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Forwards may attract all the plaudits and headlines for their goals and assists in the final third of the pitch. However, a strong team is built on the basis of a successful midfield. Ball-winning and interceptions are a crucial part of any world-class midfielder’s game and every manager relies heavily on these qualities.
The likes of Sergio Busquets, Casemiro and Jorginho are absolutely vital to their respective units and one would struggle to get the team clicking without their presence.
Many of these midfielders also have the highest ball-winning statistics in their respective sides, which also reflects on how the entire team’s structure is set up.
To rate the best ball-winning midfielders in the world, we’ve primarily chosen interceptions as the defining attribute. However, we’ve also included successful tackles completed statistics to give you a clearer idea.
The two qualities might seem pretty similar but they’re quite different. Tackling is done by aggressively pressing the man in possession and making a move for the ball. Meanwhile, interceptions are dependent on players instinctively anticipating where the ball will be played and moving into those spaces to recover possession.
Without further ado, let’s discuss the best ball-winning midfielders in the world:
Note: All stats are from FBref and purely for the 2021-22 season
#5 Sergio Busquets - Barcelona
The return of Xavi as head coach seems to have reinvigorated Sergio Busquets’ career at Barcelona. Over the last few years, Busquets has been a bit of an enigma.
His performances at club level have often been topsy-turvy, ranging from brilliant to forgettable. However, Busquets continues to exude the same panache and brilliance as his old self with the Spanish national team.
With that being said, Busquets continues to be the shield in front of defence at Barcelona and has done quite well this season. The club's captain has made 18 interceptions so far. Only Jordi Alba and Eric Garcia have more interceptions to their name with 19 each.
Additionally, Busquets has won 36 tackles – by far the highest in the team. He has a success rate of 54.5%.
As Xavi continues to implement his ideas and build the team, there’s no doubt that Busquets’s prominence will only grow in stature with time.
#4 Casemiro – Real Madrid
A stalwart of Real Madrid's midfield for years now, Casemiro’s value to the side cannot be overstated. Along with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, whose movements the Brazilian knows by heart now, he forms the fulcrum on the basis of which everything is done at Los Blancos.
Ask manager Carlo Ancelotti and he’ll answer that the trio know exactly what they’re doing and need little guidance. Casemiro is a solid defensive screen and getting past him can prove to be the stuff of nightmares.
The Brazilian has made 20 interceptions so far this season, just behind the two central defenders, Eder Militao and David Alaba. Casemiro leads the charts when it comes to tackles as 42 players have fallen prey to his methods!
Casemiro will be crucial in Real Madrid’s attempt to regain La Liga this season.
#3 Jorginho – Chelsea
At several points throughout the year, Chelsea’s midfield talisman Jorginho was tipped to be the player who could potentially win the Ballon d’Or. Whether he does win the sport’s highest individual award or not remains to be seen but there’s no denying that the Italian has had an immensely successful year.
Jorginho was key to Chelsea’s campaign in the Champions League last season where they ended up lifting the prestigious trophy for only the second time in their history. The 29-year-old then starred for his country in the European Championship. Jorginho added the UEFA Euro winner’s medal to his collection as Italy went on an unbeaten run and defeated England in the final of the competition.
The defensive midfielder has begun this season strongly as well. He has made 20 interceptions for Chelsea across all competitions and only Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen have better numbers. Jorginho has also made 28 successful tackles and leads the chart in that category. He has had a success rate of 56.3%.
#2 Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich, who received a lot of flak for choosing not to get vaccinated, is now suffering the consequences of his actions. The player has tested positive for COVID-19 and is likely to miss key games against Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund as well.
This could prove to be a headache for coach Julian Nagelsmann, who will miss the services of his star player. Kimmich has been at his spectacular best for Bayern Munich this season and with 29 defensive interceptions and 17 tackles, he has been the standout ball winner for the club.
It remains to be seen whether Leon Goretzka, who has also had a decent season, is coupled with another player to make up for Kimmich’s absence in the upcoming games.
#1 Declan Rice – West Ham
Declan Rice was heavily linked with a move away from West Ham in the summer. Although it didn’t come to fruition, Rice has continued his stellar form this season.
West Ham have won seven of their 12 games this season and are just behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in fourth position. Rice has had a massive role to play behind West Ham’s fantastic run so far. \
The 22-year-old has already cemented his spot in England's starting eleven and is the vice-captain at his club.
Rice has been the most secure defensive screen in the world and has an astounding 34 interceptions to his name this season. He has also made 31 tackles and has a combined figure of 65 balls won that isn’t bettered by anyone else in Europe.
Rice is expected to be the subject of extensive transfer activity in the upcoming summer window and West Ham might get a sizeable bid for their crucial asset in midfield.
