Juventus: Ranking the 5 best center midfielders of all time

1. Marco Tardelli

There was only one man who could ever be ranked ahead of Pavel Nedved on a list like this. Nedved’s quality and dedication to the club were incredible, so it has to take an even more special character to take the top spot ahead of the Czech legend. And in Marco Tardelli, Juventini have exactly the man to look up to and call the greatest center midfielder in Juve’s incredible history.

Tardelli is one of the old-school legends from one of the many golden periods in Juventus history. He played for the Black and Whites from 1975 to 1985, a decade of brilliance that nobody who calls themselves a Juventino or Juventina will forget.

An Italian football Hall of Famer, Tardelli fits the mold of many of the players on this list who were both relentless in defense and classy with the ball at their feet. Tardelli was as clutch as Claudio Marchisio and as addicted to winning as Mr. Deschamps. He took home five Scudetti, two Coppa Italia, the UEFA Cup, and the European Cup before leaving Juventus. And while he was still a Bianconero, Tardelli hoisted the 1982 World Cup as a member of the Italian national team.

That trophy case is the envy of so many great players, and Tardelli achieved his peak performance with the Black and White club of Turin. He was a true leader, setting an example in midfield that would be followed for decades to come by the likes of Nedved and Marchisio.

Tardelli’s energy, versatility, ball-winning, and high football IQ made him the quintessential Juventus standout in midfield. His impact and well-rounded style of play are still a blueprint, and even nearly 50 years later, you will still see Juventini passionately discussing Tardelli’s accomplishments and influence on this historically great club.