40 Best Defensive Midfielders In The World 2025
Behind every trophy lift and championship parade lies the quiet brilliance of defensive midfielders—commonly known as CDMs in soccer. But what does CDM mean in soccer? It stands for “central defensive midfielder,” a crucial role that turns chaos into control. They might not always grab the headlines, but CDMs are the heartbeat of any great team, doing the dirty work, breaking up attacks, shielding the defense, and keeping everything ticking. This list of the 40 best defensive midfielders in the world 2025 has been carefully curated after keen observation of their stats and performances over the last season, celebrating the players who prove that sometimes, the most important work happens behind the scenes.
40. Carlos Soler
On loan from PSG, Carlos Soler provides key depth to West Ham’s star-studded squad. The Spanish international impresses with his tactical understanding and technical execution. Known for his dynamism in midfield, Soler has quickly adapted to the Premier League and made valuable contributions offensively and defensively.
39. Tomas Soucek
Under Julen Lopetegui, Tomas Soucek exemplifies West Ham’s resilience. Renowned for his aerial strength and relentless energy, the Czech midfielder is a pivotal part of the team’s strategy. This Premier League season has shown his reliability with a 58% pass accuracy as a defensive anchor.
38. Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba embodies Brighton’s continued success in talent identification. Since joining from Lille last season, the Cameroonian midfielder has demonstrated flashes of athleticism and technical skill, making him a highly sought-after prospect. Despite his youth, his ability to resist pressure and strong defensive awareness align seamlessly with Brighton’s sophisticated playing style.
37. Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton has quickly established himself as one of Crystal Palace’s most promising talents since his move from Blackburn Rovers last season. The teenage midfielder’s standout performances in a defensive midfield role earned him a well-deserved call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024.
36. Dani Parejo
At 35, Dani Parejo continues to masterfully orchestrate Villarreal’s midfield with the craft and intelligence of a seasoned veteran. With two decades of experience in Spanish football, his every touch shows how lasting his excellence is. Despite his age, Parejo’s ability to dictate the tempo and contribute defensively remains as impactful as ever.
35. Rúben Neves
Al-Hilal’s midfield thrives on Portuguese elegance and precision in the Saudi Pro League. Rúben Neves, with his trademark long-range passing and tactical brilliance, has become the team’s heartbeat. Partnering with Milinkovic-Savic, he’s helped create one of Asia’s most formidable midfield combinations.
34. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
On loan from Tottenham, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg brings Viking spirit and tactical intelligence to Marseille’s midfield. The Danish international’s qualities are hard to ignore, with a 92.92% pass completion rate this season and 2.41 tackles per match.
33. Douglas Luiz
Douglas Luiz joined Serie A side Juventus for a €50 million fee from Aston Villa. The Brazilian’s midfield expertise was exceptional last season for Aston Villa, which earned him a move to Juventus. Under Unai Emery’s guidance, he evolved into a complete midfielder, gaining recognition as one of the Premier League’s best, with a 66% tackle success rate last season.
32. Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi has been a vital part of the Leicester City squad. His loyalty to the club following relegation speaks volumes about his character. The Nigerian international has adapted his defensive midfield skills to the Premier League this season, averaging 3.68 tackles per game.
31. Romeo Lavia
Despite injury setbacks, Romeo Lavia is seen as Chelsea’s future. His impressive performances at Southampton led the club to invest heavily in his potential. This season, Lavia has featured in 9 Premier League matches for Chelsea.
30. Edson Álvarez
Since his arrival, Edson Álvarez has become a key player in West Ham’s midfield. In 2024/25, he ranks in the 74th percentile for tackles, 86th for clearances, and 83rd for aerial duels won. Álvarez played 28 of West Ham’s 38 Premier League games last season. His relentless tackling and consistent ball recoveries provide needed support to the defense.
29. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Al Hilal / Spain
At Al-Hilal, Sergej Milinković-Savić has transitioned into a deeper midfield role. Known for his physicality and tactical intelligence, he excels at breaking up opposition build-up play with well-timed tackles and sharp positional awareness.
28. Amadou Onana – Aston Villa / Belgium
Amadou Onana towers over Aston Villa’s midfield – literally and figuratively. Standing at 6’5″, the Belgian giant wins about 4 ground duels per game while the footwork of a ballet dancer. His progressive carries demonstrate that size and grace can coexist in modern football’s fast-paced symphony.
25. Thomas Partey – Arsenal / Ghana
Bringing strength and stability to Arsenal’s engine room is Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. Like a lighthouse in stormy seas, he navigates Arsenal’s build-up play with calm precision. According to Fbrefs, his tactical awareness is evident in his 2.63 tackles per match, complemented by an impressive 87.2% pass completion rate in the last season.
26. João Palhinha – Bayern Munich / Portugal
João Palhinha emerges as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfield enforcers, excelling in the gritty side of the game with superb ball-winning metrics: 3.19 tackles per 90 (93rd percentile) and 2.34 aerials won (96th). His physicality and defensive anticipation make him a disruptive force, further backed by strong block numbers (1.49, 79th). Strikers check their shoulder twice when he’s around, knowing those long legs could appear anywhere. Though limited creatively (0.00 assists, 4.68 progressive passes), his 92.4% pass completion (97th) ensures secure distribution under pressure.
25. Aurélien Tchouaméni – Real Madrid / France
Aurélien Tchouaméni emerged as Real Madrid’s new midfield sentinel. In the post-Casemiro era, this French dynamo combines youthful energy with veteran wisdom. His aerial supremacy makes him a defensive wall, excelling with top-tier interceptions (87th percentile) and solid tackling, breaking up attacks before they develop. He may not be a goal threat, but his shot-creating actions and ball-carrying are effective enough to support transitions.
24. Boubacar Kamara – Aston Villa / France
Boubacar Kamara earned high praise at Marseille, but his move to Aston Villa flew somewhat under the radar. According to Fbref, the French sentinel’s positional intelligence has resulted in 2.48 tackles per game this season, while his impressive 88.1% passing completion rate ensures Villa’s attacking machinery runs smoothly.
23. Manuel Ugarte – Manchester United / Uruguay
Manuel Ugarte is a classic defensive midfield ball-winner with a relentless engine and top-tier defensive metrics to match. He has 3.71 tackles per 90 (98th percentile), 1.59 interceptions (91st), and 1.78 blocks (92nd), thriving in breaking up plays, disrupting opposition rhythm, and controlling space in front of the back line. Ugarte won’t progress the ball like a regista, but if you need someone to lock down the midfield and win duels consistently, he’s among the very best.
22. Rodrigo Bentancur – Tottenham Hotspur / Uruguay
This Uruguayan maestro adds composure under pressure, seamlessly fusing tenacious tackling with graceful ball distribution. Ranking in the 99th percentile for interceptions and 87th for clearances, he’s among the top ball-winners in Europe. His 1.69 aerials won per 90 (86th percentile) further emphasize his defensive completeness.
21. Orkun Kökçü – Benfica / Türkiye
Orkun Kökçü is less of a traditional defensive midfielder and more of a deep-lying creative force. He ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes (10.56) and 98th for shot-creating actions (5.06), which are extraordinary numbers for any midfielder, let alone one often deployed in a double pivot. Kökçü adds excellent attacking output with 0.36 npxG+xAG per 90 (96th percentile), underpinned by a potent shot volume (2.05 shots, 96th) and visionary distribution (0.26 xAG, 98th). Defensively, however, Kökçü is light. His tackle (13th), interception (6th), and block (12th) rates are all well below average for a defensive midfielder, and his aerial involvement is nearly nonexistent (0.17 aerials won, 2nd).
Top 20 Best CDM in the World 2025
20. Carlos Casemiro – Manchester United / Brazil
Even at 33, Carlos Casemiro remains a defensive titan—one of the few midfielders who can single-handedly anchor a side. His defensive metrics are nothing short of elite: 4.22 tackles (99th percentile), 2.44 blocks (99th), and 2.88 clearances (96th) per 90, all underscoring his world-class anticipation, aggression, and aerial dominance (2.08 won per 90, 93rd percentile). He’s the kind of presence that shields a backline with commanding authority.
19. Konrad Laimer – Bayern Munich / Austria
Lamar is a true two-way threat who brings intensity without sacrificing technique. He ranks in the 98th percentile for both progressive passes (7.45) and carries (4.36), while also completing passes at an excellent rate (87.5%, 93rd). Since his move from RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich has benefited from his solid defensive support, with 2.43 tackles per 90 (74th percentile) and strong physicality in duels (0.98 aerials won, 63rd) this season.
18. Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedad / Spain
With unwavering Basque intensity, Martín Zubimendi anchors Real Sociedad’s midfield. His positional discipline has resulted in 2.65 clearances per game this season, complemented by an 84.0% pass completion rate as he orchestrates play. He also wins a strong 1.64 aerial duels per 90 (85th percentile), reinforcing his value in set-piece and transition defense.
17. João Neves – Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal
PSG’s João Neves, a standout Benfica’s renowned academy graduate, is quickly establishing himself as a midfield prodigy. At just 20 years old, his game intelligence rivals seasoned veterans. In the last season, Neves completed 91.4% of his passes (96th percentile), averaging over 73 attempts per 90. Add to that an excellent progressive passing game (6.43 per 90, 82nd percentile) and above-average shot creation, and you get a midfielder who not only shields the back line but launches attacks with precision. João Neves is already being touted as a future world-class anchor — see where he ranks among the best young DMs in football 2025.
16. Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Inter Milan / Armenia
The Armenian international ranks in the 90th percentile for progressive passes and 94th percentile for progressive carries, driving forward play with vision and control. While Mkhitaryan is not a prolific scorer, his shot-creating actions and solid pass accuracy underline his role as a key playmaker.
15. Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle United / Brazil
For the second straight season, Bruno Guimarães has topped the Premier League in total duels won, 285 in 2023/24 and 236 in 2024/25. No midfielder in England asserts himself more consistently in 1v1 battles. Yet his value stretches far beyond ball-winning. Guimarães is also a high-level distributor, ranking in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes (7.46) and 90th for shot-creating actions (3.66) per 90 minutes. His 0.29 npxG + xAG is excellent for a central midfielder, and he combines that with aggressive forward movement, both on the dribble (0.94 successful take-ons, 77th) and with his 1.76 progressive carries (79th).
14. Fabián Ruiz Peña – Paris Saint-Germain / Spain
With an impressive 94th percentile for progressive passes and 92nd for shot-creating actions, Fabian consistently drives PSG’s attack forward with vision and precision. His goal threat and assist numbers are among the best in his role, making him a genuine offensive asset. Defensively, he contributes less aggressively, relying more on positioning than physicality. Still, his ability to unlock defensive lines of some of the best center backs in the world with pinpoint passing and intelligent movement stamps his place as one of the most dynamic deep-lying playmakers in the modern game.
13. Ederson dos Santos – Atalanta / Brazil
Ederson dos Santos is a skillful Brazilian midfielder known for his ability to drive play forward and connect the lines. He ranks highly in progressive passing (88th percentile) and creating chances. While his tackling stats are modest, he makes up for it with smart positioning and strong aerial ability (82nd percentile). Right-footed and composed on the ball, Ederson offers a valuable mix of technique and physical presence in midfield.
12. Vitinha Ferreira – Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal
PSG’s Vitinha is a masterful defensive midfielder, adept at keeping opposition attackers in check. The Portuguese prodigy exhibits exceptional press resistance, demonstrated by his 93% pass completion rate last season. His tactical intelligence allows him to thrive in chaotic situations, seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack in seconds.
11. Manuel Locatelli – Juventus / Italy
Manuel Locatelli doesn’t shout for attention, but his game speaks volumes. At Juventus, he operates cleanly, consistently, and is aware of the bigger picture. He’s among Europe’s most progressive passers (97th percentile), threading play through tight lines without fuss. But there’s bite beneath the polish: 2.55 tackles per 90, a mountain of blocks, and clearances that reflect a deep positional sense. Locatelli won’t light up the stat sheet in the final third, but in the trenches of midfield control, few are as quietly effective.
Top 10 Best Defensive Midfielders 2025
10. Moises Caicedo – Chelsea / Ecuador
Moisés Caicedo is a defensive force at the heart of midfield, combining elite ball-winning instincts with calm distribution. The Ecuadorian has a 3.06 tackles per 90 (91st percentile), and his strong interception and block numbers highlight his defensive IQ. Add to that a 90% pass completion rate and solid progressive output, and you get a midfielder who breaks up play efficiently while keeping his team in control. Caicedo may not offer much in the final third, but his discipline and consistency make him one of the most dependable holding midfielders in the game.
09. Rodrigo De Paul – Athletico de Madrid / Argentina
Rodrigo brings elite progression and creativity from deep, up in the 98th percentile for progressive passes and carries. His vision and delivery fuel Argentina’s and Atlético’s attacking transitions, backed by top-tier expected assists and shot-creation numbers. Though his defensive contribution is minimal, DePaul’s ability to dictate tempo and break lines with purpose makes him a standout in systems that prioritize control and verticality over pure ball-winning.
08. Hakan Çalhanoğlu – Inter Milan / Turkey
At Inter Milan, Hakan Çalhanoğlu reinvented himself by dropping deeper to become Serie A’s metronome. Operating from the base of midfield, he delivers elite final-third value. His assist numbers (96th percentile) and shot-creating actions (94th percentile) rival those of advanced playmakers. With nearly two shots per 90 and a superb xAG of 0.21, Çalhanoğlu orchestrates play with vision and precision that few in his position can match.
07. Frankie De Jong – Barcelona / Netherlands
The 28-year-old Dutchman is a masterful deep-lying playmaker who controls the midfield through exceptional passing. He ranks among the best in advancing play with a staggering 94.2% pass completion and nearly nine progressive passes per 90 minutes. While not a prolific goal scorer or tackler, his intelligent positioning and ability to carry the ball forward make him a key link between defense and attack.
06. Enzo Fernández – Chelsea / Argentina
Enzo Fernández carries Argentina’s World Cup-winning DNA into Chelsea’s rebuilding project. So far this season, he’s been an instrumental member of Enzo Maresca’s squad, with a 79.9% pass completion rate. He also carries the ball forward effectively and gets into dangerous positions, ranking high for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area.
05. Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool / Netherlands
Ryan Gravenberch stands out as a highly efficient and intelligent defensive midfielder. His passing accuracy is elite, and he completes nearly 90% of his passes, helping to maintain possession and control the tempo. In defensive duties, he excels at reading the game, with interceptions ranking in the 96th percentile, one of the best among his peers. Although not a major goal threat, Gravenberch’s ability to progress the ball with both passes and carries adds vital support in transitioning from defense to attack.
04. Marten de Roon – Atalanta / Netherlands
Marten de Roon remains one of the most reliable pure defensive midfielders in European football. While not known for his attacking output, his defensive intelligence and passing range make him a vital cog in Atalanta’s system. De Roon averages over 65 passes per 90 minutes with a high rate of progressive distribution, placing him in the 91st percentile for progressive passes. Defensively, he reads the game exceptionally well, ranking in the 80th percentile for interceptions and winning more than one aerial duel per match. He’s not a flashy carrier or a creative force, but his tactical discipline and ability to break up play quietly make him one of the most underrated defensive anchors in the game.
03. Declan Rice – Arsenal / England
Declan Rice has transformed from West Ham’s golden boy to Arsenal’s midfield monarch. His £105 million price tag raised eyebrows, but nine goals and ten assists in the past season tell only half the story. Rice is contributing more to the attack than ever before. He scores around 0.19 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, putting him in the top 10% of midfielders. His expected goals (xG) and assists (xAG) numbers are also strong, with a combined 0.31 goal contributions per game, ranking him in the top 11%. Lately, his set-piece delivery has been nothing short of extraordinary, scoring the only multiple direct free-kick in the Champions League in the 2024/2025 season.
02. Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen / Switzerland
Granit Xhaka’s redemption arc reads like a football fairy tale. An instrumental part of Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga team, the Swiss maestro has improved incredibly under Xabi Alonso’s guidance. His disciplinary record has improved dramatically while he maintains elite defensive output.
01. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich / Germany
Joshua Kimmich continues to set the standard for modern defensive midfielders. In 2024–25, his deep-lying playmaking has been pivotal for Bayern Munich, combining elite ball retention with precise vertical distribution. More than just a destroyer, Kimmich is the seer of Bayern and the German national team, dictating play, recycling possession, and breaking lines with surgical precision. His heat map resembles a Jackson Pollock painting – everywhere at once. Beyond his key passes per game lies an intellectual approach to defending that makes even the best strikers in the world question their life choices.
Looking for goals and assists instead of tackles and interceptions? Read 30 Best Attacking Midfielders in the World 2025
Share Your Thoughts on Our List of Best Defensive Midfielders In The World
As with any list, there are bound to be debates, so if your favorite CDM didn’t make the list, we want to hear from you. Comment below with the players you believe deserve a spot and why. Your insights can bring fresh dimensions to this conversation.
