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The importance of having a good defensive midfielder in the playing eleven can't be undermined. The defensive midfielder is regarded as a 'shield of defence,' often acts as a gateway for attack, and is much admired these days by pundits and managers alike.
Nowadays, a holding midfielder's job is as much about restricting opposition play and backing up to help the defence as it is about reading the game, retaining the ball, and looking to create attacking chances.
The likes of Claude Makelele, Patrick Vieira, Frank Rijkaard, and Roy Keane have shown us how having an efficient defensive midfielder can turn around a side's fortunes and play a pivotal role in its quest for silverware.
These very names have illuminated the ever-growing importance of a holding midfielder, who forms a blanket for the defensive line and also performs an array of challenging tasks.
At present, there are several players in that position who are contributing immensely to their team's success. But, who are the ones at the top of the ladder when it comes to playing at the centre of the pitch? We find out!
Here's a look at the top 5 defensive midfielders in world football today.
5. Sergio Busquets - Barcelona
One of the most decorated defensive midfielders of all time, Sergio Busquets is sure to go down in history as one of the best players in this position.
The lanky La Masia graduate has been an essential part of Barcelona's various midfield combinations over the years. He is gifted with exceptional consistency in terms of ball distribution and reads the game brilliantly.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has been a consistent performer for Barcelona this season despite the big-money arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Ajax last summer. Busquets, despite being in the twilight years of his career, continues to produce the goods for Barcelona and widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder of his generation.
4. N'Golo Kante - Chelsea
The ever-smiling N'Golo Kante is considered by many as the best defensive midfielder in the world at the moment. The Frenchman is known for his relentless running, outrageous tackles, selfless attitude, and the ability to trouble the opposition rearguard by himself.
He played an instrumental role in Leicester City's title triumph in 2015-16 and won the trophy the following year with Chelsea, making him a two-time Premier League winner.
The 28-year-old has been superb in picking out Chelsea forwards and also has some memorable goals to his name. He was sidelined due to an injury in the early part of this season but has come back stronger and is showing the Blues what exactly they were missing out on.
Alongside Jorginho and Mateo Kovavic, the diminutive Frenchman has impressed in the centre of the park for Chelsea, having gained new manager Frank Lampard's trust. While Kante no longer plays as a traditional holding midfielder, his importance to Chelsea as well as France makes him impossible to exclude from this list.
3. Rodri - Manchester City
The 23-year-old Spaniard has quickly become an integral figure at the centre of the Manchester City midfield following his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Considered a long-term successor for Fernandinho, Rodri boasts colossal physicality, aerial brilliance, and robust tackling proficiency - the ideal characteristics for a defensive midfielder.
Under Diego Simeone, Rodri honned his skills and made a name for himself as one of the finest young players in the world, as Manchester City signed him in a lucrative deal in the summer of 2019. Hailed as the heir to the legendary Sergio Busquets, Rodri is a key player for club and country and has slotted in seamlessly into Guardiola's midfield.
At just 23 years of age, he has time on his side and can prove to be a vital cog in the City midfield for many years to come.
2. Fabinho - Liverpool
After a considerably slow start to life at Anfield, Fabinho seems to have finally come into his own and is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
The 26-year-old has a great knack for breaking down opposition play and is the perfect shield for the Reds backline. Having fitted in seamlessly in the starting eleven, the Brazilian is thriving under Jurgen Klopp.
He played a crucial role in the Reds' Champions League success last season and has continued with rock-solid performances this season as well. It's no surprise that he is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Fabinho injury in late November halted what was a sensational season on a personal level, but the Brazilian is a key member of the Liverpool side on the brink of domestic glory for the first time in 30 years.
1. Casemiro - Real Madrid
With several trophies and key performances under his belt over the years, Casemiro is the best defensive midfielder in world football currently.
Another Brazilian on the list, Casemiro's rise over the years has been steady, as the midfielder continues to produce the goods for Real Madrid on a consistent basis. The 27-year-old has been an indispensable member of Zinedine Zidane's squad this season, as Los Blancos look to dethrone Barcelona in the La Liga summit.
Blessed with impeccable positional sense, an incredible passing range and a fantastic attitude, Casemiro is widely regarded as the best in the business and has formed a key partnership with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and most recently, Fede Valverde.
Casemiro has been a key member of Real Madrid's success over the years and has won a staggering four UEFA Champions League crowns in his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 27-year-old is also a key player for Brazil, as he is preferred to Premier League stars such as Fabinho and Fred in the base of a midfield trio by coach Tite.
