In the Premier League, defensive midfielders are the backbone of every top team. They do the gritty work, protecting the backline, regaining possession, and setting the stage for attacking plays.

These players don’t always get the glory, but they’re crucial to a team’s success. The Premier League is packed with talent in this role. Here, we highlight the top 10 defensive midfielders making an impact, defining games, and shaping the future of the league.

 

1. Rodri

Rodri’s playmaking abilities are enhanced by his midfield partners at Manchester City. He’s often paired with Kevin De Bruyne, a visionary playmaker, and Bernardo Silva, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. This trio forms a dominant force, controlling possession and dictating the tempo.

Rodri’s defensive skills complement De Bruyne’s creative genius and Silva’s energetic runs, allowing Manchester City to overwhelm opponents. Additionally, Rodri also links up with Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez, providing a seamless transition from midfield to attack. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, this midfield quartet has become a key factor in Manchester City’s title challenges.

2. Declan Rice

Rice brings a mix of defensive stability and playmaking to Arsenal. His strong tackling, aerial skills, and leadership qualities are evident in his game. Having excelled at West Ham and shined at the World Cup for England, he’s taken on a pivotal role at Arsenal, providing defensive cover and contributing to build-up play.

3. Amadou Onana

Amadou Onana’s play partners at Aston Villa include some talented midfielders. He’s joined forces with Enzo Barrenechea, a skilled player from Juventus, and Ross Barkley, a seasoned veteran from Luton Town .

These signings have bolstered Villa’s midfield, giving manager Unai Emery plenty of options. Onana’s defensive midfield skills complement Barrenechea’s creative playmaking and Barkley’s attacking prowess, forming a formidable trio– With Onana’s impressive start to the season, scoring two goals in his first six Premier League appearances, it’ll be exciting to see how these partnerships develop

4. Yves Bissouma

Bissouma has become a key part of Tottenham’s midfield with his energetic play, strong tackles, and ability to intercept passes. His agility and stamina make him effective at breaking down opposition attacks and carrying the ball forward. He’s known for his composure under pressure and ability to maintain possession, which helps control the game’s pace.

5. Thomas Partey

Partey’s physicality and defensive capabilities make him an influential presence in Arsenal’s midfield. Known for his tackling, positional awareness, and ability to link up play, he helps balance the team by breaking up opposition attacks and supporting forward movements. His experience and leadership add depth to Arsenal’s midfield.

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6. Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez had a promising start before his record-breaking £106.8 million move from Benfica to Chelsea. His performance slightly declined with Chelsea’s poor form, but he still managed to shine in some aspects.

Fernandez’s career is still young. Despite playing fewer minutes and matches than Rice, he has shown promising potential, especially in passing and playmaking abilities.

7. Moises Caicedo

Caicedo has proven himself as a rising star, with an impressive season at Brighton before joining Chelsea for a record fee. His athleticism, tackling ability, and reading of the game allow him to cover vast areas of the pitch effectively. Caicedo is known for his ball recovery skills and ability to move the ball forward, helping his team transition from defense to attack quickly.

8. Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi is celebrated for his strong tackling, interceptions, and defensive contributions. His ability to cover ground and win back possession is invaluable to Leicester. He’s also adept at distributing the ball and supporting offensive transitions, which helps his team maintain a balanced shape.

9. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

Højbjerg combines work rate, physicality, and leadership, making him a reliable defensive presence. Known for his strong tackling and positional awareness, he’s essential to Tottenham’s midfield. He can both shield the defense and contribute to attacking moves, thanks to his ability to read the game and distribute the ball effectively.

These defensive midfielders have unique skills and playing styles, but they all excel at disrupting opposition attacks, protecting their defenses, and contributing to their teams’ overall strategy.

10. Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo, the promising young midfielder, has showcased exceptional talent at Manchester United. Mainoo’s impressive vision, passing range, and control enable him to dictate the tempo of the game. His ability to read the game and intercept passes allows him to win possession and launch counter-attacks.

With his quick feet, agility, and dribbling skills, Mainoo excels in tight spaces, often beating opponents with ease. The 18-year-old’s maturity and composure on the ball belie his age, earning praise from manager Erik ten Hag and fans alike. As he continues to develop, Mainoo is poised to become a key player for Manchester United and potentially break into the England national team.