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10 Greatest Defensive Midfielders in Football History [Ranked]
Jan 18, 2025
Defensive midfield is one of the most important positions on a football pitch. The role requires fantastic fitness levels, comfort on the ball, and the ability to make tackles and break up play, which is very demanding. The best defensive midfielders can do all of those, plus much more, as they can pop up with goals, and even drop into defence as an extra body.
A position that was revolutionised by greats such as Claude Makelele, the role is employed by nearly every team in the world in the modern day. In a list that includes a Ballon d'Or winner, World Cup winners, and football icons, here are the greatest defensive midfielders of all time.
Ranking Factors:
Achievements
All-round ability
Defensive and on-the-ball attributes
10 Didier Deschamps
Notable Clubs Played For: Marseille, Juventus, Chelsea
Now a World Cup-winning manager with France, Didier Deschamps was a world-class defensive midfielder during his playing days. The Frenchman was incredibly intelligent on the pitch, which has translated into his successful managerial career.
He excelled at winning the ball back in the centre of the pitch, and starting attacks with his great range of passing. A real leader, Deschamps was the perfect teammate, as he captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship. Beginning his career as a striker, Deschamps was comfortable in a number of positions, but he always stood out in defensive midfield, where he was one of the best in the world.
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