A defensive midfielder’s role has evolved significantly over the years, and it is now one of the most important positions on the field in modern football.
A great defensive midfielder not only protects the backline, but also initiates attacks, controls the tempo of the game, and covers for the full-backs when they advance.
In recent times, football has seen the emergence of some exceptional defensive midfielders who have made a name for themselves with their performances on the field.
These players possess a combination of physical strength, tactical intelligence, and exceptional ball-winning abilities, which make them indispensable for their teams.
In this article, we will be taking a close look at the best defensive midfielders who are still active in the game today, Whether it’s their ability to break up opposition attacks, their work rate, or their distribution skills, these players have all shown that they are vital components of their teams.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best defensive midfielders who are still active in the game today.
These Are The Best Defensive Midfielders In The World Right Now In No Ascending Order:
Name | Country | Age |
Sergio Busquets | Spain | 34 |
N'Golo Kante | France | 32 |
Casemiro | Brazil | 31 |
Fabinho | Brazil | 29 |
Rodri | Spain | 27 |
Thomas Partey | Ghana | 30 |
Joshua Kimmich | Germany | 28 |
Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He has been an integral part of Barcelona’s success over the past decade, winning numerous titles both domestically and in Europe.
The Spanish international ability to read the game, his positional sense, and also his calmness on the ball have made him a standout player in his position. Sergio’s impact on the field goes beyond his defensive abilities.
He is also an excellent distributor of the ball, regularly creating chances for his teammates and dictating the tempo of the game. Making him one of the best midfielder that has ever kicked the ball.
After lifting the title of the just concluded season with Barcelona, Busquets buh bye to the people of Camp Nou as he joins Inter Miami this summer transfer window a free transfer.
N’Golo Kante
The Frenchman is everything you want in a defensive midfielder. He can run all day, is a tenacious and committed team player, and is frequently the driving force behind blistering counter-attacks.
Kante’s incredible work rate, tenacity, and ball-winning abilities have made him a standout player in his position.
He covers every blade of grass on the field, relentlessly pressing opposition players and regaining possession of the ball.
His exceptional tackling ability and interception skills have earned him the nickname “The Rat” for his ability to “steal” the ball from opponents.
Despite his defensive abilities, Kante is also a technically gifted player. His accurate passing and ability to break down opposition play have made him a key player in Chelsea’s midfield.
His only weakness is that he’s far more brittle nowadays and he can barely keep himself fit. Hopefully, his fitness status will improve at his new club in Saudi Arabia.
Casemiro
He was recently described as a “cement in between the stones” by his manager Erik Ten Hag not just because of his passing ability or his ability to read the game but the stability he provides in midfield.
Casemiro is a tough-tackling midfielder who is not afraid to make a challenge to regain possession of the ball.
He has a great sense of positioning, and his reading of the game is superb. He is often seen covering for his teammates in defense and cutting out opposition attacks with his interceptions.
Apart from his defensive work, The Brazilian international is also an excellent passer of the ball.
He has an eye for a killer pass and can break down the opposition’s defense with his accurate long-range passes.
His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control the midfield has made him an essential player for both his club and country.
Fabinho
Fabinho took some time to settle in at Liverpool, but once he did, it was clear just how good he is.
His reading of the game is second to none, as evidenced by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to move him to center-back during the club’s most unusual injury crisis last season. Aside from his defensive work, Fabinho is also an excellent passer of the ball.
He has an impressive range of passing and can start counter-attacks with his accurate long-range passes. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control the midfield has made him a crucial player for Liverpool.
When he isn’t playing in his preferred defensive midfield role, Liverpool suffers greatly, and you could argue that Fabinho is one of their most important players.
Rodri
It’s fair to say Rodri’s first season at Manchester City was underwhelming. The Cityzens chose to activate the £62.6m release clause in the Spaniard’s Atletico Madrid contract, but adjusting to the pace of the Premier League proved difficult for the then-23-year-old.
Fast forward to the present day, The Spaniard has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the premier league, Rodri’s defensive abilities are exceptional.
He is a player who excels in reading the game and is always in the right place at the right time to make interceptions and tackles.
His tall stature also makes him an excellent aerial presence, which is useful in both defense and attack. he is also a confident passer of the ball, capable of distributing the ball quickly and accurately. There are only a few midfielders in the world football today that are better than Rodri.
Thomas Partey
The Ghanian has been very vital for Arsenal in their title race last season. In his role as a defensive midfielder, Partey’s primary responsibility is to protect the backline and shield the defense from opposing attacks.
His ability to intercept passes, break up play, and win tackles has made him an outstanding player for Arsenal and one of the best in the Premier League.
Partey’s strength on the ball and his excellent passing range also make him an asset when initiating counter-attacks or building from the back.
His work rate and tactical awareness allow him to cover a vast area of the pitch, making him an ideal player for Arsenal’s high-pressing style of play.
Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich is one of the most versatile top-level players in the game today. He has a wide range of passing abilities, and his ability to switch play swiftly and correctly allows Bayern Munich to easily move from defense to attack.
Kimmich’s defensive abilities are exceptional, and he has a one-of-a-kind ability to break up play, intercept passes, and win tackles. He is also an excellent game reader, allowing him to foresee and neutralize possible dangers before they manifest.
Much of that has been down to the German’s brilliance at the base of midfield, ticking things over and breaking up play on an unprecedented level.