The Premier League is home to some of the best players in the world.
Whilst Spain's La Liga and Germany's Bundesliga might have the edge over the top tier of English football in terms of strikers and defenders, the Premier League possesses some of the best midfielders - with differing styles of play - in the world.
Strikers score goals; defenders ward off attacks from the opposition – midfielders do both. It's arguably the most diverse role on the pitch but also the most difficult to play in.
We've seen some exceptional players dominate the midfield of their respective sides, either from wide areas or the centre of the pitch.
Without further ado, here are the six best Premier League midfielders in the 2016/17 season:
Paul Pogba - Manchester United
You've probably got 89 million reasons why Pogba should be dubbed a flop and not a standout performer this term, well I've got news for you, the Frenchman has dominated United's midfield with class and efficiency.
We keep hearing about how United can create chances but squander them. Pogba produces a large number of those unconverted goalscoring opportunities.
Pogba has created 54 chances in the Premier League – the most of any central midfielder this term. He also tops the passing charts for midfielders having made 1726 successful passes this season.
Along with his impressive distribution stats, he's also registered a combined tally of seven goals and assists.
Gylfi Sigurdsson - Swansea City
Sigurdsson is the main reason why Swansea still have a chance, however small it may be, of pulling off a great escape.
The Swans are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, and with just four games left until the end of the season, there's every chance that they could be a Championship outfit next term.
Sigurdsson has consistently produced the goods when called upon scoring eight goals and laying on 12 assists for his teammates. Based on those numbers, should Swansea get relegated, he's highly unlikely to go down with them.
Very few players can match his productivity; hence he deserves mention on this list.
Christian Eriksen - Tottenham Hotspur
Eriksen began the season relatively slowly, but looks set to end it on a high.
Along with his teammates, the Dane has been unable to lead Tottenham to the top of the table despite their ridiculously consistent showings this term, but a 2nd-place finish is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when Antonio Conte's Chelsea is the team in pole position.
Eriksen currently boasts of 12 assists this season, just one shy of Kevin de Bruyne who now tops the assists charts. His creativity and ability to play his way out of tight areas makes him a key asset to Mauricio Pochettino's side, who still hold plenty of hope of bridging the gap with champions-elect Chelsea.
Likened to Chelsea icon Claude Makalele, Kante has earned himself special recognition in the Premier League and beyond for his exceptional work rate and technical ability.
His constant duels with players often hide his prowess with the ball at his feet, but his 89% passing accuracy serves as proof of his vision, awareness and technique.
The France international currently plays a pivotal role in Conte's system by utilising his ball-winning abilities to help Chelsea retain possession and prevent the opposition from launching attacks with regularity.
Kante has been one of the league's standout midfielders; he's arguably the best at performing his role.
Dele Alli has piqued the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid courtesy of his impressive displays this term.
The England International has somewhat of a striker's tally having notched 16 goals and made five assists.
He's utilised his blistering pace and trickery all season long to get the better of defenders and find the back of the net.
His athleticism, coupled with his goalscoring instinct and speed makes him one of the Premier League's best players.
Hazard's performances this season have been nothing short of sensational.
He's won Chelsea some valuable points against big teams, and he's also entertained the entire Premier League with his mesmerising dribbling skills.
The Belgium international has proven to be the Premier League's best midfielder by a mile.
With 14 goals and five assists to his name, he's Chelsea's second highest goal scorer in the English top-flight.
He also sits second on the take-on charts having made 128 successful take-ons this season.
