Top 10 best defensive midfielders of 2024

French legend Claude Makelele was a legendary defensive midfielder back in the day.

The defensive midfielder position is undoubtedly one of the most crucial positions in modern football today. Earlier midfielders weren’t put into such specialized roles but now times have changed. This particular set of midfielders are tasked primarily to give support to the defensive line. They add that extra layer of support to the backline.

The players hold their line and thwart oncoming attacks. In addition to providing crucial interceptions they also direct the forward play. Breaking attacks, creating chances, playing defense splitting through balls they do it all. For a layman the lines between a midfielder and defensive midfielder might look blurred but make no mistake their role requires a lot more than what meets the eye.

As such we will look into the defensive midfielders from the top teams across the world today. These athletes have become indispensable for their club and country because of what they bring to the table. So here’s a countdown of the top ten of very best in that role.

10. Casemiro

Casemiro has been taking a lot of flak for his past few performances in the Premier League (especially in that disastrous match against Liverpool) but his class as a player is undeniable. The former Real Madrid star might not be at his very best at United but surely that doesn’t negate his ability as a player.

The Brazilian has so far made 10 appearances for United in the Premier League and scored one goal. He also has a passing accuracy of 82.9% per game. Despite his best efforts the 32-year-old is yet to reach his true level at Old Trafford and it remains to be seen whether United’s new coach Ruben Amorim can bring that out in him.

🔝 training pic.twitter.com/a6dQs6Ukzj

— Casemiro (@Casemiro) November 18, 2024

9. Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez is another name that comes to mind while listing the top defensive midfielders. The 23-year-old is a force to reckon with in the Chelsea midfield as well as the Argentina national team. Fernandez is already a World Cup winner at a young age, courtesy of his brilliant performance in the Qatar World Cup.

Moreover, he is also the recipient of the Copa America and the winner of Portugal’s elite football division Primera Liga. Now the former Benfica man is working his magic at Stamford Bridge.

On y va !🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/2DorQlcsW3

— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) July 6, 2024

8. Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga is known for his defensive prowess as well as his pinpoint accuracy. The Frenchman has an average of 2.2 tackles per game coupled with 1.0 interceptions. He is also known for disrupting the opposition team’s flow and seizing control in the midfield.

His quite recent performance against Osasuna which Real won a thumping 4-0 is worth mentioning here. Camavinga made some crucial tackles and forward passes in that game. He has so far made 98 appearances for Los Blancos and is just two matches shy of reaching a 100-match milestone.

Also Read: Top 10 best left-backs of 2024

7. Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes is setting a level at Tyneside that many would find hard to surpass. The Brazilian truly encapsulates all the traits that Eddie Howe demands in his players. Aggression, intensity, dribbling and the ability to get physical when you need to is very much part of his game.

His work rate also makes him stand out as a player. He ran a staggering 423 km in the 2023-24 season.

6. Joao Palhinha

After a list of Premiere League and LaLiga players, we have someone from the Bundesliga making the list. Joao Palhinha is a brute force in the Bayern Munich lineup. Standing at 6’3″ Palhinha is known for his menacing tackles and powerful game.

However, he is not just a mere “strongman”. Palhinha is skilful and also provides deft touches and measured passes. The former Fulham man leads the midfield in the Vincent Kompany-coached side.

5. N’Golo Kante

This elite of defensive midfielders is incomplete without the mention of a certain N’Golo Kante. Now rendering his services in Saudi Arabia the diminutive midfielder is one of the best. Kante is a regular in the Al-Ittihad squad and plays an average of 87 minutes per game.

He has an average of 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game and has a 71% passing accuracy. Equally proficient in both attack and defense N’Golo is truly capable of holding his own against the very best. It is because of his natural abilities that the Parisian has won every major title.

From the World Cup to the UEFA Champions League to the UEFA Europa League to the UEFA Super Cup, the list goes on.

Also Read: Top 10 best goalkeepers of 2024

4. Aurelien Tchouameni

Another Real Madrid star and coincidentally French, Aurelien Tchouameni is another midfielder who deserves praise. Tchouameni is a regular on the Madrid side. He is well known for his disguised passing ability and playing perfect long balls for the forwards to latch on.

His awareness and ball control make him a sought-after player. He has made 2.0 tackles and 2.3 interceptions this season. Most importantly he has been able to do so while staying out of the referee’s books.

3. Declan Rice

Declan Rice has been an important figure in the Arsenal squad as well as for the Three Lions. For his national squad, this has been his best year. He has made 14 appearances this season for England and scored two goals.

He has been equally adept at both creating chances as well as barricading the defence. However, there has been one flaw in his approach that has done some damage to his overall perfect game. He has conceded a lot of cards in the process and has also missed out on games because of it.

2. Granit Xhaka

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is next up on this illustrious list of players. The Basel-born player is having a great year in the Bayer Leverkusen squad. His high passing accuracy rate (84.2), tackles and interceptions (0.2) have helped Leverkusen significantly.

Moreover, he has also been able to provide three important assists in the Bundesliga. On the national front, he was exceptional at the Euro this year with a passing rate of 90%.

GRANIT XHAKA WITH A WONDERFUL GOAL TO START THE SEASON FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN 😱 pic.twitter.com/3lH8zs7gHk

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 23, 2024

1. Rodri

Finally, we come down to the “numero uno” on the list and it is none other than Spain’s Rodri himself. Currently on the sidelines with an ACL injury, his contribution to Spain this year in the Euro was perceivable.

With a passing accuracy of 92.9, the Spaniard made a total of 411 successful passes towards his attacking players. His defence was on point too. He won three tackles and recovered the ball a total of 33 times. The 6’3″ holding midfielder is also the winner of four back-to-back Premier League titles with Manchester City (2020-2024).

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