With a range of tactical approaches on display at the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup it’s been a hard task to compile a shortlist of the best midfield performers.

In sticking with the variety on the pitch, we’ve opted to cover the full spectrum as we have a mixture of defensive midfielders, central midfielders as well as a wider option for you to choose from.

Make sure to vote for who you think deserves to be named the Best Midfielder of the Group Stage.

Baddrol Bakhtiar (Malaysia)

The veteran was a calming presence in his defensive midfield role in what was predominantly a 4-1-4-1 set-up where he got through plenty of work off the ball in a typically tidy manner. Going forward he also proved a threat with an assist in the win over Laos and an impressive seven key passes across the four matches.

Kevin Ingreso (Philippines)

A standout performer for the Philippines in central midfield, the 28-year-old was a key link between defence and attack where he played more key passes than any other Azkal and also contributed two assists and a goal.

Ricky Kambuaya (Indonesia)

The 25-year-old isn’t a flashy player but he’s been the glue that’s held together an Indonesian side that’s shown some defensive frailties at times. Operating as a deeper or slightly more central midfielder, Kambuaya has been solid on the ball and a real anchor in his screening work as well as notching an assist in the opening match for the Garuda.

Nguyen Hoang Duc (Vietnam)

Having started every game, the 23-year-old is growing into a key player for the Golden Star Warriors in his first major tournament at senior level. In a Vietnam side that are constantly recycling the ball through midfield, he’s completed more passes than any other player in the team, has been strong defensively from his central role as well as providing two assists and grabbing a goal himself in the key win over Malaysia on Matchday Three.

Nguyen Phong Hong Duy (Vietnam)

Another to have started every match for Vietnam, the versatile defender/midfielder was a lively presence on the left flank, where he is a creative outlet going forward and a key weapon in limiting the space that opponents have to play into when the Golden Star Warriors don’t have possession.

Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul (Thailand)

A regular and a controlling presence as Thailand topped Group A, the 26-year-old was charged with much of the defensive work from his deeper midfield position whilst also keeping the ball moving through the central and more advanced areas of the pitch.