Best 5 Football Players to play central defensive. Any successful football team frequently has unsung heroes who play defensive midfield. They are essential to the beautiful game because they protect the defense and launch attacks from a distance.
The main duty of defensive midfielders is to block or stop opponent attacks by positioning themselves immediately ahead of the backline. For defensive midfielders, strong tackling, game intelligence, and positional awareness are essential.
Defensive midfielders frequently serve as bases for attacks. In addition to disrupting play, defensive midfielders contribute to the change of momentum in their side’s favor by skillfully passing the ball to their more experienced colleagues.
In order to provide their team an advantage in the middle of the field, defensive midfielders, also known as holding midfielders, manage the game’s tempo and midfield fight.
Let’s look at five of the top central defensive midfielders in football right now without further ado.
#5 Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
In the summer of 2022, Aurelien Tchouameni famously transferred from AS Monaco to Real Madrid. It was about time Los Blancos started the process of overhauling their system and replacing their aging guard because they had been keeping an eye on him for a long.
Tchouameni is a combative and hard-charging midfield destroyer. The former AS Monaco player is intelligent and an excellent game reader. Tchouameni is skilled at making interceptions and is a definite threat to his team in the middle of the field. The 23-year-old has also shown himself to be a very organized possessor.
If he wants to earn back his €80 million price tag, he will have to deliver big. The early indications are encouraging. Despite being assigned the enormous challenge of replacing Casemiro, the Frenchman performed admirably at the center of Real Madrid’s midfield during the previous campaign.
#4 Declan Rice (Arsenal)
The importance of defensive midfielders in today’s game is sufficiently demonstrated by the high transfer prices that players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Declan Rice obtained. This summer, Rice moved to Arsenal from West Ham for a staggering €116 million.
The Englishman’s perseverance and talent at reading the game are outstanding. He excels at moving the ball forward, stopping attacks, and even creating opportunities for his team. It is time for Rice to step up his game and fully realize his potential now that he has joined Arsenal.
#3 Casemiro (Manchester United)
Casemiro, a five-time champion of the Champions League, left Real Madrid for Manchester United so that younger players could take his place. That doesn’t imply that his talent had declined or that his prime years were passed, though.
Over the course of his first season in England, the Brazilian developed into a crucial cog in Manchester United’s starting eleven. He strengthened United’s midfield, and with him protecting the defense, the team occasionally played swashbuckling football last season.
Casemiro has excelled on the ball as well as in disrupting play and demonstrating his abilities as a midfield destroyer. In 53 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils last season, he scored seven goals and contributed seven assists.
#2 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s lifeblood is Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich, one of the top-holding midfielders of his time, is a very determined and competitive warrior. The current best technically gifted midfielder on the planet is the Germany international.
Kimmich is an absolute defensive wall by himself due to his superb game-reading skills and the defensive knowledge he acquired during his early years as a right-back. He also has exceptional playmaking abilities and makes accurate, creative passes.
#1 Rodri (Manchester City)
At the basis of Manchester City’s midfield, Rodri has been outstanding. He recently completed a season that saw him win numerous trophies for his club and nation, solidifying his position as the best-holding midfielder in the world.
In the middle of the field, Rodri is a tireless force that essentially performs the duties of two players. His tackling is strong, and he has excellent pass-interception skills. Last year’s Champions League final between City and Inter Milan featured a goal by Rodri that gave City the victory.
With City last season, he won the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. Additionally, he helped Spain win the UEFA Nations League this summer.
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