The 10 Best Defensive Midfielders in the World (2025)
Once dismissed as mere “water carriers”, defensive midfielders are now the heartbeat of modern football. They shield defences, dictate tempo, and often decide the outcome of the biggest matches. From tough tacklers to deep-lying playmakers, here are the 10 best defensive midfielders in the world right now, according to FourFourTwo.
10. Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid / France
Camavinga is one of the most versatile players on the planet. While he’s been deployed at left-back when needed, his best work comes in defensive midfield, where his energy, tackling, and ability to drive forward shine. At just 21, he’s already proven himself to be indispensable for Real Madrid and France.
9. Aurélien Tchouaméni – Real Madrid / France
A midfield powerhouse, Tchouaméni combines physicality, composure, and tactical intelligence. He breaks up play, intercepts danger, and distributes with precision, acting as Real Madrid’s metronome. With the ability to drop into defence as well, he’s an anchor for both club and country.
8. Martín Zubimendi – Real Sociedad / Spain
Zubimendi is the epitome of calmness and control. Not flashy but consistently excellent, he keeps his team ticking over from deep. Strong in tackles, intelligent in positioning, and with superb passing range, he’s one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Spain’s giants all keep circling.
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7. Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United / Italy
After serving a betting ban, Tonali returned stronger, taking control at the base of Newcastle’s midfield. Compared to a modern Andrea Pirlo, he dictates tempo with regista flair while also providing defensive bite. His partnership with Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton makes Newcastle’s midfield one of the Premier League’s most complete.
6. Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea / Ecuador
Caicedo has justified his record-breaking price tag by becoming Chelsea’s engine. Tenacious in tackles, mobile across the pitch, and versatile enough to invert into defence, he has grown into a leader in a young squad. Alongside Enzo Fernández, he provides balance and bite in the heart of midfield.
5. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich / Germany
Long debated as a right-back or midfielder, Kimmich has now firmly established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. Consistent, intelligent, and technically excellent, he dictates play from deep while also contributing defensively. Under Vincent Kompany, he has reached another level.
4. Rodri – Manchester City / Spain
Rodri is arguably the most complete midfielder in the world today. A precise passer, master of controlling tempo, and superb in duels, he’s the heartbeat of Manchester City. His Champions League final-winning goal in 2023 epitomised his big-game pedigree. Few players can dominate midfield spaces like he does.
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3. João Neves – Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal
At only 20, Neves has already become a Champions League winner and one of PSG’s standout stars. Tenacious, aggressive, and excellent in tight spaces, he dictates possession and excels in counter-pressing. Despite his small frame, he competes fiercely in the air and looks destined to dominate the next decade.
2. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal
Once struggling at Wolves, Vitinha is now a Champions League-winning midfield general. Quick, agile, and technically sharp, he thrives in dictating tempo and breaking lines with incisive passes. His evolution under Luis Enrique has made him indispensable for PSG, and at 25, he’s entering his peak.
1. Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool / Netherlands
Gravenberch has been transformed by Arne Slot into one of the world’s best no.6s. Formerly more attack-minded, he has adapted brilliantly as Liverpool’s defensive midfielder, excelling at interceptions, carrying the ball forward, and setting the tempo. A key figure in Liverpool’s title-winning side, the 23-year-old looks set to define the role for years to come.
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