In recent years, we have seen several positions on the football pitch getting modified and how their roles have changed. One of the key positions that has changed a lot in recent years and is not talked about much is that of a defensive midfielder. This position is key because it provides a backup to the defense line, helps initiate counter-attacks and mostly importantly keeps possession intact.
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N’Golo Kante stats in 2021/22 PL season - So Far | |||||
ATTACK | DEFENSE | ||||
Appearances | Goals | Assists | Interceptions | Tackle | Tackle Success % |
22 | 2 | 4 | 22 | 48 | 48% |
N’Golo Kante has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the game since winning the PL title with Leicester City. Since joining the blues, Kante has just upped his game and is one of the reasons why Chelsea has not conceded much. The Frenchman has won international and club honors that include the FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Europa League in which his contribution was immense. At the moment, Kante is Chelsea’s most reliable player and a key element in Thomas Tuchel’s star-studded team.
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Declan Rice stats in 2021/22 PL season - So Far | |||||
ATTACK | DEFENSE | ||||
Appearances | Goals | Assists | Interceptions | Tackle | Tackle Success % |
31 | 1 | 4 | 54 | 68 | 53% |
Just at the age of 22, Declan Rice has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world right now. Since the start of 2021, Rice has scored six goals and provided four assists across all competitions which kind of explains his 120m price tag. Rice has been the backbone of David Moyes’ men, knitting attacking players together and linking the back-line and forward line. His attitude towards the game makes him one of those rare gems who would thrive in the coming years despite the evolving nature of the modern game.
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Rodri stats in 2021/22 PL season - So Far | |||||
ATTACK | DEFENSE | ||||
Appearances | Goals | Assists | Interceptions | Tackle | Tackle Success % |
27 | 3 | 1 | 22 | 58 | 60% |
The Spaniard became the world’s most expensive defensive midfielder when Manchester City signed him from Atletico Madrid for a 56.4m pound fee. This undoubtedly is money well spent. With City playing with a high defensive line this season, Rodri has been used more as an anchor-man who provides the link between the defense and attack line. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, Rodri has become an excellent reader of the game while also being able to do the dirty world without getting noticed. The 25-year-old is a great tackle, aerially strong, and recycles possession with ease.
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Fabinho stats in 2021/22 PL season - So Far | |||||
ATTACK | DEFENSE | ||||
Appearances | Goals | Assists | Interceptions | Tackle | Tackle Success % |
25 | 5 | 1 | 39 | 40 | 57% |
Fabinho operates as a pivot sitting behind Jordan Henderson and Thiago in Liverpool’s falt three midfield. The 28-year-old also acts as an anchor sitting between the backline and the creators in front of him, occupying his role as a ball-winning midfielder often breaking up play with his accurate tackling and interceptions. When Mo Salah and Sadio Mane were unavailable due to the AFCON, Fabinho also adapted to a box-to-box midfield role and went on to score 4 times in the 5 matches.
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Casemiro stats in 2021/22 PL season - So Far | |||||
ATTACK | DEFENSE | ||||
Appearances | Goals | Assists | Interceptions | Tackle | Tackle Success % |
27 | 1 | 3 | 166 | 108 | 69% |
You’d think that Benzema or Vinicius being Real Madrid’s most important player, which for a matter of fact is not true. The real engine behind their success in recent years is their defensive midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian is an intelligent, physically strong, aggressive, and tenacious midfielder with an extremely high work rate. Apart from his standout defensive abilities, Casemiro also supports the attacking play with his accurate long balls that penetrate defensive lines.
Shashank Iyer