have shown a history of success in this role.
11. Johnny Cardoso, Real Betis
Johnny Cardoso is the least-known name on this list outside ...
