TOP 5 best defensive midfielders in world football

In the modern concept of football, the position of defensive midfielder is becoming more and more important. A player in this position has to do a lot of work and play the full 90 minutes of the game in order for his team to celebrate success. Who among the current players meets these requirements and is among the best? Here are 5 defensive midfielders who are among the best to watch in the world of football today.

5. Rodri

Club: Manchester City
Age: 25
Stats (2020/21):: 53 games, 2 goals, 5 assists

The Spanish midfielder transferred to Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for a whopping €62.7 million. Pep Guardiola has eyed him as a long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho.

It has to be said that Rodri’s first season in the Premier League was a bit difficult for him alone as he had to get used to the speed and toughness. But he was able to adapt quickly and Pep Guardiola has made him a key player who controls the midfield and is indispensable to the team.

Rodri has all the ingredients to become the best player in his position in the future. He is a tall, athletic and technical type who can not only take the ball away but can also create chances for his teammates. It will certainly be interesting to see his further progression.

4. Fabinho

Club: Liverpool
Age: 27
Statistics (2020/21):: 42 games, 1 assist

One of the many Brazilian players who have excelled in this position is Fabinho. A player with an excellent reading of the game, he is a very important figure for Liverpool and along with Jordan Henderson, forms a dynamic duo in the Reds midfield. Manager Jürgen Klopp cannot praise his services and can use him in the centre of defence in addition to the midfield.

When he is not playing his favoured role as a defensive midfielder, Liverpool are much worse off and one could say that Fabinho is one of its indispensable players.

3. Casemiro

Club: Real Madrid
Age: 29
Stats (2020/21):: 46 games, 7 goals, 6 assists

Carlos Henrique José Francisco Venancio Casemiro, as the Brazilian player’s full name goes, has been a part of Real Madrid since 2013 when he transferred from Sao Paulo.

A player who is irreplaceable for Real, he created, together with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, a legendary central formation with which Real managed to dominate the whole of Europe for several years and win the prestigious Champions League repeatedly.

Casemiro is a tough, uncompromising player who can fight for his team until the last moment. He doesn’t give anything away to his opponents and that often doesn’t come without a card. Nevertheless, he is indispensable for the team.

2. N’Golo Kanté

Club: Chelsea
Age: 30
Statistics (2020/21):: 48 games, 3 assists

N’Golo Kanté has been part of the Chelsea London squad since 2016, when he managed to surprisingly dominate the Premier League with the underrated Leicester and was one of the driving forces of the team.

Chelsea didn’t hesitate to put almost 36 million euros on the table for him, which he certainly doesn’t regret, quite the opposite. Club officials rightly consider him one of the best signings in recent years.

The Frenchman has everything you could want from a defensive-minded midfielder. He takes the ball effectively, can run the whole game, is a tenacious and committed team player, plus he is often the driving force behind counter-attacks. Above all, he is very reliable and does a lot of work for the whole team.

1. Joshua Kimmich

Club: Bayern Munich
Age:: 26
Stats (2020/21):: 39 games, 6 goals, 14 assists

Joshua Kimmich is not only one of the most versatile players at the highest level, he is also the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Only 26-years-old, the German, dubbed by many as the successor to Philipp Lahm, can rack up huge mileage during a match, taking balls away from the opposition, but also setting up his team’s offensive actions. The statistics from the current season also testify to this.

If a club wanted to lure him into their service, they would have to dig deep into their pockets, because this player is indispensable for Bayern.

Source: 90min, Transfermarkt