Who was the Premier League’s most intelligent midfielder last season?

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Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Southampton and West Ham United stars all feature as canididates.

There are different types of midfielders that different sets of fans prefer to watch.

Some fans prefer the midfielders who leave a foot in and show a bit of grit while others prefer the midfielders who stroke the ball around as though football is the easiest game in the world.

Midfielders have to show a great deal of intelligence, especially defensively minded players, to read the game and be able to step in and make interceptions. Players who can intercept the ball quickly and early can ease pressure and set up attacks, which can keep the opposition on the back foot.

We’ve used the stat ‘interceptions won’ to judge the Premier League’s most intelligent midfielder last season, in terms of the player who was able to read the game and cut off danger before it developed.

Take a look.

Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace was the most intelligent defender last season in terms of making the most successful interceptions.

He was a crucial part of a side which went on a dramatic run towards the end of the season, with five wins, two draws and a single defeat from the club’s last eight games.

It won’t surprise many Manchester United fans to see Michael Carrick near the top of this list, famously one of the best midfielders around when it comes to reading the play as it develops.

Carrick was one of the few Manchester United players to show consistency in an otherwise disappointing season last year.