PSG midfielder Vitinha has sparked debate by naming Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes among the world's top four midfielders, while conspicuously omitting Arsenal star Declan Rice. In an interview with Canal 11, Vitinha listed his elite midfield quartet, placing Barcelona's Pedri at the pinnacle.
Vitinha's Top Four Midfielders
When asked to identify the best midfielder in the world, Vitinha responded: 'I would put Pedri at the top of the list. He is magical; it is spectacular to see him play. When you play against him, you understand him even better.' He continued: 'A top-three? I would go with Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes. They are both on either side of me and Pedri. So, I don't have a top three but a top four.'
Vitinha's list includes himself alongside Pedri, Fernandes, and PSG teammate Joao Neves. The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed remarkable success at PSG, winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and the club's first Champions League last season.
Bruno Fernandes' Impressive Campaign
Fernandes, 31, is enjoying another stellar season at Old Trafford, scoring eight goals and providing 20 assists in all competitions. His form has been instrumental in Manchester United's resurgence, with the club all but securing a Champions League spot after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season.
Declan Rice's Omission
Arsenal's Rice, who cost over £100 million from West Ham in 2023, has been a key figure for the Gunners, playing all but one Premier League game this season as they chase their first title since 2004. Despite his contributions, Vitinha did not include him in his top four. Gary Lineker, however, believes Rice is a strong contender for Player of the Season, alongside Fernandes.
Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast: 'I think he's the player of the season for me. For me, it's probably him or maybe Declan Rice if Arsenal go on and manage to clinch the title. But at the moment, for me, to do what he's done this season… and he was still the standout player even when they were going through a rotten spell under Ruben Amorim. I think he's got such a great footballing brain and technique. What a player, what a player!'
Arsenal remain in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League, with their semi-final against Atletico Madrid tied at 1-1. Rice's absence from Vitinha's list may fuel further debate about the Premier League's top talents.
