The eagerly anticipated 2017/18 English Premier League season has kicked off!
Whether they are protecting the defence or creating a goal on offense, midfielders are the heart of a team.
Betway takes a look at the midfielders who are expected to dazzle in the 2017/18 season:
N'Golo Kante
The midfield maestro has been widely regarded as the best central midfielder in the EPL after winning back to back league titles with Leicester City and Chelsea. The 26-year-old player, who has been hailed for his ability to influence matters in a defensive and offensive sense, made 127 tackles and he missed only three league matches as Chelsea clinched their sixth league title. The French international will surely be one of the Blues' key players as they look to defend their EPL title during the 2017/18 campaign.
Dele Alli
The classy midfielder has proved to be unarguably the best youngster in the EPL with his impressive and consistent displays for Tottenham Hotspur in the last two campaigns. The England international utilized his blistering pace and trickery to unlock defencive lines and he scored 18 league goals from an attacking midfield position as Spurs secured second spot finish in the EPL last season. The 21-year-old midfielder will be eager to inspire the Lilywhites to their first league title since 1961 next season.
Ander Herrera
The hard-working midfielder has slowly established himself as one of the top central midfielders in the EPL in the colours of Manchester United. The 27-year-old player, who made 2089 passes from midfield, 84 tackles and 81 interceptions in the EPL, was a key member of the United side that won the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League title - making 50 appearances in all competitions. The Spanish international will be hoping to play an important as United mount a serious challenge for this season's EPL title.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
The crafty midfielder has proven to be one of the most effective midfielders in the EPL in the last few seasons with his wonderful exploits for Swansea City. The Iceland international, who has been praised for his excellent long-range shooting ability, netted nine goals and grabbed 13 goals in the league last season. The 27-year-old player has now made his move to Everton FC and will be looking to emulate his fine form in the new campaign.
Kevin De Bruyne
The gifted creative midfielder has been hailed as one of the best advanced playmakers in world football and inspired Manchester City to a third place in the league last season. The 26-year-old Belgian, who provided 18 assists and made 50 tackles, is known for his impressive technique, wide range of passing, and long-range shooting skills. The Belgian international will be looking to chip in more goals during the 2017/18 campaign after netting only six goals in the league last season.
Eden Hazard
The dribbling wizard has often been described as the best player in the EPL and one of the most talented players in world football. The Chelsea midfielder, who is coming off his best season in the EPL, was instrumental for the Blues - scoring 16 goals to help his side clinch their sixth league title. The 26-year-old Belgium vice-captain, who has incredible creativity, speed, and technical ability, will be one of the Blues' key players if they are to defend the EPL title this season.
Christian Eriksen
The Tottenham Hotspur orchestrator-in-chief is seen as one of the best midfielders in the EPL and he had a great 2016/17 season with the club. The Danish international, who enjoyed a deep role in Spurs midfield last season, created the most chances (112) in the league - scoring eight goals in 36 league matches in the process. The 25-year-old superstar will be hoping to help the Lilywhites clinch the 2017/18 EPL title.
Idrissa Gueye
The Senegalese international is coming off his breakthrough season in the EPL which also saw him establish himself as one the top central midfielders in the league. The Everton midfielder, who joined the club from Aston Villa prior to the 2016/17 season, made the most tackles (136) in the EPL - featuring in 33 league matches in his first campaign with the Toffees. The 26-year-old player, who has an excellent work rate, will be looking to prove that he is not a one season wonder in his third campaign in the EPL.
Philippe Coutinho
The Liverpool FC creative lynchpin has forged a reputation as one of the best players in the EPL. The Brazilian international, who has been hailed for his combination of vision, passing, dribbling and long-range strikes - is coming off his most productive season in the EPL - having netted 13 goals for the Reds. The 25-year-old has been subjected to interest from European and Spanish giants FC Barcelona, but Liverpool were able to keep him as Klopp refused to let go. The reds will hope to hold onto him in January if they want to put up a serious challenge for the title.
Paul Pogba
He may have had a slow start to life back at Manchester United last season, but the young Frenchman's ability should not be undermined. Despite finishing 6th in the Premier League, Pogba was key in United's efforts to secure a spot in the Champions League via the Europa League. With the arrival of Nemanja Matic, Pogba will now be given free-reign to roam around the field and provide support wherever needed. Last season, Pogba found the net 5 times and assisted 4 times. Defensively, he managed 53 successful tackles and an impressive 75% tackle success rate. It's an exciting time for Pogba as he will be key in The Red Devil's attempt at Glory in the new season.