The defensive midfield is an important part of any football team, most games are won in midfield, and the battles that take place in the middle of the pitch go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.
The task of the defensive midfielder is to disrupt the opponent's game, transfer possession and strengthen the control of the midfield. For them, however, these are not enough, as they also need to be able to pass the ball precisely, and most attacks are initiated by the defensive midfielder after the ball has failed.
Let's take a look at five of the greatest defensive midfielders of the 21st century.
5. Makelele
Although Makelele played an important role in La Liga and the Champions League in the early 2000s, he still didn't get enough attention. Real Madrid president Florentino even refused to give the Frenchman an extension of his contract in 2003, although people like Zidane and Raul suggested an extension.
The players know how incredible Makelele is, and his excellent positioning and steal-stealing skills make everyone's job easier. Chelsea signed him for £16.8 million in the summer of 2023 and The importance of Makelele to the team he plays for can best be summed up from his Real Madrid team-mate Hierro.
Hierro said: "He's been the best player in the team for years, but people just don't notice him, don't notice what he does. But if you ask anyone at Real Madrid that we mentioned in those years, they'll tell you he's the best player for Real Madrid and the players know he's the most important. ”
He was so good that as a defensive midfielder he was able to sweep in front of his defence, and in his career, Makelele won one Champions League, two Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, one Ligue 1 title, one FA Cup and one League Cup.
4. Casemiro
Casemiro is one of the most aggressive defensive midfielders of the 21st century, and the Brazil international has had a brilliant career and is still in good form.
Casemiro, along with Modric and Kroos, has formed the best midfield trio in modern times, and while he's not a very technically gifted player, his ability to read games is enough to make up for it. He is a very clever defensive midfielder and his positional awareness and tactical acumen make him one of the best midfield spoilers in history.
Casemiro has also made great strides in recent competitions, having played a key role in Real Madrid's La Liga this season and a crucial role in champions League matches this season. Casemiro has won four Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, three Club World Cups and one Copa del Rey.
3. Kanter
Kante swept the world as Leicester City's midfield key in the 2015-16 Premier League season. The tenacity and perseverance of the Frenchmen are key to the success of Fox City, who beat the Premier League giants to win the league title.
Not only is N'Golo Kante a formidable rage in midfield, his ball-handling ability is also good, and his combo ability has also improved a lot this season, with the 30-year-old being Chelsea's most important player over the past six seasons.
He was the Blues' best player to win the Champions League in 2020-21 and Kante was also named 'UEFA Midfielder of the Year' in 2021. The diminutive midfielder also played an important role in France's World Cup winning in 2018 and is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders of the 21st century.
2. Harvey Alonso
One of the most honoured Spanish players of all time, Xavi Alonso is an all-round midfielder who can play anywhere in midfield.
Because of his creativity and ability to read the game, Alonso not only excelled in possession, but he was also able to direct the game from depth, and his long-distance passing was particularly shocking.
He has won the Champions League in both Liverpool and Real Madrid, and he is also an integral part of the Spanish team, which won the 2010 World Cup and won two consecutive European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Alonso ended his club career in Bayern Munich in 2017, when he had already won a World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues, a La Liga title, an FA Cup, two Copa del Rey and more.
1. Busquets
Xavi and Iniesta are among the greatest midfielders of all time, they are the superstars of Spain and Barca dominating football in the early 21st century, but Busquets' contribution to the defensive midfield cannot be ignored.
Busquets is one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time, not only is he good at snatching the ball from his opponents, but his casual attitude makes him look relaxed.
Busquets is one of the most technically popular footballers of all time, with good ball control and his excellent dribbling ability to make opponents suffer. The Spaniard's spatial awareness, position and ability to remain calm in adverse circumstances has made him one of the most reliable midfielders of all time.
Now in the twilight of his career, Busquets will go down in history as the most brilliant player in history, having won a World Cup, a European Cup, three Champions Leagues, eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey and three Club World Cups, and he is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders of all time.