The best teams in Europe’s top five leagues this season have had their defenses protected by the best defensive midfielders in Europe this season.
Defensive midfielders are the silent heroes of any good team. Some still manage to go as far as being the lynch pin in their teams, standing out on big occasions.
We have witnessed extraordinary team performances this season, performances that have been dictated by midfield gladiators.
We run down a list of the five best defensive midfielders in Europe this season.
5. Aurelien Tchouameni:
The 23 year old has had to bid his time in order to come into his own at Madrid since his move from Monaco. Look, there is no shame in being behind the likes of Kroos and Modric at a club of Madrid’s magnitude. This season, he has had to fend of Kroos and Camavinga for a starting berth in midfield. When he starts though, he goes about his work silently. He even played in defense during a crisis at the backline, underlining his dependability.
4. Wataru Endo
When Liverpool missed out on Caicedo and moved for Endo instead, everyone was surprised, including Endo himself.
It didn’t take long for Endo to begin to win over fans and pundits with his performances in Liverpool’s new look Midfield. He has been so good that klopp suggests the Japanese could soon sign a new long term deal at the club soon. 33 appearances and 25 starts in his first season for a title chaser in the English top flight?. He has definitely earned his spot on this list.
3. Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka completed a commendable redemption arc before calling time on his Arsenal career last season. He can now go one step better and do something he did not in his seven years spell at Arsenal. Xhaka has being a mainstay at Xabi Alonso’s all conquering unbeatables. Only one player has made more appearances than his 36 in all competitions. Xhaka would be pivotal to Leverkusen going all the way in the Bundesliga and Europa League this season.
2. Rodri
Rodri is so good that without him in th side, Manchester City are an entirely different team. Does his absence bring City to their knees though?, the answer is no. But Rodri’s ability to put out fires, dictate play and score important goals is second to no one on the planet.
His 16G/A in all competitions this season is remarkable for a defensive midfielder. If City are to repeat their double winning season, Rodri would be instrumental to that.
1. Declan Rice
Rodri may without argument be the best defensive midfielder in the world, but the best this season so far is Declan Rice. The former West Ham captain has been in imperious form for Arsenal. He is now even chipping in with the goals many accused him of lacking. His availability earns him top spot on this list, making 39 appearances and registering 12G/A. His signing may just be what sees Arsenal over the line in this season’s title race. And if they do, he would undoubtedly be the player of the year. One of the best defensive midfielders in Europe this season for sure.
