Top 10 best defensive midfielders of all time

Often where the display of talent is overshadowed, but vital for the game is what defines the life of a defensive midfielders.

Those who can pull off the ability to spot a pass before perfectly executing it tend to have the knack of becoming central midfielders. Those who can read the game and time every tackle become defenders, but to provide all of these qualities is what it is to become defensive midfielders.

One of the toughest positions on the pitch where mentality and physicality are required to keep the game at bay. Goals happen once in a blue moon, however, your heroic actions and last-ditch challenges will only be noticed if you’re not involved in the game.

These unheralded stars often are the foundations on which their team is built, making them an integral part. The footballing world has seen some truly exceptional midfield anchors over the years, and here’s the greatest of them all.

10.Claude Makélélé

Luck only favours a few to retire from the game with their name forever associated with a skill but even fewer depart with an actual position on the pitch named after them. One such player is Makélélé who gave life to ‘The Makélélé role’.

The Frenchman honed his craft with Spanish giants Real Madrid before moving to Chelsea in 2003.

His third eye to sense danger before it happens while providing passes together and creating attacks became an instrumental part of the Blues’ maiden 2004/05 Premier League winning side. Abramovich’s era has seen a galaxy of stars arrive at the Bridge providing the platform for the holding midfielder to become one of the greatest executors’ of the role.

9. Dunga

Dunga’s style was physical and robust which was not so samba for a Brazil side that prides itself on natural football. However, his ability to martial for his side allowed the other players to express their flair making him the lynchpin of the victorious Brazil side at the 1994 World Cup.

Making a name for himself as a tough-tackling midfielder brought to light his ability to spray the ball around the soccer field with the outside of his boot. This style became a signature move to unlock defences from a deep-lying position.

8.Gennaro Gattuso

Gattuso was always known for his no-nonsense approach to midfield play which got him the nickname ‘Rino’ for his fiery temperament

The Italy international played a vital part in the 2003/04 AC Milan side that dominated Serie A, finishing 11 points clear of their local rival and securing their first title since 1999.

Andrea Pirlo and Gattuso combined at the heart of the Italy midfield that propelled the Italians to World Cup glory in 2006. Rino went on to win more challenges than any other player at the tournament.

7.Edgar Davids

Davids represented many European giants over his 23-year period also nabbing 74 caps for the Netherlands.

Davids’s illustrious career as a ferocious ball-winner in sides littered with superstars gave him the name “Pitbull”. A famous academy graduate of Ajax whose tenacious play was different from the regular Dutch side’s youth setup helped grab his attention.

6.Gilberto Silva

While the whole world admired the aura of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira in the ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/04, one man was constantly overlooked.

His name was Gilberto Silva, who was full of pace and power renowned for his continuous waves of attack for the Gunners. Gilberto was the safety net of the team, making him a nightmare for the opposition to get past. The Brazilian never looked fazed under pressure, throwing himself into space before finding a team-mate making him the midfielder the North-London side will always miss.

5.Jean Tigana

Close enough to be called a stereotypical brute of a defensive midfielder, Tigana’s small frame lured opponents into a false sense of security. the truth is he was one of the most combative and tireless midfielders you are ever likely to see.

Tigana possessed the work ethic and dominated the centre of the pitch making him a popular member of the early 80s France team. His defensive maturity paved the way for Michel Platini to roam free as France was crowned 1984 European Champions.

4.Graeme Souness

Souness took the term ‘tough-tackling’ seriously giving it a whole new explanation. The Scotsman played for Liverpool tasting league success in five of his six seasons, making his bone-crunching challenges a signature move. Even though the approach to midfield play was ‘whole-hearted’, the former Middlesbrough man certainly knew how to play. An illustrious career with 92 goals tells you he knew where the net was, with many of them coming outside the box.

3.Didier Deschamps

Named ‘the water carrier’ by former France teammate Eric Cantona, Deschamps may not have been gifted with the same level of technical ability as some of his peers, though he was certainly a fine player. He lead his nation to World Cup and European Championship glory in 1998 and 2000 respectively as the captain.

Deschamps’ ability to organise a side has seen him turn his hand to management, and in 2018 he became just the third man to boast a World Cup win as both a player and manager – as France was crowned world champions in their home tournament.

2.N’Golo Kanté

Kanté has always been able to offer something both offensively as well as defensively, as described best by former coach Franck Lampard.

Despite playing in French lower leagues for most of his early career, the World Cup winner grabbed the spotlight in 2015/16 as a heartbeat of a Leicester side that shocked the world by being crowned Premier League champions.

His selfless attitude and ability to be everywhere on the pitch made him one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders on the planet.

1.Marco Tardelli

Considered to be one of Italy’s greatest-ever midfielders, Tardelli was the cornerstone of Juventus in the late 70s and early 80s, winning five Scudettos during his time in Turin.

A 360-degree player who adapts to several positions, making his name as a technically gifted ball-winning midfielder very evident. He played a vital part for Italy which was crowned world champions for the third time in 1982.

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