In our sixth edition of this feature we take a look at the creative and graceful passers of the ball. The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andres Iniesta are usually found in the heart of the field.
Once again we will break this up into two parts because there are so many world class players.
Paul Pogba – (Juventus)
Pogba is probably the best young midfielder in world football right now and has cemented his place in the middle of the park for club and country already. The 21-year-old was on the radar of many clubs after a very successful World Cup, but recently renewed his contract with the Old Lady.
What makes last year's Golden Boy such an asset to any team is that he has a real presence in the air and is very good with the ball at his feet which allows him to pick the perfect passes.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich
Schweinsteiger was probably Germany's best player in the World Cup besides the heroics of Manuel Neuer. The midfielder provides the platform from which the rest of the German and Bayern Munich team can perform.
He has proven his leadership qualities for club and country. In addition, he can tackle, intercept, and prides himself on his ability to relentlessly retain possession at all costs. He has won 21 trophies with Bayern, among them the 2012-13 Champions League.
Andres Iniesta – Barcelona
Iniesta scored the winner in the World Cup final four years ago, and while he's arguably a slightly lesser player than he was in 2010, he still has the capability to surge past opposition midfielders, and set up his teammates with intricate through-balls.
Iniesta has a World Cup, Champions League, and two Euro winner's medals in his trophy cabinet and don't be surprised if he ads one or two more before he retires.
Xabi Alonso – Bayern Munich
Xabi Alonso recently packed up his things in Madrid and headed over to German giants Bayern Munich. He was arguably the most pivotal player in the Spain World Cup side in recent years and is stamping his authority at his new club.
Alonso is known for his cool head in the centre, and his ability to see creative opportunities from deep that most wouldn't. Like Iniesta, he has won the 2010 World Cup as well as the 2008 and 2012 Euros and he helped Real Madrid to the Champions league title last season.
Seydou Keita – AS Roma
The Malian footballer plays for Italian club A.S. Roma and is very versatile, as he can operate as both a central or defensive midfielder.
Keita represented Malian national team since the age of 20, appearing at six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and has 14 titles credited to his name from his time with FC Barcelona.
Which center midfielder would you pick in Soccer Laduma's Ultimate World XI? Have your say in the poll below.
