Top Five Defensive Midfielders Of The Premier League Era

After going through the best defenders of the Premier League era, we now move on to the midfielders. Today we look at the best holding midfield players to have graced the game in this country over the past thirty years.

It was not a position that was common before tactical changes in the early 2000s meant most teams in England moved from the traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 system.

However, despite the lack of glamour associated with the role, there are a number of players who have stood out over the years.

Press the next page as we go through the best five defensive midfielders in Premier League history.

5) Fernandinho

The Brazilian has now spent seven seasons in England and during that time he has won three league titles, one FA Cup and five league cups. He has been an integral figure during the most successful period in City’s history.

Fernandinho’s ability to sniff out danger, and make a perfectly timed tackle at a crucial moment is second to none, and he is fully deserving of a place on this list.

4) Claude Makelele

The Frenchman was the player who elevated the defensive midfield role in the minds of fans and pundits in this country. After moving from Real Madrid to Chelsea in 2003, he played a pivotal role in Jose Mourinho’s first two title wins at Stamford Bridge.

Makelele wasn’t the flashiest of players, but his tackling ability, as well as his anticipation, made him an important part of the Blues’ dominance in the mid-noughties.

3) N’Golo Kante

The 28-year-old may be still playing but his impact since arriving in England 2015 has been incredible. During his first season with Leicester, he played an absolutely vital role in the Foxes winning a fairytale league title.

With his energy, speed and tackling, Kante is one of the most dynamic midfielders the Premier League has witnessed, and he built on his early success with Chelsea, winning another league title in 2017.

2) Patrick Vieira

The Frenchman was more of an all-action midfielder, rather than simply a holding midfield player, but he merits a mention nonetheless. He was a leader, an enforcer and a physically imposing figure.

Three Premier League titles sum up his influence during his nine seasons at Arsenal. With excellent passing range, vision and dribbling skills, there wasn’t much Vieira couldn’t do.

1) Roy Keane

The Irishman deserves his place at the top of this list. He was the dominant midfielder for United over thirteen seasons at Old Trafford, with seven league titles to his name.

Keane may have not been the most pleasant character but he was a winner, first and foremost, and his leadership abilities in a central midfield role made him United’s general on the pitch, setting the standard that other players had to match in terms of commitment and desire.

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