Premier League midfielders - 2023/24 power rankings

There has never been a higher demand for midfielders.

While ephemeral number 10s have always been sought after, the last 18 months have seen an explosion in the value of all-action central midfielders; four of the five most expensive players in the history of this position have commanded nine-digit transfer fees this calendar year - and the three costliest midfielders of all time currently reside in the Premier League.

90min's power rankings attempts to pick out the eight most in-form midfielders of the 2023/24Premier League campaign.

*Updated 16/04/24

8. Bruno Fernandes (new entry)

Manchester United are having a fairly torrid time of it under Erik ten Hag, with inconsistency and an apparent inability to defend when under the pump a real concern.

The good news is that Bruno Fernandes has remembered where the goal is, notching in three successive games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Bournemouth.

7. Youri Tielemans (new entry)

Youri Tielemans has needed some time to settle into his new Aston Villa surroundings, but things are finally coming together for the Belgian.

Now an important member of Unai Emery's midfield, alongside Douglas Luiz, he could hold the key to returning to Champions League competition.

6. Martin Odegaard (down 1)

Arsenal's title charge is gathering pace and it's coincided with an uptick in Martin Odegaard's form.

The Norwegian was always going to struggle to match his goalscoring exploits from last season, but Mikel Arteta's captain is influencing games far more than he was before Christmas - he could be the difference when it's all said and done.

5. Conor Gallagher (up 1)

Chelsea have been wildly inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino this season, dropping points here, there and everywhere.

That unfortunate trait has continued in 2024 but the finger can't be pointed at Conor Gallagher for their perceived underperformance. Equipped with the captain's armband, he's led from the front alongside Cole Palmer, putting in some hugely impressive midfield displays.

4. Rodri (-)

Without Rodri ticking things over, treble winners Manchester City have occasionally looked like a pretty normal team this season.

With him, they look like the best football team in the world. That's how good Rodri is.

3. Alexis Mac Allister (-)

It took Alexis Mac Allister a little while to get up to speed at Liverpool - with many questioning if he was capable of playing in a deeper role - but the World Cup winner is now showing his class.

The Reds' title bid could hinge on his ability to pull the strings, with the odd ripsnorter of a goal here or there further evidence of what's he capable of.

2. Kevin De Bruyne (-)

It only took two appearances against Newcastle United and Burnley for Kevin De Bruyne, sidelined long-term because of injury, to remind everybody of his class.

He's stepped things up since then, firmly reminding everybody that he's the creator in chief at the Etihad Stadium.

1. Declan Rice (-)

The fact that no one has talked about his hefty price tag speaks volumes about how good Declan Rice has been for Arsenal.

The England midfielder has come up trumps in a number of big games, with his all-action displays seeing him register a career-high number of goals and assists.

He's a genuine contender to win the PFA Player of the Year award - a real statement to those who doubted his ability to step up at a big club.

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