World Cup 2018: 4 defensive midfielders to watch out for

A good defensive midfielder is a great asset to any team. They are very talented and blessed with qualities like strength, stamina, excellent fitness levels and the ability to rotate the ball with fluency and accuracy. They provide the backbone which stands as a shield in front of the defence.

Nowadays. defensive midfielders have evolved in such a way that they have the ability to start an attack for their team from defensive areas and also possess the vision to provide the perfect ball for the attackers.

In 1970's Franz Beckenbauer changed the role of a defensive midfielder by inventing the 'libero' position, which means sitting in front of the defence and playing the ball out of it.

This led to a major transformation in the role of a defensive midfielder as it now included an attacking aspect to it. In 1990's Ronald Koeman was another good player who played the role of a libero. He was excellent in holding on to the ball and a dead ball specialist.

Being a defensive midfielder is one of the most thankless jobs in football, as they very rarely get the praise for the crucial role they play in the match. Let us look at the 4 defensive-midfielders who could impress at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#4 Nemanja Matic

Matic is one of the tallest central defensive midfielders in the world. Being tall and strong, he is an intimidating figure for the opposing team. Matic is good in the air, is superb at man-marking and can glide past opponents as he is good with the ball at his feet.

Being one of the fittest players in the world, he has incredible stamina and the consistency to play each and every match for the whole season. In his first season at Manchester United, Matic was their most consistent player who broke down most of the counter-attacks of their opponents. He is probably the most important player for Serbia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Serbia will depend on Matic's experience, defensive abilities and the will to play the entire game with the same intensity to help them qualify for the knockouts.

#3 Sami Khedira

Khedira in action against Austria

Khedira is a creative defensive midfielder, who likes to go forward to join the attack to look for an opportunity to open up the opposition's defence. Being blessed with good pace and stamina, Khedira is good at tracking back and helping his defenders when the opposition counter-attacks.

He is a shrewd campaigner and has the vision to find his teammates with accurate passing. Khedira was an influential part of the Juventus side which successfully defended their Serie A title this season.

Having represented Germany in 74 matches, Khedira will be responsible for securing Germany's defence and will play a pivot role in their World Cup campaign. He will be a fascinating player to watch out for in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#2 N'Golo Kante

Kante never stops running

Kante has evolved over the years into one of the best central defensive midfielders in Europe. Being blessed with raw pace and stamina, he is extremely efficient in winning the ball back for his team during the opposing team's counter-attack with his immaculate tackling skills.

Kante is superb in breaking the opposition's rhythm and then starting a counter-attack for his own team. Being deployed as a central defensive midfielder for France, he likes to join the attack but is equally effective in tracking back and helping his defenders.

Being a key player for France, Kante will be crucial in securing France's defence and creating chances for them with his vision. Kante will showcase his world-class talent in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#1 Sergio Busquets

Busquets has been crucial to Barcelona's success over the past decade

Sergio Busquets is probably the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. Being tall and extremely clever, Busquets is good at man-marking opponents, tactically sound and a consistently performing campaigner.

He has a great vision, pinpoint accuracy when it comes to passing and is also excellent in the air due to his height. Having stood like a rock in front of Barcelona's defence, Busquet's performances over the years has made him a world-class player.

Having represented Spain in 102 matches, he is one of their key players and is handed the responsibility to keep possession and switch the ball from one wing to the other.

Busquets is also responsible for shielding the defence from opposition's attack in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His form will be crucial for Spain's success in Russia and will be a key defensive midfielder to watch out for in the World Cup.