Comparing the best midfield duos in Europe currently

The identity and style of a team’s midfield forms the blueprint for their entire gameplay and is directly proportional to the success they have. For this midfield to have a proper effect on the team, it needs for its members to be well versed with each other and complement each other well to get the best out of their respective games and have the desired effect on the team.Many teams have faltered, despite having an extremely skilled midfield. So, talent alone does not make the difference, good camaraderie and a working partnership are just as important. Here's a brief analysis of some of the best midfield duos in Europe right now. 

#7 Barcelona

 

Barcelona's European domination was built on the solid foundation provided to them by the duo of Xavi and Iniesta. Their talent and ability to work in tandem created a lot of inconveniences for those who played against them. It was a glorious midfield combination.

Fast forward a few years and the Barcelona midfield doesn't look the same. Xavi has been replaced by Rakitic, a gifted individual, but the change has failed to create the spark seen during the Xavi-Iniesta time. Rakitic does not impose himself on the game as much as Xavi did, and Iniesta has, oddly, been out of form. Barcelona are losing their dominance in the center of the pitch and are increasingly having to rely on the genius of the front three - Messi, Neymar and Suarez a lot. It has been utterly chaotic for them in midfield recently.

It was evident against PSG, it was evident against Real Madrid and then again, against Celta Vigo. Iniesta has failed to act as the link between the midfield and attack, causing Messi to drop deeper into midfield. Rakitic has been shunted out wide to keep the markers busy, which is a very odd tactic pursued by Luis Enrique. This has caused a vacuum in the center of the pitch and has been a cause for consternation among the fans. It has also resulted in the tiki-taka dominance has gone. 

Barcelona have faired decently thus far, but fears persist about their ability to carry on in this manner. Teams are, at some point, going to figure out this weakness and exploit it, just as Celta did. The midfield is in need of an urgent face lift. 

Rating: 6/10