Top 10 Best Defensive Midfielders in the World – Currently Ranked

The defensive midfielder’s role is no longer what it used to be, all about brute force alone; nowadays, it’s more about control. But what defines the ‘best defensive midfielder’? Is it crushing tackles? Or breaking counterattacks? Or the calm & composure under immense pressure to hold the ball from players?

This year, the best defensive players aren’t just breaking up plays anymore; they’re rewriting the rules. Players like Rodri and Joshua Kimmich continue to dominate with their consistency, while young players like João Neves and Ryan Gravenberch are making their names with breakout performances.

But the question is, how do you rank these modern-day powerhouses? Is it through tackles completed? Trophies won? Or their ability to stun 60k roaring fans with one tackle? We, at Sportsdunia, compiled a list for you all, after carefully examining their impact, defensive ability, influences, & versatility. Now, without wasting any time, let’s take a look at our list of the 10 best defensive midfielders in the world:

List of Best Defensive Midfielders (2025)

Be prepared to see some shocking inclusions in our some might even surprise you, but worry not, we have taken their recent performance into consideration, from their passing ranges to defensive ability to impact during crucial finals.

How We Ranked the Best Defensive Midfielders in the World 2025?

Impact & Influence: The primary factor we considered while compiling this list of the best defensive midfielders in the world was to look at these players’ impact & influence on their respective teams.

Defensive Ability: The second parameter considered for determining the best defensive midfielders 2025 was to glance at their defensive mastery, such as tackles, interceptions, and positional awareness.

Versatility: The third factor that we looked at is their adaptability or versatility to play across different systems and positions.

Passing Ability: The fourth parameter considered while making the list of the best defensive midfielders was their passing ability. How well a player passes the ball under serious pressure, his play-making ability, and passing accuracy.

Trophies Won: The last factor considered while ranking the best defensive midfielders was trophies won this season by a player and how impactful his performance has been in the process.

Who is the Best Defensive Midfielder in the World Right Now?

From the Newcastle United duo of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League winner Joao Neves, we have included players based on the ranking factors mentioned above to ensure some players who have played influential roles even when their teams struggled to win any trophies this season and only than we have compiled our list of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

10. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

After overcoming a betting ban, Sandro Tonali has reinvented himself as Newcastle United’s midfield anchor. Always compared to Andrea Pirlo’s vision and composure under pressure, he has finally done justice to it. His defensive abilities and positional awareness allow Bruno Guimaraes to go more into attacking areas. The Italian defensive midfielder excels in breaking up plays, and his rapid passes to break opposition lines are as good as his defense.

The former AC Milan midfielder, once criticized for his inconsistency, now, combined with his defensive grit and creative flair, has shut all his critics. His partnership with Joelinton and Guimaraes has done wonders for the club; these three in midfield form one of the most balanced trios in the Premier League this season.

9. Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart)

Talk about impact. Playing for a middle table-ranked team in the German top league and still performing as a veteran at such a young age is marvelous. The 24-year-old has played 47 games for VfB Stuttgart, scoring four goals while assisting 11 times. Many of you must be wondering why Angello Stiller is placed on our list when his team wasn’t even playing that great. Right? Well, look at how much spark he has created this season.

When most of the players were struggling, he raised his hands and carried with consistent performance throughout the season across all competitions, not just in the Bundesliga but also in the DFB Pokal, Super Cup, and even the UEFA Champions League.

8. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)

Though Bruno is often deployed at a more conventional number 8 position, Guimaraes has also contributed as a defensive midfielder. His ability to shield defense while driving forward makes him one of the best defensive midfielders 2025. His performance against Manchester United in the Premier League, scoring a goal and creating a few key plays for his team.

Many fans and pundits argue that he’s more attack-minded for a pure defensive midfielder, but things are working for him, so why not? Right? If Sandro’s the anchor of Newcastle, then Bruno is the glue holding the team together.

7. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)

Many criticized Chelsea for spending 115 million, while things weren’t looking good for the club. But all the critics were put to the dust as Moises Caicedo silenced all doubters with his performances. His recovery speed and physicality are unmatched in the league.

Under Enzo Maresca, Caicedo has refined his defensive abilities, enabling the Blues’ attackers to flourish. While he still hasn’t matched his form and consistency, his recent performance suggests he’s on the right path. Although Chelsea has struggled in the Premier League, Caicedo hasn’t; he has been one of the best players for the Blues and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world 2025.

6. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad/Arsenal)

Martin Zubimendi’s brilliance lies in his consistency, calmness under pressure, and tactical genius. He has evolved into one of Europe’s most tactically masterminded CDMs. The Spanish midfielder is a mix of Sergio Busquets’ composure and Xabi Alonso’s positional intelligence. Zubimendi is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders right now.

In the 2024/25 season, despite Real Sociedad’s struggle in La Liga, Zubimendi has cemented himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His ability to read the game and shield his teammates is unmatched. Martin has been consistently performing for Real Sociedad in the La Liga this season, he’s averaging 2.22 tackles and 2.40 clearances per game. Now set to play for Arsenal after his departure from the club.

5. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

Aurelien Tchouameni, one of the most versatile defensive midfielders on our list. Last season, his transition from midfield to centre back showcased his adaptability. Now that he’s back at his preferred position, he’s doing great for Real Madrid. ​The Real Madrid midfielder is hailed as one of the best defensive midfielders 2025.

The Frenchman has already gotten the ‘next Makelele’ tag, undermining his technical and defensive abilities. His stats might not convey the whole story or the amount of impact he had created on the pitch with off-ball movements, field coverage, and more.

4. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Josha Kimmich is known for his versatility to play in different positions with the same intensity and flair. Under Vincent Kompany, he gained success in a new position for his team. The German midfielder is crafting play with over 90% pass accuracy and 2-3 key passes per game as a holding midfielder.

The 30-year-old, once criticized for not having a natural playing position, but look at him now as he represents the complete midfielder. In the 2024/25 season, he has been in great form for Bayern in the Bundesliga, having 115 passes attempted with 92.9% accuracy. The Germa-born midfielder is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world 2025.

3. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Declan Rice joined Arsenal for a price tag of 105 million from West Ham United. Many criticize the Gunners for spending so much on a box-to-box midfielder. But look at this guy now, he has been transformative for Arsenal this season, be it tackles or passes, he’s doing everything to ensure his team’s victory.

For all those doubting his quality, did you see his performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final? Scoring two magnificent free-kicks and dictating the flow of the game. Although Arsenal failed to win the English Premier League trophy this season, he has been one of the key players in their pursuit of the UEFA Champions League trophy.

2. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

What an absolute baller Ryan Gravenberch has been for Arne Slot and Liverpool this season. Ryan Gravenberch shifted to the number 6 role for the Reds, where he provided cover for Mac Allister to go into more attacking areas.

The Dutch midfielder currently has a passing accuracy of 89% and averages 1.97 tackles per game for the Reds. The 23-year-old Dutch international has regained his form at the right time in the midfield for the Reds.

1. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)

Nobody thought that a 20-year-old defensive midfielder would take Ligue 1 by storm. João Neves joined Paris Saint-Germain from Benfica for €60 million. Despite having a 5’9” frame, Neves dominated duels, which ranks him among Europe’s top tacklers.

The Portuguese midfielder’s ability to chip in on both ends of the field, be it defensive engagement or attacking threat, makes him the best defensive midfielder in the world. The Portuguese-born midfielder has made 57 appearances so far this season, assisting ten times and scoring seven times as well.

Best Defensive Midfielders in the World: Emerging Talents to Watch

Although these players are yet to hit their peak form, they’ve been in tremendous form for their respective teams in the domestic leagues as well as European cup competitions. Let’s take a look at some of the emerging best defensive midfielder in the world right now.