The new football season is almost here, and everyone is excited to watch the next crop of players that will be in command on the field. In 2025, a new group of exceptional people will start to get noticed in Europe and other locations. Most of the time, the center is where games are won or lost. Some more outstanding players are about to make it big, and some are already making news for how good they are. This list has the 10 top young midfielders to watch this season.
These young midfielders might impact the game at the top level because they have vision, poise, athleticism, and tactical expertise. These young stars are showing hints that they could be very good. For example, a teenager who leads the pace or a twenty-year-old playmaker who makes passes through tight areas. Young players are already playing in the biggest leagues and tournaments, like the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and the Champions League. Clubs are spending a lot of money on young players, and a lot of them are now taking part in these competitions.
Top Ten Young Midfielders To Watch This Season (2025/2026)
10. Marc Casado – Barcelona / Spain
Marc Casado, who has climbed through Barcelona’s esteemed youth ranks, brings stability and intelligence to midfield. Known for his tidy passing and ability to anticipate danger, he offers security in possession and contributes to a compact formation. Casado’s versatility allows him to sit in front of the defense or fill in as needed across the backline, giving coaches flexibility. Though understated, his reliability is the feature that anchors Barcelona’s transitional moments. His subtle impact often stabilizes the team when creative playmakers step forward, and that understated ability could become increasingly important this season.
9. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City / France
Rayan Cherki completed a high profile move from Lyon to Manchester City in summer 2025, signing a five year contract and stepping into Pep Guardiola’s evolving blueprint for creativity. Cherki arrives with a stellar 2024 season behind him with 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances, top assists in European action, and a Young Player of the Season award. He brings flair, unpredictability, and precise vision traits that earned praise as one of the greatest technicians in Europe. His freedom to roam could fill creativity gaps in City’s midblock, particularly after Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. As he integrates into a sophisticated system, his technical artistry and positional fluidity mark him as a thrilling talent to follow.
8. Arda Güler – Real Madrid / Turkey
Though brought down by injuries, Arda Güler has impressed with his technical promise at Real Madrid. His left foot talent in tight spaces, maturity in creating, and set piece execution continue to shine when he takes to the pitch. Güler’s eye for threading passes in congested areas and finishing from distance offers an unpredictable edge that Real Madrid’s systems covet. As he re establishes fitness and secures consistent minutes, he has all the tools to become the imaginative spark in one of Europe’s most demanding dressing rooms.
7. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United / England
Kobbie Mainoo has swiftly embedded himself into Manchester United’s midfield with poise and accuracy. At just 19, his composure under pressure, sharp distribution, and ability to intercept with timing have become foundation stones for United’s game control. He drills passes forward when chances appear and reads danger when buildup breaks down. His influence grew through decisive moments tactically aware, yet brave when goals mattered. As United reshapes its midfield identity, Mainoo’s blend of maturity and technical assurance makes him central to their equation.
6. Ethan Nwaneri – Arsenal / England
Ethan Nwaneri’s meteoric rise continued through the 2024 season. After debuting at 15, he delivered nine goals and two assists across 37 appearances and secured a long term contract extension. His play in tight areas stands out flashy yet refined, calm in possession, and visionary in his movement. Arsenal trusts his creativity, and he repays that with subtle through passes and moments of bold execution. With rising responsibility in the senior squad, his development feels destined to bring long term creative balance and unpredictability to the midfield.
5. João Neves – Paris Saint Germain / Portugal
Joining PSG in August 2024 for nearly 60 million euros, João Neves made an immediate statement by setting a Ligue 1 assist record in his first two appearances, surpassing Neymar’s mark. He followed with a Man of the Match performance against Manchester City in the Champions League, completing perfect tackles, delivering key passes, and scoring the decisive goal. As PSG clinched a continental treble, Neves earned inclusion in Ligue 1’s Team of the Season and was runner up for Young Player of the Year. His blend of defensive tenacity and creative intelligence positions him as a modern all round midfielder—dominant in transitions and capable of controlling big matches.
4. Gavi – Barcelona / Spain
Gavi continues to embody Barcelona’s midfield identity relentless, technical, and daring. His pressing disturbs defensive shapes, his vertical passing stimulates attacks, and his tackling is timed with instinct. Despite being under 21, he has already established himself within Barcelona and Spain’s setup. His competitive edge fuels intensity across the midfield, and his capacity to spark tempo changes or disrupt opponent rhythm underscores his cultural and tactical importance to the team’s DNA.
3. Warren Zaïre Emery – Paris Saint Germain / France
Warren Zaire Emery remains remarkable for his composure, adaptability, and physical maturity. He navigates high pressure environments with calm efficiency, able to press or guide play with equal assurance. His vision and distribution allow him to control tempo, and his reading of play bridges defense and attack fluidly. PSG relies on his consistency as they reset after the Mbappe era, and his evolution suggests he will dictate midfield tempo for years. His talent blends maturity with youth, making him a core pillar in tactical transitions.
2. Jamal Musiala – Bayern Munich / Germany
Jamal Musiala has continued delivering at world class levels. His dribbling prowess repeatedly dismantles organized defenses, while his spatial awareness unlocks gaps others miss. He mixes creativity with goal scoring and playmaking efficiency that make him indispensable for Bayern and essential for Germany. Despite heavy expectations, his technique remains dazzling, his execution fearless. Musiala plays with elegance and risk, and as consistency improves, he remains among Europe’s most electrifying midfield talents.
1. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool / Germany
Florian Wirtz takes the top spot with his complete midfield game and recent landmark transfer to Liverpool, breaking their club record at up to 116 million pounds. He arrives off a season with 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances and carries the creative burden into the post Klopp era. His early words show hunger and readiness to adapt, and previews of his play hint at a creative fulcrum capable of dictating tempo, spacing, and final delivery. Wirtz blends technical clarity with temperament and already plays with the authority of a seasoned creator, making him Europe’s most polished under 23 midfielder right now.