The 2024/25 Bundesliga season was a showcase of exceptional midfield talent, with players dictating play, creating chances, and driving their teams toward glory. From dynamic playmakers to tenacious ball-winners, the league featured a blend of established stars and rising prospects.
Drawing on performances up to the season’s conclusion, here are the top five midfielders who defined the campaign, based on their contributions in goals, assists, and overall impact.
1. Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen stands out as the premier midfielder of the season. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was the heartbeat of Leverkusen’s campaign, even as they fell short of defending their title. Wirtz’s vision and flair were evident in his 12 assists, second only to Michael Olise league-wide, and 10 goals, a remarkable haul for a midfielder. His ability to glide past defenders and deliver pinpoint passes made him a constant threat, with four big chances created placing him among the elite.
Wirtz’s performances earned him praise as one of Europe’s top No. 10s, with his 98th-percentile ranking in progressive passes received highlighting his knack for finding dangerous positions. Despite Leverkusen’s slight dip in dominance, Wirtz’s consistency and creativity ensured he remained a standout, cementing his status as a future global superstar.
2. Michael Olise
Michael Olise, playing for Bayern Munich, was another revelation. Transitioning from Crystal Palace to the Bundesliga champions, the 23-year-old Frenchman adapted seamlessly, often deployed in a hybrid role blending right-wing duties with central midfield creativity. Olise led the league with 15 assists, a testament to his ability to unlock defenses. His 12 goals further underscored his attacking prowess, with 111 passes into the penalty area—the most across Europe’s top five leagues.
Olise’s 169 shot-creating actions and 90 key passes showcased his relentless influence, earning him a spot in the EA FC 25 Bundesliga Team of the Season. His move to Bayern proved transformative, as he became a linchpin in their title-winning campaign under Vincent Kompany, blending flair with clinical decision-making.
3. Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig delivered a career-defining season, justifying his permanent move from Paris Saint-Germain. The 22-year-old Dutchman combined elegance with end product, racking up 16 goal involvements (10 goals, six assists) despite missing time due to an ankle injury. His match-winning double against Wolfsburg in April was a highlight, showcasing his ability to take games by the scruff of the neck.
Simons’ dribbling and vision made him a nightmare for defenders, with his 98th-percentile ranking in shot-creating actions reflecting his potency. Leipzig’s push for a top-four finish owed much to Simons’ ability to transition play from midfield to attack, making him one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.
4. Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka, also of Bayer Leverkusen, proved that experience remains invaluable. The 33-year-old Swiss international was the backbone of Leverkusen’s midfield, bringing composure and leadership to a young squad. Following his pivotal role in their 2023/24 title win, Xhaka continued to excel as a deep-lying playmaker, with his 92.64% open-play pass completion rate among the best in the league.
His combative spirit and ability to orchestrate play from deep allowed Leverkusen’s attacking talents like Wirtz to flourish. While his goal and assist numbers were modest, Xhaka’s influence was felt in his 74.56% forward passing accuracy and consistent ball-winning, making him a vital cog in Xabi Alonso’s system.
5. Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich rounds out the top five with his versatility and leadership. Deployed primarily as a holding midfielder under Kompany, the 30-year-old German international was a metronome in Bayern’s midfield, dictating tempo with his precise passing. Kimmich’s 10 assists since the 2017/18 season highlight his reliability in creating chances, while his 430+ appearances for Bayern underline his enduring importance.
His no-nonsense attitude and ability to cover ground made him a defensive anchor, complementing the attacking flair of Olise and Jamal Musiala. Kimmich’s role in Bayern’s 34th Bundesliga title, where they conceded just 32 goals, was undeniable, as his tactical intelligence helped maintain their defensive solidity.