Top 5 defensive midfielders in 2017

#1 Casemiro (Real Madrid)

Casemiro shows up for Real Madrid in the most important games

Carlos Henrique Casimiro, aka Casemiro, might not just be the most underrated defensive midfielder in the world, but quite possibly the most underrated player altogether. Most holding midfielders are underrated by rival fans, but are usually valued-enough by their own club's fan-base.

However, it seems that no matter what Casemiro does, some voices in the Spanish press are always asking to give a chance to home-grown players such as Marcos Llorente. But just like every season, the 25-year old has again silenced the doubters and cemented his place in Zinedine Zidane's tactical scheme.

2017 has been Casemiro's year by all means. Besides showing phenomenal defensive skills to offer balance, he has been just as impressive with his offensive support. As a matter of fact, the Brazilian has scored ten goals and mustered three assists this year.

And quite notably, his 13-goal involvements have mostly come in the biggest games. His most important goals were against Napoli and Juventus in the Champions League, FC Barcelona in league action and Manchester United in the UEFA Cup final, whereas his assists were up against FC Bayern and Atlético Madrid in Europe, and Sevilla in La Liga.

Real Madrid were crowned the champions of Spain and Europe in 2017, in other words, the most successful team in the world based on merit and on cups won. And Casemiro, is, of course, a vital and irreplaceable element in this glorious side. No other defensive midfielder has had a more impressive year than Real Madrid's Brazilian tank.