The Premier League is always home to the best players, and defensive midfielders are the ones who play a key role in the team’s tactics. These players not only defend solidly but also have the ability to deploy the ball, support the attack and control the tempo of the match. Below, Bestsoccertips shares a list of 8 best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, who have proven their talent every season.
Top 8 best defensive midfielders in the Premier League
1. Rodri (Manchester City) – Best midfielders ever in the Premier League
Rodri has become an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s tactical system at Manchester City. With his excellent reading of the game, he always stands firmly in the middle of the field, stopping the opponent’s attacks before they have a chance to become dangerous. This Spanish player stands out with his composure, especially in 1v1 defensive situations and his extremely accurate ability to intercept the ball.
Not only defending, Rodri also has excellent ball distribution ability. He is often the one to initiate attacks, with accurate long passes and strong ball retention ability. Whenever Manchester City need to control the game, Rodri is the one to lead the team, helping them maintain stability and complete control of the midfield.
2. Declan Rice (Arsenal) – Best midfielders ever in the Premier League
Declan Rice, who moved from West Ham United to Arsenal, quickly proved himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League. With his intelligent playing style, abundant physical strength and excellent interception ability, Rice helps Arsenal maintain stability in the middle of the field. He can be a solid wall to prevent dangerous attacks from the opponent.
In addition to his defensive ability, Rice also has the ability to launch strong attacks. He has accurate passes and the ability to break through from the back, giving Arsenal more diverse attacking options. With a combination of defensive and attacking ability, Declan Rice is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
3. Casemiro (Manchester United)
Casemiro is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and it is no surprise that he is highly rated in the Premier League. After joining Manchester United, the Brazilian quickly proved his worth with his accurate tackles and tireless fighting ability in the midfield. Casemiro’s strength and determination in defensive situations always gives the Red Devils’ defense peace of mind.
In addition to his ability to disrupt the opponent’s attacks, Casemiro also plays an important role in supporting the attack. He often participates in transitions from defense to attack, with his ability to launch the ball very well. Casemiro’s influence in every match is always huge, helping Manchester United maintain the game and create balance for the team.
4. Fabinho (Liverpool)
Fabinho is one of the most important players in Liverpool’s style of play under Jurgen Klopp. With his excellent blocking ability and composure in defensive situations, Fabinho is the one who ensures the solidity of the team’s defense. His tenacity and fighting spirit are key factors in helping Liverpool maintain stability in the middle of the field.
Not only is Fabinho good at defending, he is also very good at distributing the ball and keeping the rhythm of the game. He has the ability to switch from defense to attack very quickly, helping Liverpool launch sharp attacks. Fabinho is the model of a complete defensive midfielder, dominating the midfield and an important pillar in Liverpool’s squad.
5. Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa)
Boubacar Kamara is a young talent who has proven his ability in the Premier League. Despite only joining Aston Villa recently, he has already established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. Kamara has a strong blocking ability and is often effective in intercepting the ball in defensive situations. His ability to dominate the midfield helps Aston Villa maintain stability and control the game.
Kamara is not only strong in defense but also has excellent attacking ability. He can hold the ball well and distribute the ball accurately, contributing to the link between defense and attack for Aston Villa. With his intelligent playing style and impressive ball control, Kamara is sure to become a bright star in the future.
6. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Wilfred Ndidi has been known as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League over the years. With his strength and excellent tackling ability, Ndidi has always been a solid wall in front of Leicester City’s defense. He is a tireless fighter and is always there to stop the opposition’s attacks.
Ndidi’s defensive ability is perfectly combined with his ability to initiate attacks. He can smoothly transition the ball from defence to attack and often creates dangerous passes for his teammates up front. Despite Leicester’s many challenges, Ndidi is still one of the most notable defensive midfielders in the league.
7. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
Yves Bissouma is one of the most outstanding defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He joined Tottenham Hotspur from Brighton and quickly proved his ability. With the ability to break up attacks and great stamina, Bissouma is always a solid support in the midfield area. He can handle the ball well in difficult situations and create breakthroughs from midfield.
Yves Bissouma – Best midfielders ever in the Premier League
Not only defending, Bissouma also has the ability to distribute the ball very well, especially in quick counter-attacks. He can launch dangerous attacks for Tottenham, helping the team maintain a balance between defense and attack. With flexibility and intelligence, Bissouma is one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
8. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur)
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is one of the most consistent defensive midfielders in the Premier League. With his ability to control the game and tackle accurately, Højbjerg is always one of the first choices in the Tottenham squad. He is not only strong in defensive situations but also very creative in distributing the ball to his teammates.
Højbjerg’s intelligence in movement and ability to read the game help Tottenham maintain stability in the midfield. He always knows how to protect the defense and ensure that the strikers always have enough time to organize attacks. Højbjerg is a versatile player and is very important to the team’s tactics.
Conclusion
The best defensive midfielders in the Premier League above are all excellent players, contributing significantly to the team’s success. With their strength, blocking ability and ability to launch attacks, they are irreplaceable pillars in the Premier League. They not only protect the goal but also help the team maintain balance and win every match.
See more: Who is the best defender in Premier League?
