Top 15 best defensive midfielders in the world this season (2025)

Football is often defined by goals, assists, and attacking brilliance, but none of that would be possible without the players who bring balance to a team. Defensive midfielders are the ones who dictate the tempo, control transitions, and, most importantly, protect the backline. They are responsible for winning back possession, intercepting dangerous passes, and breaking down opposition attacks before they reach the defense. While their work often goes unnoticed, their influence is undeniable.

A great defensive midfielder must possess intelligence, positioning, and physicality. Some rely on their reading of the game to anticipate danger and cut out passes, while others thrive on their energy and aggression, pressing high up the pitch and winning duels. The very best combine multiple qualities, offering both defensive steel and composure in possession.

This ranking is based purely on defensive performances. It does not take into account goal contributions, assists, or playmaking ability. Instead, it highlights midfielders who excel at tackling, intercepting, shielding the defense, and regaining control for their team. Whether they operate as deep-lying anchors or aggressive ball-winners, these players have been the most effective in their defensive roles.

With that in mind, here are the top defensive midfielders in the world right now, ranked purely on their defensive contributions.

15. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

🛡️ Tackles won: 75.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.2 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 83.4%

Kobbie Mainoo has shown plenty of promise in his appearances for Manchester United this season. A dynamic presence in midfield, he combines defensive reliability with an impressive passing range. His ability to read the game and distribute the ball effectively has allowed him to dictate play, while his vision has helped create attacking opportunities. Though still developing, Mainoo’s performances suggest he could become a key figure in United’s midfield in the future.

14. João Palhinha (Bayern Munich)

🛡️ Tackles won: 76.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.3 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 83.9%

João Palhinha, the Portuguese midfielder, joined Bayern Munich in July 2024 for a reported €51 million plus €5 million in potential add-ons. However, his first season at the club has been far from smooth, as he struggled to find his best form in a competitive midfield. Despite his solid reputation at Fulham, Palhinha has faced challenges in adapting to Bayern’s style of play. With rumours swirling about a potential move away next season, his future at the club remains uncertain.

13. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)

🛡️ Tackles won: 76.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.4 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 84.3%

Yves Bissouma has been a solid presence in Tottenham’s midfield this season. After a challenging first year at the club, he’s shown much more consistency under Ange Postecoglou. His reading of the game, timely interceptions, and ability to retain possession under pressure have been key in Spurs’ build-up play. While not always flashy, his defensive awareness and composure have added much-needed stability to the midfield.

12. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)

 

🛡️ Tackles won: 77.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.5 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 84.8%

Eduardo Camavinga had a solid, if unspectacular, season with Real Madrid. Though not always in the spotlight, his versatility and work rate made him a reliable option for Ancelotti. Often deployed in various midfield roles—and occasionally at left-back—he brought defensive energy, ball-carrying ability, and composure under pressure. While his final-third contributions were limited, his overall influence in controlling the tempo and breaking up play was valuable throughout the campaign.

11. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

 

🛡️ Tackles won: 77.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.6 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 85.3%

Aurélien Tchouaméni didn’t quite hit the heights expected this season, but his performances remained steady. While injuries disrupted his rhythm and limited his consistency, he still played an important role in Real Madrid’s midfield—offering defensive structure, good positional awareness, and control in transitions. It wasn’t a standout campaign, but it was a solid one overall.

10. Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)

🛡️ Tackles won: 78.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.7 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 85.8%

Manuel Locatelli has been a consistent presence for Juventus this season, featuring in 41 matches across all competitions. Operating mainly as a deep-lying playmaker, he provided defensive stability while maintaining a 85% pass accuracy and completing more upfield pass metres than any other Serie A midfielder. Though limited offensively in this role, he still contributed six assists. A potential shift to a more advanced midfield role next season could unlock more of his attacking qualities.

9. Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City)

🛡️ Tackles won: 78.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.8 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 86.3%

Despite Manchester City form, Kivacic has been a solid performer for Manchester City, providing defensive solidity and creativity in midfield. His ability to read the game and intercept opposition passes has been crucial in breaking up attacks. He’s been doing his job well in the absence of Rodri.

8. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

🛡️ Tackles won: 79.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 1.9 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 86.8%

Joshua Kimmich has been a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s midfield for years, offering both defensive solidity and creative flair. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game have consistently been his standout attributes. One of the best in the world when at his peak, Kimmich’s intelligence and versatility make him an indispensable figure for both club and country.

7. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

🛡️ Tackles won: 79.8%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.0 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 87.3%

He’s rumoured to be a top target for several major European clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, who are expected to go all out for him at the end of the season. Zubimendi has been a standout performer for Real Sociedad, offering both defensive solidity and creativity in midfield. His pace and agility allow him to cover ground efficiently and win back possession quickly.

6. Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen)

🛡️ Tackles won: 82.5%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.5 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 90.3%

Xabi Alonso has truly unlocked Granit Xhaka’s full potential, harnessing his versatility to involve the Swiss captain in every phase of play—from deep build-up to scoring long-range stunners. Xhaka is cultured, composed, and never shy of a challenge, bringing both elegance and bite to the midfield. After an unbeaten season at Bayer Leverkusen, he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves. Though always one of the best in the biggest games, Xhaka is now consistently delivering at the highest level week in, week out.

5. Marc Casado (Barcelona)

🛡️ Tackles won: 81.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.3 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 89.1%

In his first professional season, Casado has been a standout for Barcelona, offering a blend of defensive solidity and creativity in midfield. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game have helped him create numerous scoring opportunities. With 6 assists already to his name, he was on track for a breakout season before an injury unfortunately cut his season short.

4. Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan)

🛡️ Tackles won: 80.4%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.1 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 87.9%

Hakan Çalhanoğlu has been vital for Inter Milan this season, balancing defensive work with creativity in midfield. His vision and passing range allow him to control games, while his defensive awareness helps break up attacks. Additionally, his set-piece deliveries have been key, creating chances and providing a consistent threat. Overall, Çalhanoğlu’s maturity and all-around contributions have made him a standout performer for Inter.

3. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)

🛡️ Tackles won: 81.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.4 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 89.5%

 

🛡️ Tackles won: 80.9%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.2 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 88.5%

There’s a clear reason Arsenal fans are calling for his contract renewal. Thomas Partey has been a key player, providing both defensive strength and creativity in midfield. His ability to read the game, intercept passes, and disrupt opposition attacks has been vital. Always delivering in big moments, Partey has proven to be an invaluable asset for Arsenal.

1. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

🛡️ Tackles won: 84.2%

🚀 Interceptions: 2.9 per 90 minutes

🎯 Pass completion: 91.4%

Gravenberch has been a standout since joining Liverpool, offering both defensive strength and creativity in midfield. His vision and passing range have allowed him to control the tempo and dictate play. The Dutchman has stepped up his game in 2025 and will be eager to keep improving alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.