Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal star Vitinha singled out Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Pedri in his picks for the four best midfielders in the world.
Vitinha has shared the pitch with both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves, who has been linked with Manchester United, for the Portugal national team in his career.
Fernandes has been widely considered the Red Devils’ best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era after his sensational impact at Old Trafford since 2020.
Signed from Sporting CP in a deal initially worth £47m, the 31-year-old Man Utd captain has netted 105 times and picked up 101 assists in 318 matches for his side.
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Bruno Fernandes in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park in 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
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Vitinha’s ‘top-four’ midfielders include him alongside Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes, Portugal ace Joao Neves and Barcelona’s Pedri
Speaking to Portuguese TV channel Canal 11, Paris Saint-Germain player Vitinha opened up about his admiration for Barcelona and Spain midfielder Pedri.
The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder praised Pedri for his playing ability and admitted that he has seen the Spaniard’s true talent first-hand on the pitch.
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“I would put Pedri at the top of the list,” Vitinha said, as per the Metro.
“He is magical. It is spectacular to see him play. When you play against him, you understand him even better.”
Vitinha admitted that he would struggle to narrow his picks down to a top three, with the Portugal international keen to include himself in the midfield mix.
However, the former Porto and Wolves player suggested that Portugal teammates Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves would be in the same elite bracket as him.
“A top-three? I would go with Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes,” Vitinha added.
“They are both on either side of me and Pedri. So, I don’t have a top three but a top four.”
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Bruno Fernandes’ influence as one of the best midfielders in the world remains strong with his roles for Man Utd and Portugal
Fernandes has enjoyed a boost in form for the Red Devils in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign after Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United manager.
Ruben Amorim had been playing the Portugal international in a deep role in his United tactical system before Michael Carrick returned to Old Trafford in January.
United interim boss Michael Carrick has shifted Fernandes into an advanced attacking position and the Red Devils skipper has appeared back to his best.
Fernandes and Portugal teammates Vitinha and Joao Neves are expected to play key roles for manager Roberto Martinez at the World Cup in North America this summer.
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