Without them, football would effectively be a bunch of fools doing nothing but defending and then counter-attacking. Naturally, creative midfielders get most of the credit but there are times when a defensive or even a central midfielder is lauded.

6 Chelsea

Keeping N’Golo Kante alone gives Chelsea some semblance of a chance of surviving this season with their dignity intact. The best defensive midfielder that this decade may ever see, the Frenchman should be partnered with players equally brilliant. But that is clearly not the case. Jorginho is miles away from the midfield maestro he once was, and so is Matteo Kovacic.

While Chelsea may have spent heavily on the Croatian, he has a lot to improve upon and the Blues will depend heavily on his experience. But beside Kante, there is a chance that the greatness will overflow and surround his two midfield partners. Who that two midfield partner is, that falls to Frank Lampard and his choices so far haven't done well.

5 Manchester United

Nemanja Matic was a force of nature three years ago and Fred hasn’t shown anything even remotely worth the 40 odd million Jose Mourinho spent. Scott McTominay may or rather should take his place, which, in itself, allows Pogba some sort of defensive freedom. But that’s it, that is the extent of Manchester United's midfield with a Jesse Lingard cameo here and there. Even Juan Mata is well past his best days, with the new contract simply a hand out.

Pogba needs a supporting cast and no matter what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says, he is considering leaving. If he does leaves, then few men on this planet can help the Red Devils.

The Gunners should be much lower on this list but the addition of the U-21 European Championships' best player on a season-long loan gives them a necessary push. Their defensive problems have been hopefully plugged for now, but replacing Aaron Ramsey has been made easier by Dani Ceballos. The 22-year-old arrives on a one-year loan spell, which is a chance to move forward.

His presence in the team is often debated, but few can deny the impact he does make on the field.

3 Tottenham

It took them one and a half years but they finally did it. Tottenham finally brought in somebody and in Tanguy Ndombele, they ensured that it is a world-class option. A midfielder so good, that he’ll make everyone else at the club look utterly terrible or brilliant. They certainly took their time but in the Frenchman, they get a bonafide upgrade to Mousa Dembele and at the same time, someone who can ease the creative pressure of the rest.

All they need is a new back-up forward, new full-backs and to just stop putting pressure on the top two sides, and Mauricio Pochettino has a genuine chance at a Premier League title.

2 Liverpool

Why change what worked so damn well last season? That seems to be Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy and barring adding future stars there has been “major” no signings for the Reds. But having spent so heavily over the last few years, they really do not need to spend a lot of money this summer. That is especially on their midfield.

James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, and Georginio Wijnaldum are what Klopp has. Depth in the right areas and an established first-team trio in Fabinho, Keita, and Henderson with Milner and Chamberlain eased in eventually. It’s an impressive list, only maybe lacking a creative presence on the field, but they more than makeup for it with a boundless supply of energy.

1 Manchester City

In Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernando Silva, David Silva and Rodri or Fernandinho, Pep Guardiola is spoilt for choice. But, his first-team trio is well established when fit and with a new signing in Rodri, a replacement for Fernandinho is ever-present. The Spaniard was absolutely incredible to watch in his first game, seamlessly adapting to the physicality of the Premier League.

He still has kinks to work out, but the same, can and will never be said about David Silva or Kevin de Bruyne. Together, the two wreaked absolute havoc on the Hammers’ backline, often toying with Declan Rice and Jack Wilshere. It was both hard and wonderful to watch, now if they can only convert that into a Champions League crown, then Guardiola can leave and dominate some other country.