The Top 10 Midfield Duos with the Highest Win Percentage in the 21st Century
Every successful team boasts a robust midfield orchestrating their play in the heart of the field. The remarkable achievements of Barcelona during the late 2000s and early 2010s owe much to the presence of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who expertly commanded the midfield.
Surprisingly, the Spanish maestros don't feature among the top 10 midfield duos with the highest winning percentage since the turn of the century. Popfoot has compiled a list of the top 10 midfield partnerships with the most impressive win records in matches. The Barcelona icons managed a win rate of 67.1% out of their 486 games played together. Admittedly, this can be attributed in part to the substantial number of games they played as a pair. However, the duos that earned their spots on this list didn't merely collaborate once or twice either.
Presenting an illustrious lineup, including a few stars who shone on multiple occasions, here are the top 10 midfield pairings with the greatest win percentage in the 21st century.
10. Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta - 71.1%
Comprising two-thirds of one of the most exceptional midfield trios in history, Sergio Busquets and Iniesta's appearance on this list is expected. Their partnership extended over a decade at Barcelona, yielding numerous trophies. Across 440 joint appearances, they secured victory in 313 matches, translating to an impressive win rate of 71.1%. No other pair on this list both played and won as many games together.
In fact, Busquets and Iniesta's combined victories outstrip the total appearances of any other pairing on this list except for Busquets and Xavi. This latter duo's 314 games slightly surpasses the number of wins achieved by Busquets and Iniesta. A remarkable starting point indeed.
9. Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho - 71.3%
Despite participating in only 157 matches together, the tandem of Gundogan and Fernandinho stood as a dominant force, securing triumphs across various competitions in England, including multiple Premier League titles. Thriving under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, they collaborated for six years at Manchester City. While their collective experience pales in comparison to other entries on this list, their 112 victories resulted in a commendable win rate of 71.3%.
The authenticity of this achievement could be debated, considering Fernandinho's significant time spent as a central defender during the latter stages of his City career. Nonetheless, this statistic remains impressive and deserving of recognition.
8. Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta - 71.7%
Following Cesc Fabregas' highly anticipated move to Barcelona, he swiftly established himself as a pivotal midfield figure, forming a successful partnership with Iniesta. Whether representing their club or country, their collaboration was synonymous with excellence, leading to a remarkable track record.
Despite a modest joint appearance count of 187, they clinched victory in 134 matches, earning multiple league titles, a pair of European Championships, and even a World Cup. Their win rate of 71.7% is not only impressive on its own but gains further merit when viewed in the context of the trophies they secured together.
7. Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti - 71.8%
Considering their roles as midfield stalwarts during Paris Saint-Germain's era of dominance following a significant financial takeover, it comes as no surprise that Matuidi and Verratti enjoyed considerable success as a pair. Despite Matuidi subsequently becoming the second-most capped player in PSG's history, his partnership with Verratti yielded one of the most triumphant midfield collaborations ever witnessed.
Across 174 appearances together, they celebrated victory in 125 matches, underscoring their excellence and PSG's dominance during their shared tenure. Over the span of six seasons, their win rate of 71.8% is a testament to their prowess and the team's overall strength.
6. Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger - 72.1%
Whether propelling Germany to the summit of international football or achieving resounding success at Bayern Munich, the partnership of Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger exemplified a harmonious blend that seemed to guarantee victory. With numerous league titles, a World Cup, and a Champions League triumph, the pair consistently delivered excellence.
Amassing 179 appearances together, they emerged victorious in 129 matches, culminating in an impressive win rate of 72.1%. One can't help but wonder what more could have been achieved had their partnership endured longer, given Kroos' early departure for Real Madrid. Nevertheless, their accomplishments remain commendable.
5. Sergio Busquets and Xavi - 73.6%
While Xavi and Iniesta might not grace this list, Busquets' collaboration with both Barcelona icons, particularly Xavi, proves more prolific. With 314 joint appearances, the duo entrenched themselves in Barcelona's midfield and claim the second-highest partnership experience among these rankings, surpassed only by Busquets and Iniesta.
Their shared efforts yielded victory in 231 matches out of 314, establishing an impressive win rate of 73.6%. Considering their substantial joint appearances, this achievement stands as a testament to their influence on Barcelona's success.
4. Bernardo Silva and Rodri - 74%
Bernardo Silva and Rodri
Over the course of 173 matches, Silva and Rodri have forged an extraordinary legacy of success. As integral members of Manchester City's midfield, their partnership coincided with a period of unparalleled triumphs in football.
Amidst multiple Premier League titles and a recent Champions League victory, their win rate of 74% reflects the magnitude of their achievements. Notably, they are the sole pair on this list who continue to play together, leaving the potential for their win rate to evolve. The prospect of even more silverware underscores their continued prowess under Guardiola's guidance.
3. Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic - 74%
While Busquets enjoyed success alongside Xavi and Iniesta, his collaboration with Ivan Rakitic stands as his most fruitful partnership in Barcelona's history. Despite sharing the same win rate of 74% as Silva and Rodri, Busquets and Rakitic's achievement shines even brighter considering their participation in 77 additional matches.
Their joint efforts encompassed 250 games in Barcelona's midfield, yielding triumph in 185 encounters. Their impressive silverware collection, including multiple La Liga titles and a Champions League victory, solidifies their legacy as one of the most outstanding midfield pairings in history.
2. Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri - 74.7%
Though their joint appearances total 150, Gundogan and Rodri demonstrated exceptional chemistry during their time as teammates. Their partnership within Manchester City's midfield underlined their prowess, resulting in victory in 112 matches.
The highlight of their collaboration was undoubtedly their contribution to Manchester City's historic treble last season. With a win rate of 74.7%, their achievement ranks among the best on this list. While Gundogan's departure in the summer marked a shift, Rodri's continued commitment indicates the potential for even greater success.
1. Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva - 77.9%
The remarkable success of Manchester City and the exceptional abilities of both Gundogan and Silva are showcased by their consistent presence throughout this list alongside various teammates. The culmination of their collaboration places them at the pinnacle.
Their partnership spanned 226 appearances, a figure exceeded by only three other duos on this list. However, the defining aspect is their staggering win rate of 77.9%. Their seamless cooperation contributed to Guardiola's team achieving remarkable success, characterized by their synergy and talent in midfield.
In conclusion, these midfield duos embody the essence of teamwork, skill, and triumph. Their achievements reflect the importance of a well-coordinated and talented midfield in the success of a football team.