Did you know that without defensive midfielders, football would be a meaningless game? These important players clear up any mess on the field and provide a link between the defence and midfield. The best defensive midfielders anticipate their opponents' next move and eliminate any attacks before they develop.
The best defensive midfielders in the world. Photo: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images, Antonio Borga/ Eurasia Sport Images, Stuart MacFarlane/ Arsenal FC (modified by author) Source: Getty Images
The best defensive midfielders are always alert and disciplined. They are good communicators and have incomparable stamina and tactical awareness. They also have a superior passing ability and the ability to read the game.
Best defensive midfielders in the world today
One of the roles of a defensive midfielder is being a shield for the defence. Below is a list of the best defensive midfielders in the world today. They are selected based on their performance stats in the last few seasons.
30. Yves Bissouma - Tottenham Hotspur
Yves Bissouma gestures during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Born in Ivory Coast, Yves Bissouma plays for the Mali national team. He played for Lille, AS Real Bamako, and Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Tottenham Hotspur. He joined his current team on 14th June 2022.
29. Sofyan Amrabat - Manchester United (on loan from Fiorentina)
Full name: Sofyan Amrabat
Date of birth: 21st August 1996
Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Huizen, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Zodiac sign: Leo
Current team: Manchester United (on loan from Fiorentina)
Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat is currently loaned to Manchester United. He also plays for the Morocco national team and is a graduate of Utrecht's youth system. He previously played for Utrecht, Hellas Verona, Club Brugge, and Feyenoord.
28. Edson Álvarez - West Ham United
Edson Álvarez during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Photo: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for the Mexico national team and West Ham United. As a child, Edson Álvarez worked for his family's business of manufacturing football kits for local teams. This inspired him to start playing the sport.
27. Ibrahim Sangaré - Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangaré of PSV during the Dutch Eredivisie match between RKC Waalwijk v PSV at the Mandemakers Stadium in Waalwijk Netherlands. Photo: Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Ibrahim Sangaré
Date of birth: 2nd December 1997
Age: 26 years (as of November 2024)
Place of birth: Koumassi, Ivory Coast
Nationality: Ivorian
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Current team: Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangaré started his youth career with Ivorian clubs Tout Puissant Koumassi and AS Denguélé. He was on a five-year deal with PSV Eindhoven before joining Nottingham Forest in September 2023. Ibrahim Sangaré was named the Eredivisie player of the month for November 2021.
26. Youssouf Fofana - Monaco
Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco during the warm up prior to kick off in the UEFA Europa League knockout round play-off leg two match between AS Monaco and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stade Louis II in Monaco, Monaco. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Monaco's Youssouf Fofana also plays for the France national team. He is of Malian descent. He played for Strasbourg before joining Monaco.
25. Moisés Caicedo - Chelsea
Moises Caicedo warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge in London. Photo: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo
Date of birth: 2nd November 2001
Age: 23 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Santo Domingo, Ecuador
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Current team: Chelsea
Moisés Caicedo plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea and the Ecuador national team. Many people consider him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world because of his technical ability and defensive prowess. Moisés Caicedo played for Brighton & Hove Albion and Independiente del Valle before joining Chelsea.
24. Douglas Luiz - Aston Villa
Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz celebrates after making it 5-0 during a UEFA Conference League play-off match between Hibernian and Aston Villa at Easter Road in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo
Date of birth: 9th May 1998
Age: 26 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Did you know Douglas Luiz is a product of the Vasco da Gama academy in Rio de Janeiro? He is a central midfielder for Aston Villa and the Brazil national team. He played for Manchester City before joining Aston Villa.
23. Oriol Romeu - Barcelona
Oriol Romeu of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Oriol Romeu Vidal
Date of birth: 24th September 1991
Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Ulldecona, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Zodiac sign: Libra
Current team: Barcelona
Barcelona's Oriol Romeu Vidal started his career at local CF Ulldecona. On 19th July 2023, he returned to his former club, Barcelona, on a three-year contract. He previously played for Girona, Southampton, and Chelsea.
22. Rodrigo Bentancur - Tottenham Hotspur
Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in London, England. Photo: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Rodrigo Bentancur Colman started his career in 2009 in the youth system of Argentine side Boca Juniors. He plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Uruguay national team. Rodrigo Bentancur was signed with Juventus before joining his current team.
21. Manu Koné - Borussia Mönchengladbach
Full name: Emmanuel Kouadio Koné
Date of birth: 17th May 2001
Age: 23 years(as of 2024)
Place of birth: Colombes, France
Nationality: French
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Current team: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Koné is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He made his professional for Toulouse in May 2019. He is signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach until 2025. Did you know he is of Ivorian descent?
20. Leandro Paredes - Roma
Leandro Paredes during Press Conference at Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini in Rome, Italy. Photo: Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Leandro Paredes is one of the best midfielders in the world today. He made his league debut for Boca Juniors on 6th November 2010. He has also played for Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Paris Saint-Germain. Leandro Paredes is currently on a season-long loan with an option to buy at Serie A club Juventus.
19. Kalvin Phillips - Manchester City
Full name: Kalvin Mark Phillips
Date of birth: 2nd December 1995
Age: 28 years (as of November 2024)
Place of birth: Leeds, United Kingdom
Nationality: British
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Current team: Manchester City
Kalvin Phillips started his Premier League career for Leeds United in September 2020. He first played in a Premier League game for Manchester City against West Ham United on 7th August 2022. In his Premier League career, Kalvin Phillips has appeared in over 50 matches.
In 2010, Ryan Gravenberch joined the Ajax Youth Academy. He signed his first professional contract with Ajax in June 2018. On 13th June 2022, he signed for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on a five-year contract before joining Liverpool.
17. Jorginho - Arsenal
Jorginho of Arsenal applauds fans following the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium in Leicester, United Kingdom. Photo: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavaliere OMRI
Date of birth: 20th December 1991
Age: 32 years (as of November 2024)
Place of birth: Imbituba, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian-Italian
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Current team: Arsenal
Jorginho Frello moved to Chelsea in July 2018 from Napoli. Before then, he played for Hellas Verona. He joined Arsenal, his current team, on 31st January 2023. Jorginho plays for the Italy national team, too.
Granit Xhaka looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Switzerland and Belarus at Kybunpark in St Gallen, Switzerland. Photo: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Granit Xhaka
Date of birth: 27th September 1992
Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Basel, Switzerland
Nationality: Swiss
Zodiac sign: Libra
Current team: Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka has been playing for Bayer Leverkusen since July 2023. Did you know he made his debut in the Premier League match for Arsenal on 14th August 2016? Granit Xhaka also plays for the Switzerland national team.
15. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg - Tottenham Hotspur
Full name: Pierre-Emile Kordt Højbjerg
Date of birth: 5th August 1995
Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality: Danish
Zodiac sign: Leo
Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
On 13th August 2016, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg made his football league debut at Southampton. He first played in a Premier League game for Tottenham Hotspur on 13th September 2020. He also plays for the Denmark national team.
Rúben Neves looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Rúben Neves made a good impression on his football league debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers on 11th August 2018. He joined Al-Hilal in June 2023. Before then, Rúben Neves played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Porto.
13. Bruno Guimarães - Newcastle United
Bruno Guimaraes signs a new contract at Newcastle United FC, pictured at the Newcastle United Training Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Photo: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura
Date of birth: 16th November 1997
Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Current team: Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães has made 11 appearances overall for Newcastle United's Premier League matches in 2022/2023. Before joining Newcastle United in January 2022, Bruno Guimarães was signed with the Olympique Lyonnais. He made his football league debut on 8th February 2022.
Konrad Laimer runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Sport-Club Freiburg at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. Photo: @Jan Woitas/Pool via Getty Images Source: UGC
Full name: Konrad Laimer
Date of birth: 27th May 1997
Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Salzburg, Austria
Nationality: Austrian
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Current team: Bayern Munich
Did you know Konrad Laimer debuted in a Bundesliga fixture for RB Leipzig on 19th August 2017? He joined RB Leipzig in July 2017. Before then, he was signed with Salzburg. He is currently signed with Bayern Munich.
11. Aurélien Tchouaméni - Real Madrid
Full name: Aurélien Djani Tchouaméni
Date of birth: 27th January 2000
Age: 24 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Rouen, France
Nationality: French
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Current team: Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni made his debut in a Primera División fixture for Real Madrid on 14th August 2022. Before joining Real Madrid in July 2022, Tchouaméni was signed with Monaco. He also plays for the France national team.
Sergio Busquets of Inter Miami CF before a game between Inter Miami CF and Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Sergio Busquets Burgos
Date of birth: 16th July 1988
Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Sabadell, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Current team: Inter Miami
Inter Miami's Sergio Busquets plays as a defensive midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Known for his short and calm passes and singular reading of the game, he is regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time.
9. Declan Rice - Arsenal
Declan Rice of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney in St Albans, England. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Declan Rice
Date of birth: 14th January 1999
Age: 25 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Nationality: British
Zodiac sign: Capricorn
Current team: Arsenal
Declan Rice plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. He began his professional career at West Ham United after being released by Chelsea's academy. Declan Rice has established himself as a key first-team player for Arsenal.
Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg Two match against SSC Napoli in Naples, Italy. Photo: @Francesco Pecoraro Source: Getty Images
Full name: Frenkie de Jong
Date of birth: 12th May 1997
Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Arkel, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Current team: Barcelona and the Netherlands national team
Frenkie de Jong made his Primera División debut on 16th August 2019. The athlete is signed with Barcelona and plays for the Netherlands national team. Before joining Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong was at Ajax.
7. Marcelo Brozović - Al Nassr
Marcelo Brozović looks on prior the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy. Photo: Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Marcelo Brozović
Date of birth: 16th November 1992
Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Zagreb, Croatia
Nationality: Croatian
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Current team: Al Nassr
Did you know Marcelo Brozović made his competition debut on 1st February 2015? The Croatian athlete was signed with Dinamo Zagreb and Inter Milan before joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. He also plays for the Croatia national team.
Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City running during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Photo: Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
Date of birth: 16th December 1996
Age: 27 years (as of November 2024)
Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Current team: Leicester City and the Nigeria national team
Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi made his Premier League debut at 20 on 14th January 2017. The Nigerian athlete is currently signed with Leicester City. Before joining Leicester City in January 2017, he was signed with Genk.
5. Fabinho - Al-Ittihad
Fabinho during the press conference before the football match between Real Madrid and Liverpool valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League celebrated in Madrid, Spain at Bernabeu Stadium. Photo: Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Fábio Henrique Tavares
Date of birth: 23rd October 1993
Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Zodiac sign: Libra
Current team: Al-Ittihad
Fábio Henrique Tavares, commonly known as Fabinho, is signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. He also plays for the Brazil national team. He previously played for Liverpool and Monaco.
Carlos Henrique Casemiro during the La Liga Santander match against Deportivo Alaves in Madrid, Spain. Photo: @David S. Bustamante Source: Getty Images
Full name: Carlos Henrique Casimiro
Date of birth: 23rd February 1992
Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Zodiac sign: Pisces
Current team: Manchester United
Manchester United signed Casemiro in August 2022. Before then, the athlete played for Real Madrid. He is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and of his generation. Did you know Casemiro captains the Brazil national team?
3. Rodri - Manchester City
Rodri Hernandez attends to the media during the Spain Team concentration at Ciudad del Futbol in Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain. Photo: Oscar J. Barroso / AFP7 via Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Rodrigo Hernández Cascante
Date of birth: 22nd June 1996
Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Zodiac sign: Cancer
Current team: Manchester City
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid. He made his debut appearance for his new team on 10th August 2019. His tackling prowess often deters opponents from passing through the lines.
N'Golo Kanté of France looks on during line up during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Denmark at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo: Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Full name: N'Golo Kanté
Date of birth: 29th March 1991
Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Paris, France
Nationality: French
Zodiac sign: Aries
Current team: Al-Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté is a famous French athlete currently signed with Al-Ittihad. He also plays for the France national team. Considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, Kanté joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in June 2023 from Chelsea.
1. Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich of Munich looks on during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Bayern München at Wohninvest Weserstadion in Bremen, Germany. Photo: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images Source: Getty Images
Full name: Joshua Walter Kimmich
Date of birth: 8th February 1995
Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
Place of birth: Rottweil, Germany
Nationality: German
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Current team: Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is arguably the best midfielder in the world today. He is currently signed with Bayern Munich and also plays for the Germany national team. Joshua Kimmich is of enormous quality and is versatile in both attacking and defensive roles.
A defensive midfielder is a midfield player who focuses on protecting their team's goal. S/he can defend a zone in front of their team's defence, or man marks specific opposition attackers.
Who are the best defensive midfielders in the world?
Some of the best defensive midfielders in the world are Joshua Kimmich, N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, Wilfred Ndidi, Marcelo Brozović, Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice, and Sergio Busquets.
Who is the best defensive midfielder in the world?
Joshua Kimmich is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. He plays for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.
Who is the best defending midfielder in the world in 2024?
Joshua Kimmich, who plays for Bayern Munich, is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. He is closely followed by N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, and Wilfred Ndidi.
Who is the best defensive midfielder in Real Madrid?
The best defensive midfielder in Real Madrid today is Aurélien Tchouaméni. He made his debut in a Primera División fixture for Real Madrid on 14th August 2022.
Who's the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League?
Declan Rice and Rodri are considered two of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League as of 2024. They play for Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively.
Who is the cheapest CDM in FIFA 23?
The best cheap midfielders in FIFA include Seko Fofana, Fred, Carlos Soler, Rodrigo Javier De Paul, Konrad Laimer, Lucas Paqueta, Emre Can, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Who are the best CDM in FIFA 24 Career Mode?
The best defensive midfielders in FIFA 23 Career Mode include Joshua Kimmich, N'Golo Kante, Casemiro, Wilfred Ndidi, Rodri, and Fabinho.
Although midfielders are the most underrated soccer players in any given team, it is evident that they play an essential part in the club. The skills and talents presented by the best defensive midfielders in the world continue to wow audiences worldwide.
Photo: canva.com (modified by author) Source: Original
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