Just compared some Modric stats with Arteta for ex. They're pair in most of things.
Arteta played some 100 minutes less and has more passes and better passing accuracy than Modric.
He won 10 less duels but lost 30 less.
He won more and lost less tackles.
They're similar in clearances and interceptions (Arteta slighly better in first, Modric in second).
He scored 4 goals, Modric 2 and has 4 times better shooting conversion rate.
Modric has 3 assists, Arteta 1 and both made similar number of chances.
Yet, Modric is "best midfielder in the league" and Arteta is barely mentioned.