Top 5 defensive midfielders in the world this season (2020/21)

Arguably one of the most underrated positions in football, the job of a defensive midfielder comes with little to no fanfare.

Defensive midfielders tend to do the dirty work; breaking up play, shielding the backline and acting as a link between the defense and the midfield. These days, they are required to be excellent passers as well.

Claude Makelele's performances for Real Madrid and later Chelsea highlighted the importance of the role, while Barcelona's Sergio Busquets, under the management of Pep Guardiola, further refined the position. These days, every top team tends to invest in a top-quality defensive midfielder.

On that note, here are the top five defensive midfielders in world football currently.

---

#5 Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City

Wilfred Ndidi before a Leicester City game

A key cog in the midfield for Leicester City, Wilfred Ndidi's star has been on the rise for some time now.

Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in January of 2017 for a fee of £16 million. Since then he has been a constant presence in the first XI for the Foxes, with his tackling and aerial ability highly appreciated. The Nigeria international has also been utilized as a center-back this season.

The 24-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Foxes this season, with injuries having limited his minutes. Leicester City, with Ndidi, look more solid and function better as a team. With clubs like Manchester United linked with the excellent midfielder, it will be interesting to see what the summer holds for the former Genk man.

---

#4 Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona colours

Barcelona might be in a transitional phase right now, but the acquisition of Frenkie de Jong will hold them in good stead.

The 23-year-old joined Barcelona from Ajax for £77.5 million in 2019, with the Catalan club managing to sign the midfielder despite heavy interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. After a slow start to his Barcelona career, De Jong has now firmly established himself in the first XI after some top performances this season.

His dribbling ability, passing and vision have all come to the fore. The Netherlands international has made 41 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Barcelona, scoring six goals.

---

#3 Fabinho, Liverpool

Fabinho in action for Liverpool

Liverpool have not enjoyed the best of seasons so far, with injuries to key players resulting in poor performances, especially in the league.

Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, Fabinho was forced to deputize at centre-back, where he did well. However, it became evident quickly that Liverpool were missing the Brazil international's contributions in midfield.

The 27-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season. Fabinho continues to be a defensive behemoth and is a good passer. A sustained run in the defensive midfield position for the Monaco man will help Jurgen Klopp's side a lot in the business end of the season.

---

#2 Casemiro, Real Madrid

Casemiro has consistently impressed for Real Madrid

Not much remains to be said about Casemiro, who is seen by many as the best defensive midfielder in world football.

The Brazil international joined Real Madrid from Sao Paulo in 2013 for £5 million. He has formed a formidable midfield triangle with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos since then, with all three midfielders playing key roles in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League successes over the years.

The 29-year-old shields the defense well, reducing Modric's and Kroos' defensive workload. Casemiro has made 32 appearances in all competitions so far, scoring six goals.

---

#1 Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich is regarded as one of the best players in the world

Being a world-class player in a particular position is no mean feat; Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich is arguably the only player in the world who is world-class in two different positions.

It is surprising to see how easily Bayern Munich and Germany have found a replacement for a legend like Philipp Lahm. Kimmich is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder and a right-back (like Lahm), and manages to do so without missing a step.

The 26-year-old has predominantly operated as a defensive midfielder this season and has done so with aplomb. His passing ability and tenacity have been widely praised, with many regarding him as one of the best footballers in the world.

---