Claudio Marchisio

The Juventus midfielder has been in great form this season; including netting a brace in their 2-0 win over AC Milan last weekend. He was often forced out onto the left-side of midfield in previous years and not deemed capable of orchestrating a midfield. He’s proved his doubters wrong this season and also forced his way into the Italian National Team’s midfield.

Gokhan Inler

Napoli’s key summer signing from Udinese; the Swiss player is a midfield general, in the very traditional sense of the term. He has the abilities to take control of a game, as he demonstrated in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City. If the Neapolitan side are to challenge on two fronts this season, they need to keep Inler fit and ensure he remains fresh into the business end of the season.

Daniele De Rossi

Revolutionising Roma’s new-look side, El Capitano Futura, is operating as a deep-lying sweeper. Coach, Luis Enrique, has asked De Rossi to shield the defence, whilst becoming the main creative force in midfield. He is currently locked in a contract dispute with the Giallorossi and has threatened to walk away on a Bosman-transfer next summer. The Roman side need to prevent this from happening if they are to develop under Thomas DiBenedetto’s ownership.

Arturo Vidal

The Chilean was signed this summer to add some steel and creativity to Juventus’s midfield. Working with Marchisio, he has provided a balance to the side and helps to shield Andrea Pirlo. The player can also operate at left-back and Andrea Conte may look to make use of his utility as the season develops.

Kwadwo Asamoah

Operating as part of a 4-3-3 in Udinese’s midfield, the Ghanaian international is fast-developing into a fantastic player. He was heavily linked to AC Milan this summer, but the Zebrette fought hard to keep him and he featured in the Champion’s League Play-Off defeat to Arsenal. Recognised for his lung-bursting runs and tough-tackling approach, he will certainly be missed when he represents Ghana at the African Cup of Nations early next year.