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)

After thoroughly researching, going league by league to select the possibly best defensive midfielders in the world right now, we hope you all are prepared to see some surprising shock inclusions on our list. Still, no need to worry as we've only selected players based on their recent performances into consideration, but not limited only to this, several other factors were also considered during the final compilation of the list.

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.

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 the trophies won this season by a player and how impactful his performance has been in the process.

Note: These statistical numbers were considered from trusted yet reputable sources like Transfermarkt, Fbref, and Sportsdunia.

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

We've included players like Tonali, Gravenberch, and Neves, based on the ranking factors mentioned above, to provide a chance to some midfielders who have been in great form lately but have struggled to win any trophies. We have compiled our list of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

10. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

After overcoming a betting ban, the Italian midfielder 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 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 the young German midfielder Angello Stiller is placed on our list when his team wasn’t even playing that great.

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 the Ecuadorian midfielder 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)

The Spanish midfielder 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 international 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.

5. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

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 Aurelien Tchouameni 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. His versatility makes him one of the best Real Madrid players in 2025.

4. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua 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 Joshua Kimmich 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 German-born midfielder is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world 2025.

3. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

The English international 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. Fair to say he has been one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League right now.

2. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

What an absolute baller, the Dutch midfielder 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. The Portuguese young sensation Joao 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. Just 20 but already making headlines, as he made it into the top 30 nominees for Ballon d'Or 2025, revealed by France Football.

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.