Top 30 best defensive midfielders in the world as of 2024 ranked
Did you know that without defensive midfielders, football would be a meaningless game? These important players clear up any mess on the field and provide a link between the defence and midfield. The best defensive midfielders anticipate their opponents' next move and eliminate any attacks before they develop.
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The best defensive midfielders are always alert and disciplined. They are good communicators and have incomparable stamina and tactical awareness. They also have a superior passing ability and the ability to read the game.
Best defensive midfielders in the world today
One of the roles of a defensive midfielder is being a shield for the defence. Below is a list of the best defensive midfielders in the world today. They are selected based on their performance stats in the last few seasons.
30. Yves Bissouma - Tottenham Hotspur
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- Full name: Yves Bissouma
- Date of birth: 30 August 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Issia, Côte d’Ivoire
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
Born in Ivory Coast, Yves Bissouma plays for the Mali national team. He played for Lille, AS Real Bamako, and Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Tottenham Hotspur. He joined his current team on 14th June 2022.
29. Sofyan Amrabat - Manchester United (on loan from Fiorentina)
- Full name: Sofyan Amrabat
- Date of birth: 21st August 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Huizen, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Current team: Manchester United (on loan from Fiorentina)
Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat is currently loaned to Manchester United. He also plays for the Morocco national team and is a graduate of Utrecht's youth system. He previously played for Utrecht, Hellas Verona, Club Brugge, and Feyenoord.
28. Edson Álvarez - West Ham United
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- Full name: Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez
- Date of birth: 24th October 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
- Nationality: Mexican
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Current team: West Ham United
Edson Omar Álvarez Velázquez plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for the Mexico national team and West Ham United. As a child, Edson Álvarez worked for his family's business of manufacturing football kits for local teams. This inspired him to start playing the sport.
27. Ibrahim Sangaré - Nottingham Forest
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- Full name: Ibrahim Sangaré
- Date of birth: 2nd December 1997
- Age: 26 years (as of November 2024)
- Place of birth: Koumassi, Ivory Coast
- Nationality: Ivorian
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Current team: Nottingham Forest
Ibrahim Sangaré started his youth career with Ivorian clubs Tout Puissant Koumassi and AS Denguélé. He was on a five-year deal with PSV Eindhoven before joining Nottingham Forest in September 2023. Ibrahim Sangaré was named the Eredivisie player of the month for November 2021.
26. Youssouf Fofana - Monaco
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- Full name: Youssouf Fofana
- Date of birth: 10th January 1999
- Age: 25 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Zodiac sign: Capricorn
- Current team: Monaco
Monaco's Youssouf Fofana also plays for the France national team. He is of Malian descent. He played for Strasbourg before joining Monaco.
25. Moisés Caicedo - Chelsea
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- Full name: Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo
- Date of birth: 2nd November 2001
- Age: 23 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Santo Domingo, Ecuador
- Nationality: Ecuadorian
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Current team: Chelsea
Moisés Caicedo plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Chelsea and the Ecuador national team. Many people consider him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world because of his technical ability and defensive prowess. Moisés Caicedo played for Brighton & Hove Albion and Independiente del Valle before joining Chelsea.
24. Douglas Luiz - Aston Villa
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- Full name: Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo
- Date of birth: 9th May 1998
- Age: 26 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Current team: Aston Villa
Did you know Douglas Luiz is a product of the Vasco da Gama academy in Rio de Janeiro? He is a central midfielder for Aston Villa and the Brazil national team. He played for Manchester City before joining Aston Villa.
23. Oriol Romeu - Barcelona
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- Full name: Oriol Romeu Vidal
- Date of birth: 24th September 1991
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ulldecona, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Current team: Barcelona
Barcelona's Oriol Romeu Vidal started his career at local CF Ulldecona. On 19th July 2023, he returned to his former club, Barcelona, on a three-year contract. He previously played for Girona, Southampton, and Chelsea.
22. Rodrigo Bentancur - Tottenham Hotspur
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- Full name: Rodrigo Bentancur Colman
- Date of birth: 25th June 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
Rodrigo Bentancur Colman started his career in 2009 in the youth system of Argentine side Boca Juniors. He plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Uruguay national team. Rodrigo Bentancur was signed with Juventus before joining his current team.
21. Manu Koné - Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Full name: Emmanuel Kouadio Koné
- Date of birth: 17th May 2001
- Age: 23 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Colombes, France
- Nationality: French
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Current team: Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach's Manu Koné is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He made his professional for Toulouse in May 2019. He is signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach until 2025. Did you know he is of Ivorian descent?
20. Leandro Paredes - Roma
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- Full name: Leandro Daniel Paredes
- Date of birth: 29th June 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: San Justo, Argentina
- Nationality: Argentine
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Current team: Roma
Leandro Paredes is one of the best midfielders in the world today. He made his league debut for Boca Juniors on 6th November 2010. He has also played for Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Paris Saint-Germain. Leandro Paredes is currently on a season-long loan with an option to buy at Serie A club Juventus.
19. Kalvin Phillips - Manchester City
- Full name: Kalvin Mark Phillips
- Date of birth: 2nd December 1995
- Age: 28 years (as of November 2024)
- Place of birth: Leeds, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Current team: Manchester City
Kalvin Phillips started his Premier League career for Leeds United in September 2020. He first played in a Premier League game for Manchester City against West Ham United on 7th August 2022. In his Premier League career, Kalvin Phillips has appeared in over 50 matches.
18. Ryan Gravenberch - Liverpool
- Full name: Ryan Jiro Gravenberch
- Date of birth: 16th May 2002
- Age: 22 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Current team: Liverpool
In 2010, Ryan Gravenberch joined the Ajax Youth Academy. He signed his first professional contract with Ajax in June 2018. On 13th June 2022, he signed for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on a five-year contract before joining Liverpool.
17. Jorginho - Arsenal
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- Full name: Jorge Luiz Frello Filho Cavaliere OMRI
- Date of birth: 20th December 1991
- Age: 32 years (as of November 2024)
- Place of birth: Imbituba, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian-Italian
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Current team: Arsenal
Jorginho Frello moved to Chelsea in July 2018 from Napoli. Before then, he played for Hellas Verona. He joined Arsenal, his current team, on 31st January 2023. Jorginho plays for the Italy national team, too.
16. Granit Xhaka - Bayer Leverkusen
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- Full name: Granit Xhaka
- Date of birth: 27th September 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Basel, Switzerland
- Nationality: Swiss
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Current team: Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka has been playing for Bayer Leverkusen since July 2023. Did you know he made his debut in the Premier League match for Arsenal on 14th August 2016? Granit Xhaka also plays for the Switzerland national team.
15. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg - Tottenham Hotspur
- Full name: Pierre-Emile Kordt Højbjerg
- Date of birth: 5th August 1995
- Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Nationality: Danish
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
On 13th August 2016, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg made his football league debut at Southampton. He first played in a Premier League game for Tottenham Hotspur on 13th September 2020. He also plays for the Denmark national team.
14. Rúben Neves - Al-Hilal
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- Full name: Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves
- Date of birth: 13th March 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Mozelos, Portugal
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Current team: Al-Hilal
Rúben Neves made a good impression on his football league debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers on 11th August 2018. He joined Al-Hilal in June 2023. Before then, Rúben Neves played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Porto.
13. Bruno Guimarães - Newcastle United
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- Full name: Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura
- Date of birth: 16th November 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Current team: Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães has made 11 appearances overall for Newcastle United's Premier League matches in 2022/2023. Before joining Newcastle United in January 2022, Bruno Guimarães was signed with the Olympique Lyonnais. He made his football league debut on 8th February 2022.
12. Konrad Laimer - Bayern Munich
Source: UGC
- Full name: Konrad Laimer
- Date of birth: 27th May 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Salzburg, Austria
- Nationality: Austrian
- Zodiac sign: Gemini
- Current team: Bayern Munich
Did you know Konrad Laimer debuted in a Bundesliga fixture for RB Leipzig on 19th August 2017? He joined RB Leipzig in July 2017. Before then, he was signed with Salzburg. He is currently signed with Bayern Munich.
11. Aurélien Tchouaméni - Real Madrid
- Full name: Aurélien Djani Tchouaméni
- Date of birth: 27th January 2000
- Age: 24 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rouen, France
- Nationality: French
- Zodiac sign: Aquarius
- Current team: Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouaméni made his debut in a Primera División fixture for Real Madrid on 14th August 2022. Before joining Real Madrid in July 2022, Tchouaméni was signed with Monaco. He also plays for the France national team.
10. Sergio Busquets - Inter Miami
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- Full name: Sergio Busquets Burgos
- Date of birth: 16th July 1988
- Age: 36 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Sabadell, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Current team: Inter Miami
Inter Miami's Sergio Busquets plays as a defensive midfielder for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Known for his short and calm passes and singular reading of the game, he is regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time.
9. Declan Rice - Arsenal
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- Full name: Declan Rice
- Date of birth: 14th January 1999
- Age: 25 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Zodiac sign: Capricorn
- Current team: Arsenal
Declan Rice plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team. He began his professional career at West Ham United after being released by Chelsea's academy. Declan Rice has established himself as a key first-team player for Arsenal.
8. Frenkie de Jong - Barcelona
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- Full name: Frenkie de Jong
- Date of birth: 12th May 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Arkel, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Current team: Barcelona and the Netherlands national team
Frenkie de Jong made his Primera División debut on 16th August 2019. The athlete is signed with Barcelona and plays for the Netherlands national team. Before joining Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong was at Ajax.
7. Marcelo Brozović - Al Nassr
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- Full name: Marcelo Brozović
- Date of birth: 16th November 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Zagreb, Croatia
- Nationality: Croatian
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Current team: Al Nassr
Did you know Marcelo Brozović made his competition debut on 1st February 2015? The Croatian athlete was signed with Dinamo Zagreb and Inter Milan before joining Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. He also plays for the Croatia national team.
6. Wilfred Ndidi - Leicester City
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- Full name: Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi
- Date of birth: 16th December 1996
- Age: 27 years (as of November 2024)
- Place of birth: Lagos, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Current team: Leicester City and the Nigeria national team
Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi made his Premier League debut at 20 on 14th January 2017. The Nigerian athlete is currently signed with Leicester City. Before joining Leicester City in January 2017, he was signed with Genk.
5. Fabinho - Al-Ittihad
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- Full name: Fábio Henrique Tavares
- Date of birth: 23rd October 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Current team: Al-Ittihad
Fábio Henrique Tavares, commonly known as Fabinho, is signed with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. He also plays for the Brazil national team. He previously played for Liverpool and Monaco.
4. Casemiro - Manchester United
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- Full name: Carlos Henrique Casimiro
- Date of birth: 23rd February 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: São José dos Campos, State of São Paulo, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Current team: Manchester United
Manchester United signed Casemiro in August 2022. Before then, the athlete played for Real Madrid. He is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and of his generation. Did you know Casemiro captains the Brazil national team?
3. Rodri - Manchester City
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- Full name: Rodrigo Hernández Cascante
- Date of birth: 22nd June 1996
- Age: 28 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Madrid, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Current team: Manchester City
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, commonly known as Rodri, joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid. He made his debut appearance for his new team on 10th August 2019. His tackling prowess often deters opponents from passing through the lines.
2. N'Golo Kanté - Al-Ittihad
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: N'Golo Kanté
- Date of birth: 29th March 1991
- Age: 33 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Paris, France
- Nationality: French
- Zodiac sign: Aries
- Current team: Al-Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté is a famous French athlete currently signed with Al-Ittihad. He also plays for the France national team. Considered one of the best midfielders of his generation, Kanté joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in June 2023 from Chelsea.
1. Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich
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- Full name: Joshua Walter Kimmich
- Date of birth: 8th February 1995
- Age: 29 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Rottweil, Germany
- Nationality: German
- Zodiac sign: Aquarius
- Current team: Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is arguably the best midfielder in the world today. He is currently signed with Bayern Munich and also plays for the Germany national team. Joshua Kimmich is of enormous quality and is versatile in both attacking and defensive roles.
Who is a defensive midfielder?
A defensive midfielder is a midfield player who focuses on protecting their team's goal. S/he can defend a zone in front of their team's defence, or man marks specific opposition attackers.
Who are the best defensive midfielders in the world?
Some of the best defensive midfielders in the world are Joshua Kimmich, N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, Wilfred Ndidi, Marcelo Brozović, Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice, and Sergio Busquets.
Who is the best defensive midfielder in the world?
Joshua Kimmich is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. He plays for Bayern Munich and the Germany national team.
Who is the best defending midfielder in the world in 2024?
Joshua Kimmich, who plays for Bayern Munich, is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. He is closely followed by N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Casemiro, Fabinho, and Wilfred Ndidi.
Who is the best defensive midfielder in Real Madrid?
The best defensive midfielder in Real Madrid today is Aurélien Tchouaméni. He made his debut in a Primera División fixture for Real Madrid on 14th August 2022.
Who's the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League?
Declan Rice and Rodri are considered two of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League as of 2024. They play for Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively.
Who is the cheapest CDM in FIFA 23?
The best cheap midfielders in FIFA include Seko Fofana, Fred, Carlos Soler, Rodrigo Javier De Paul, Konrad Laimer, Lucas Paqueta, Emre Can, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Who are the best CDM in FIFA 24 Career Mode?
The best defensive midfielders in FIFA 23 Career Mode include Joshua Kimmich, N'Golo Kante, Casemiro, Wilfred Ndidi, Rodri, and Fabinho.
Although midfielders are the most underrated soccer players in any given team, it is evident that they play an essential part in the club. The skills and talents presented by the best defensive midfielders in the world continue to wow audiences worldwide.
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