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Having a reliable player shielding the defense while also controlling proceedings in the center has become a solid pillar for success in modern football. You only need to reflect on Chelsea's recent UEFA Champions League triumph to realize just how much a defensive midfielder contributes to the success of the team.
Nullifying incoming attacks, dropping deep to support the backline and moving the ball forward to launch attacking moves, defensive midfielders perform some of the most important tasks on the pitch. The role has been redefined in recent years, with some of these players now possessing impeccable passing skills, electrifying dribbling and incredible vision.
The football world is indeed blessed with a number of amazing defensive midfielders at the moment. These are players who continue to prove themselves to be simply unstoppable each time they step on the pitch to represent their clubs and nations. Below, we take a look at the top 5:
#5 Sergio Busquets | Barcelona and Spain
Barcelona star Sergio Busquets is one of the few players who have redefined the role of a defensive midfielder in the current generation. The Spaniard was the engine of Pep Guardiola's golden Barcelona team that took Europe by storm between 2008 and 2012. The group won everything in club football, including a historic sextuple in 2009.
Busquets was labeled a player in decline by some in 2020 but he has come back to put naysayers in their place with eye-catching performances since the turn of the year. The Spaniard remained a reliable figure for Barcelona throughout last season, ticking the dots in the center as the Catalans claimed the Copa del Rey trophy.
He was also one of the top performers for Spain during the recently concluded European Championship. Busquets' timely intervention, tactical awareness and understanding of the game helped La Roja often dominate opposition teams at Euro 2020.
#4 Fabinho | Liverpool and Brazil
Liverpool endured a torrid campaign in the Premier League last season but that didn't stop Fabinho from often displaying his individual brilliance. The Brazilian was a huge sensation and received plenty of praise from Jurgen Klopp throughout the term.
Fabinho's presence was hugely felt at the back as he bailed out Liverpool time and again. The 27-year-old recorded 54 tackles, 44 interceptions and 10 blocked shots for the Reds in 30 Premier League appearances during the season. He also won 54 aerial duels, made 65 clearances and completed 2108 passes in the English top flight.
#3 Jorginho | Chelsea and Italy
What an unbelievable year Jorginho has had! The midfielder has arguably been the most improved player of 2021, winning the hearts of many with his eye-catching displays. Jorginho lifted continental silverware with both club and country during the 2020-21 campaign.
The Italian first made history with Chelsea as the Blues upset the odds and went all the way to winning the prestigious UEFA Champions League title last season. He made 43 appearances for Thomas Tuchel's side across all fronts, recording eight goals and two assists to his name.
The midfielder followed that up with another triumph at the European Championship this summer. Jorginho's impeccable passing skills helped Italy outclass opposition teams on their way to winning the tournament. He featured in all of Gil Azzurri's seven games in the competition, playing 705 minutes in total.
#2 Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich and Germany
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich belongs among the most impressive defensive midfielders the football world has to offer right now. If you're a true lover of the beautiful game, you are bound to be full of admiration for this amazing player.
Kimmich has been one of the top performers for Bayern Munich in recent years. For a team that boasts world-class players on every part of the pitch, being singled out for praise is no easy feat.
The German thrives off his ability to dictate proceedings in midfield, while simultaneously dropping deep to help with defensive duties. Kimmich's stamina also allows him to dash forward to attack opposition teams, while his versatality means he can be utilized as a right-back as well. The 26-year-old enjoyed a fabulous outing last season, contributing six goals and 14 assists for Bayern as they won the Bundesliga title yet again.
#1 N'Golo Kante | Chelsea and France
It wouldn't be far-fetched to say that there's no better defensive midfielder than N'Golo Kante in the football world at the moment. Such has been his brilliance this year that many are tipping him to win the coveted Ballon d'Or accolade.
Chelsea fans couldn't stop singing Ngolo Kante's praises following the Frenchman's heroics in the Champions League last season. He totally ran the show, working tirelessly like a clock to keep his team fighting hard until the very last moment.
Kante was everywhere on the pitch, throwing his body against all sorts of shots and pocketing even the most potent attackers on the planet. The Frenchman also used his bursts of energy to take the fight to opposition defenses. Kante was named the Man Of The Match in both legs of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid as well as in the final against Manchester City. What a player!
