The heart of any great football team lies in its midfield, and Serie A is home to some of the most dynamic and influential midfielders in world football. From creative maestros to tireless workhorses, these players are the engines that power the top clubs in Italy’s top flight.
Their contributions, whether in terms of creativity, defensive solidity, or leadership, underline their importance to their respective teams, making them indispensable assets as their clubs aim for domestic and European success.
In this article, Soccernet.football counts down the ten most valuable midfielders currently plying their trades in Italy’s first division.
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10. Ismael Bennacer (€30m) – AC Milan
Bennacer has become a crucial player in the Rossoneri’s midfield since joining from Empoli in 2019. The Algerian combines excellent ball-winning abilities with precise distribution. Bennacer’s ability to dictate tempo and provide defensive cover makes him indispensable to Milan’s tactical setup. His vision and composure under pressure allow Milan to transition smoothly from defense to attack, meaning he will be a key figure under new boss Paulo Fonseca.
9. Youssouf Fofana (€30m) – AC Milan
The Frenchman has proven himself as a dynamic and versatile midfielder. Only recently joining Milan from Monaco, Fofana adds energy and physicality in the middle of the park. His ball-carrying ability and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset for the Rossoneri. Fofana’s capacity to break up opposition play and initiate counter-attacks enhances Milan’s midfield depth and versatility, providing Fonseca with more options in central areas.
8. Charles De Ketelaere (€34m) – Atalanta
The Belgian prodigy has already shown his potential in Italy’s top flight. After a challenging start at AC Milan, he has found his form at Atalanta. De Ketelaere’s technical skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities make him a valuable asset. His adaptability to various midfield roles allows Gian Piero Gasperini to deploy him in different attacking positions. De Ketelaere’s creativity and potential make him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
7. Kephren Thuram (€35m) – Juventus
Son of legendary defender Lilian Thuram, Kephren, has made a name for himself as a commanding midfielder. The 23-year-old, who signed for the Old Lady this summer, brings strength and athleticism to Juve’s midfield. His ability to cover ground, break up opposition play, and drive forward with the ball makes him a dynamic presence. Kephren’s potential to dominate midfield battles will add another dimension to Juventus’ tactical approach under new head coach Thiago Motta.
6. Davide Frattesi (€35m) – Inter Milan
Frattesi has rapidly risen to prominence as one of Italy’s most promising midfielders. Now at Inter Milan, Frattesi combines industrious work rate with sharp attacking instincts. His ability to arrive late in the box and score crucial goals also adds another dimension to his game. Frattesi’s knack for finding pockets of space and his tireless energy make him a vital player for the Nerazzurri.
5. Ederson (€40m) – Atalanta
The Brazilian has become a key player for Atalanta since his arrival in 2022. Known for his physicality and passing range, Ederson excels in both defensive and offensive duties. His ability to win back possession and launch attacks from deep positions provides balance to Atalanta’s midfield. The 25-year-old’s versatility allows him to play as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more defensive role, making him a crucial part of Gasperini’s setup.
4. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (€45m) – Inter Milan
Çalhanoğlu has established himself as one of Serie A’s best playmakers. Since moving from the red to the blue half of Milan, the 30-year-old has become the Nerazzurri’s chief orchestrator in midfield. His set-piece prowess, vision, and creativity are crucial assets with which he helps the team. Çalhanoğlu’s ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and score from long range adds a significant attacking dimension to his game.
3. Teun Koopmeiners (€50m) – Atalanta
Koopmeiners has quickly become a vital component of Atalanta’s midfield since joining from AZ Alkmaar. The Dutchman’s intelligence, passing ability, and versatility make him indispensable to the Europa League winners. The 26-year-old’s ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his set-piece expertise, makes him a formidable presence in Serie A. His leadership qualities and tactical awareness, further solidify his role as a key player for Atalanta.
2. Douglas Luiz (€70m) – Juventus
The Brazilian’s value comes from his excellent balance of defensive and offensive skills. His ability to shield the defense, combined with his crisp passing and vision make him a great addition for the Bianconeri. Luiz’s intelligence in reading the game allows him to intercept passes and break up play effectively, while his composure on the ball ensures his team retains possession under pressure. His experience and leadership are crucial as Juventus aim to re-establish their dominance in Italy.
1. Nicolò Barella (€80m) – Inter Milan
Barella stands out as the most valuable midfielder in Serie A, thanks to his all-around abilities. A dynamic box-to-box midfielder, the Italian is the heartbeat of Inter’s midfield. His relentless work rate, defensive contributions, and ability to drive the ball forward make him indispensable. As a leader on and off the pitch, Barella’s influence on the Nerazzurri’s success last season cannot be overstated.
