Goals, assists, and attacking skill are frequently used to characterize football, but without the players who balance a team, none of that would be possible. The tempo, transitions, and—above all—backline protection are all in the direction of defensive midfielders. Regaining possession, stopping risky passes, and thwarting enemy attacks before they reach the defense are their duties. Even though their efforts are frequently overlooked, their impact cannot be denied.
A great defensive midfielder needs to be intelligent, physically fit, and well-positioned. Others live on their energy and aggression, pressing high up the pitch and winning duels, while others rely on their understanding of the game to foresee danger and cut out passes. The best combine several attributes, providing both defensive strength and poise when in control.
Only defensive performances are used to determine this ranking. Goal contributions, assists, and playmaking prowess are not considered. Midfielders that are excellent at tackling, intercepting, protecting the defense, and regaining control for their side are instead highlighted. These players have been the most successful in their defensive responsibilities, whether they play as aggressive ball-winners or deep-lying anchors.
Therefore, based solely on their defensive contributions, these are the best defensive midfielders in the world at the moment.
15. Manchester United player Kobbie Mainoo
75.9% of tackles were won.
Every 90 minutes, there are 1.2 interceptions.
🎯 Completion rate: 83.4%
For Manchester United, Mainoo has shown promise as a young player by offering midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
14. Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha
🛡️ Winning tackles: 76.4%
Every 90 minutes, there are 1.3 interceptions.
🎯 83.9% pass completion rate
Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha is a member of Bayern Munich at the moment. He signed a contract with the team in July 2024 that will expire in June 2028, reportedly for €51 million with an additional €5 million in possible add-ons.
13. The Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma
Winning tackles: 76.9%
🚀 1.4 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 Completion rate: 84.3%
For Tottenham Hotspur, Bissouma has been a reliable player who offers midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been essential in stopping attacks because of his ability to read the game and intercept passes from the opposition.
12. Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga
🛡️ Winning tackles: 77.4%
1.5 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 Completion rate: 84.8%
Real Madrid has benefited greatly from Camavinga’s defensive prowess and midfield inventiveness. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
11. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni
🛡️ Winning tackles: 77.9%
Every 90 minutes, there are 1.6 interceptions.
🎯 85.3% pass completion rate
Tchouameni has been an exceptional player for Real Madrid, offering midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been able to cover a lot of territory and win the ball back fast because to his speed and agility.
10. (Juventus) Manuel Locatelli
🛡️ Winning tackles: 78.4%
🚀 1.7 intercepts every 90 minutes
🎯 85.8% pass completion rate
Locatelli has been a vital member of Juventus’ team, contributing both defensive know-how and midfield inventiveness. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
9. Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic
Winning tackles: 78.9%
Every 90 minutes, there are 1.8 interceptions.
🎯 86.3% pass completion rate
Kovacic has been a reliable player for Manchester City, offering midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been essential in stopping attacks because of his ability to read the game and intercept passes from the opposition. In Rodri’s absence, he has been performing his duties effectively.
8. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich
🛡️ Winning tackles: 79.4%
🚀 1.9 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 86.8% pass completion rate
Even before this, Kimmich was a vital member of Bayern Munich’s team, contributing both defensive know-how and midfield inventiveness. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
7. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi
🛡️ Winning tackles: 79.8%
Every 90 minutes, there are 2.0 interceptions.
🎯 87.3% pass completion rate
At the end of the season, he is speculated to be joining Arsenal. For Real Sociedad, Zubimendi has been an exceptional player who offers midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been able to cover a lot of territory and win the ball back fast because to his speed and agility.
6. Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu
80.4% of tackles were won.
🚀 2.1 intercepts every 90 minutes
🎯 87.9% pass completion rate
Inter Milan has benefited greatly from Calhanoglu’s defensive prowess and midfield inventiveness. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
5. Arsenal’s Thomas Partey
80.9% of tackles were won.
🚀 2.2 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 Completion rate: 88.5%
There’s a good reason why Arsenal supporters are calling for his contract to be renewed. Partey has been a reliable player for Arsenal, offering midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been essential in stopping attacks because of his ability to read the game and intercept passes from the opposition.
4. Barcelona’s Casado
Winning tackles: 81.4%
🚀 2.3 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 89.1% pass completion rate
Casado, who is only 21, has been a vital member of Barcelona’s team, contributing both defensive know-how and midfield inventiveness. He has been able to dominate games and generate scoring opportunities because to his vision and passing range.
3. Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo
Winning tackles: 81.9%
Every 90 minutes, there are 2.4 interceptions.
🎯 89.5% pass completion rate
In addition to being a destroyer, the 23-year-old can also break the lines with a ball or dribble and injure opponents with his distribution. In addition, Caicedo outperforms all Chelsea players in terms of successful passes inside the final third. Maresca credits time for his progress.
2. Xhaka Granit (Leverkusen)
🛡️ Winning tackles: 82.5%
2.5 interceptions every ninety minutes
🎯 90.3% pass completion rate
With his exceptional adaptability, Xabi Alonso has brought out the best in Xhaka, involving the Swiss captain in every aspect of the game, from build-up to scoring spectacular goals on the edge of the box. Cultured, calm, and not scared of a little bite, Xhaka is now receiving his roses after an undefeated season at Bayer Leverkusen. However, in the most important games, he has consistently been among the world’s greatest midfielders. He now does it once a week as well.
1. Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch
84.2% of tackles were won.
🚀 There are 2.9 interceptions every 90 minutes.
🎯 91.4% pass completion rate
Since joining Liverpool, Gravenberch has been an unexpected gem, offering midfield inventiveness and defensive stability. He has been able to control games and set the pace because to his remarkable vision and passing range. The Dutchman has improved his game in 2025 and will be looking to advance at Anfield with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
