The defensive midfield is a difficult position to define, there are gray areas, and players that can fit into this category, as well as others. But as part of the series Welcome to World Class of 90min, we had to think about it … and we came up with this.
We have rated the defensive midfielders as players who either primarily occupy a position on the field ahead of the defense – be it anchor, destroyer or playmaker – or are on your team primarily for defensive actions. .
It may be the most tactically demanding position in modern football.
Elite teams often choose to push high, and those who stay on defense need a combination of physique, intelligence and anticipation to prevent the opponent from sneaking through the center. And then there is all the work they do with the ball: they are often the starting point for attacks with a clear ability to recycle possession when necessary or execute a pass that breaks the line.
And how to define world class? We’ve gone over long enough, so you can read it in its entirety here, but you just have to know that they are the world’s top five at their position, and that all players are judged in 10 categories that we believe make a player of. world class.
You’ve understood? Good. Without further introduction, let’s move on to the list …
All statistics have been provided by StatsPerform for the period from January 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 (including national and continental cup competitions).
Games played: 48
Goals: 4
Assists: 5
Created occasions: 43
Passing precision: 92.3%
Interceptions: 91
Rodri became the player Pep Guardiola wanted when the Catalan brought him to Manchester City from Atlético de Madrid in 2019.
The passing master was the undisputed anchor of Cityzen’s midfield ahead of Fernandinho, a participant in W2WC 2020, combining his sublime ball skills with physique and robustness on tackles. He even proved to be more creative than his Premier League rivals in this regard.
The 25-year-old footballer had an imperious 2021, winning the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final with City. Who knows, if he had started in that game, maybe they would have won it.
Games played: 35
Goals: one
Assists: one
Created occasions: eleven
Passing precision: 89.1%.
Interceptions: 63
Jurgen Klopp described Fabinho as a “beacon” bringing clarity to Liverpool’s high-octane system. It is difficult to think of a more accurate description of the Brazilian.
The Brazilian, who gave the Reds a solid foundation to dominate games with his expert reading of the game and impeccable passing, even added another chord to his goal in 2021 by taking up the center-back position during the unreal injury crisis of the club.
Liverpool’s signing of Fabinho over Manchester United back in 2018 was a true sliding-door moment in Premier League history. He has since become one of the best in the world, while United’s midfield problems continue to haunt them.
Games played: Four. Five
Goals: 6
Assists: 9
Created occasions: 125
Passing precision: 88.3%
Interceptions: 63
Although the philosophy of total football has its roots in neighboring Holland, no modern football player sums up its principles better than the German talisman Joshua Kimmich.
If Kimmich is placed anywhere on the field, he will impress, but it is in the defensive midfield, where he has a complete vision of the game, where he is most compelling.
The Bayern Munich player, who is a fearsome pressing and a devilishly intelligent defender, stands out above all for his technique. He’s capable of laying the ball on a plate to his teammates and it’s no wonder he’s the leader in assists when we compile our stat pack.
Games played: 44
Goals: 8
Assists: two
Created occasions: 39
Passing precision: 90.0%
Interceptions: 101
Jorginho divided opinion among the Chelsea fans and beyond since joining soccer father figure Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge in 2018.
However, in 2021 he managed to convert even his most ardent detractors, starring in Europe’s “best” international club and team.
Understanding what makes Jorginho such a marvel takes patience, but when you start to notice his incredible work both on and off the ball, it’s impossible to argue that he is one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet.
Games played: 37
Goals: two
Assists: one
Created occasions: 28
Passing precision: 85.2%.
Interceptions: 68
It seems ridiculous looking back, but in 2020 it was whispered that N’Golo Kante’s magical powers might be waning. A 12-month flash forward and it’s deservedly sitting at the top of our list.
Kante is a difficult man to dislike, even for Chelsea’s most staunch rivals. Simple and humble off the field, he is every midfielder’s nightmare when he crosses the white line.
There is much talk about the logical resistance of the French, but unstoppable lungs are not enough to become the best defensive midfielder on the planet.
During his time at Chelsea, as well as internationally, Kanté also became a quiet creative force. Combine it with those unstoppable defensive qualities and we have a recipe for a truly amazing footballer.
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