Premier League: Best midfielders of 2024/25 Season
Bruno, Madison, Partey: Best midfielders in 2024/25 EPL season
As the 2024/25 Premier League season reaches its climax, five midfield maestros have emerged as the league’s most influential players. Bruno Fernandes, James Maddison, Mateo Kovacic, Youri Tielemans, and Thomas Partey have each carved unique roles for their clubs, blending creativity, defensive solidity, and match-winning moments. This analysis dives into their stats, playing styles, and transformative impacts.
Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United’s Beating Heart
In a turbulent season for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has been the consistent creative force, delivering 8 goals and 9 assists in 24 appearances. His 3.2 key passes per 90 and 72 total shots showcase his relentless attacking intent :cite[2].
| Stat | Value | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Involvements | 17 | 1st among midfielders |
| Key Passes/90 | 3.2 | Top 3 |
| Shots on Target | 24 | 2nd among midfielders |
Fernandes’ leadership has been crucial for a United side languishing mid-table. His assist for Rasmus Hojlund against Leicester in March exemplified his clutch brilliance, while his passionate style lifts teammates even in difficult moments :cite[2].
James Maddison: Tottenham’s Creative Spark
James Maddison has flourished under Ange Postecoglou, contributing 6 goals and 8 assists while averaging a goal involvement every 138 minutes. His 86% pass accuracy and 1.4 successful dribbles per game make him one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers :cite[2].
Maddison’s ability to drift between lines and deliver decisive passes has eased the creative burden on Son Heung-min. His partnership with Pape Matar Sarr (ranked 28th in early season predictions) has been particularly effective in Spurs’ attacking transitions :cite[4].
Mateo Kovacic: Manchester City’s Unsung Hero
Thrust into a pivotal role after Rodri’s September 2024 injury, Kovacic has been City’s midfield glue with 94% pass accuracy and 6.8 progressive passes per 90. His 10.8km covered per match demonstrates his tireless work rate :cite[2].
Kovacic’s long-range strike against Newcastle in January showcased his technical quality, while his ability to maintain possession under pressure has been vital for a City side missing key players. Despite four losses in seven games without Rodri, Kovacic has kept them in top-four contention :cite[2]:cite[4].
Youri Tielemans: Aston Villa’s Midfield Anchor
The Belgian has quietly become Villa’s most consistent performer with 4 goals and 6 assists, while excelling defensively (1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions per 90). His 89% pass accuracy and versatility have been crucial for Unai Emery’s system :cite[2].
Tielemans’ Sofascore rating has risen from 7.2 to 7.5 this season, reflecting his growing influence. His ability to link defense and attack has been vital for Villa’s push toward Champions League qualification :cite[3].
Thomas Partey: Arsenal’s Resurgent Enforcer
At 31, Partey has rolled back the years with commanding displays, including a stunning strike in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Manchester City. His 2.1 tackles and 5.6 progressive passes per game highlight his two-way value :cite[2].
Partey’s revival has been crucial for Arsenal’s title challenge, providing defensive stability that allows Declan Rice (ranked 2nd in other lists) greater freedom to influence games :cite[5]:cite[7].
FAQs
Q: Who has the most goal contributions among these midfielders?
A: Bruno Fernandes leads with 17 (8 goals, 9 assists), followed by James Maddison (14) and Youri Tielemans (10) :cite[2].
Q: Which midfielder has the best defensive stats?
A: Thomas Partey (2.1 tackles, 1.5 interceptions/90) edges Tielemans, though both offer strong defensive contributions :cite[2].
Q: How does Kovacic compare to Rodri?
A: While Rodri remains City’s premier midfielder (ranked 1st elsewhere), Kovacic’s 94% pass accuracy and 6.8 progressive passes/90 show he’s been an able deputy :cite[2]:cite[5].
Comparative Analysis
| Player | Goals | Assists | Key Passes/90 | Tackles/90 | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | 8 | 9 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 78% |
| James Maddison | 6 | 8 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 86% |
| Mateo Kovacic | 3 | 2 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 94% |
| Youri Tielemans | 4 | 6 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 89% |
| Thomas Partey | 3 | 2 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 87% |
Conclusion: Midfield Masters Shaping the Season
These five midfielders exemplify the Premier League’s tactical diversity. Fernandes’ creativity, Maddison’s flair, Kovacic’s control, Tielemans’ balance, and Partey’s resilience have each proven indispensable to their clubs’ ambitions. As the season reaches its climax, their performances may well decide who lifts the trophy, secures Champions League football, or avoids relegation.
While other lists rank players like Rodri (1st) and Kevin De Bruyne (7th) highly :cite[5], this quintet has stood out for carrying teams through challenging circumstances. Their ability to influence games in multiple phases makes them the complete modern midfielders.
