Top 11 greatest defensive midfielders in football history

A critical position mastered by some of the greatest players.

The defensive midfielder is crucial to any football team and plays a vital role. They play a crucial role in the game, bridging the defence and the attackers. Those who demonstrate the ability to spot a pass before perfectly executing it tend to become central midfielders. Those who possess a skill for reading the game and timing a tackle become defenders. The very few footballers who show they can provide all of the aforementioned qualities become defensive midfielders.

There’s a mentality required to become a top defensive midfielder, these stars often become the foundations upon which their team is built, making them one of the most integral parts of a side. The footballing world has been blessed with some truly exceptional midfield anchors over the years. Here we take a look at the top 11 defensive midfielders of all time:

11. N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman took the Makelele role to new levels, popping up all over the pitch to make interceptions and win the ball back with his high-energy displays for club and country. Kante was a World Cup winner with France in 2018 and helped both Leicester and Chelsea to win Premier League titles. He is loved by fans and pundits due to his work ethic and attitude on the pitch. Currently, he is playing in the Saudi Pro League.

We did it! A new season with @ChelseaFC and a new trophy for our great fans. Thanks to all for the support.#cfc 🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/YP17Bgln7O

— N'Golo Kanté (@nglkante) May 30, 2019

10. Johan Neskens

The Dutchman was a World Cup runner-up with the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978 and part of the great Ajax side which won three European Cups in a row in the early 1970s. He was a midfielder who was known for tireless running, good technique and an eye for goal. Neskens could play in defensive role or as a box-to-box player. He built up a great understanding with Johan Cruyff and played with Dutch legends at Ajax and FC Barcelona, as well as in the national team.

9. Paulo Roberto Falcao

He was once the highest-paid footballer in the world and a legend at both Internacional and Roma, Falcao was a stylish deep-lying playmaker who is considered one of the best defensive midfielders of all time. He was tenacious, and creative and was blessed with excellent vision. Falcao was a key part of Brazil’s memorable team at the 1982 World Cup and was named by Pele as one of the greatest 125 living footballers in 2004.

8. Frank Rijkaard

While Johan Cruyff led the first era of “Total Football”, Frank Rijkaard, along with Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten brought it back. This Dutch invention became the dominant force in both international and club football. His time at AC Milan and his role in the 1988 European Championships brought him worldwide acclaim as he quickly became one of the best in that role. During his club career, he won five Dutch league titles, three Dutch Cups, two Serie A titles and three Champions League titles.

7. Gennaro Gattuso

Nicknamed ‘Rino’ for his fiery temperament, Gattuso became renowned for his no-nonsense approach to midfield play. The Italy international was a key part of the AC Milan side that dominated Serie A in 2003/04. In 2006 his partnership in the heart of the midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo propelled the Italian team to win the World Cup. He also won the UCL two times, two Serie A titles and multiple other club titles.

6. Edgar Davids

Davids was nicknamed “Pitbull” by his former coach Louis van Gaal at Ajax. The Suriname-born Dutch midfielder was hard-working, tenacious, physically powerful and fiercely competitive. Plus was creative and technically proficient from his street soccer background.

The Dutchman was one of the best midfielders of his generation and played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including – Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham.

5. Roy Keane

The Irishman was Manchester United‘s captain and midfield anchor for much of a hugely successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson. A fiercely competitive and physically strong defensive midfielder, Keane was also an excellent passer and chipped in with his fair share of goals as well. The Irishman always gave absolutely everything and demanded the same from those around him.

4. Sergio Busquets

Busquets was promoted to Barcelona’s first team as a teenager and displaced Yaya Toure in the starting lineup. He went on to form one of the greatest midfielder partnerships in the history of football alongside Xavi and Iniesta. An intelligent pivot with quick feet to beat the press and sidestep opponents, Busquests used his tactical awareness and excellent positioning to make interceptions and initiate attacks from deep. As of now, he is playing alongside his Barca friends in MLS with Inter Miami.

The fight is 🔛 pic.twitter.com/ZVhwfRbjjG

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 20, 2025

3. Claude Makelele

For years, Claude Makelele was under-appreciated, so much so that Real Madrid let him go to Chelsea instead of increasing his wages. It was at Chelsea that everyone saw what a quality player he was. In many ways he was the perfect defensive midfielder, simply winning the ball and making short passes to keep possession.

He was so successful in this position that it is now known as the “Makelele role”. During, his career, Makelele won a Ligue 1 title, two LaLiga titles, two Premier League titles and a Champions League.

2. Patrick Vieira

The former Arsenal star played a crucial role in leading the Gunners midfield during a highly successful era for the English side in the late nineties and early 2000s. His exceptional playmaking skills and impressive physical strength were instrumental in the team’s success. He showcased remarkable ball control and precise passing abilities. Vieira’s exceptional qualities proved invaluable to Arsenal, as he consistently executed successful tackles and propelled the team to achieve an Invincible season in 2003-04.

1. Lothar Matthaus

The German gained fame for his exceptional physical condition, unmatched tacking skills and his commanding presence as a leader on the pitch. He successfully guided his team, Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup, plus he was also a World Cup finalist in 1982 and 1986. He would drive his teams forward from deep and also had a fierce shot.

Even Argentina’s Diego Maradona described him as the toughest opponent that he faced. For his National team, he played 150 times. Matthaus also played for renowned clubs like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.