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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best defensive midfielders in the world in 2023.

In the ever-evolving world of professional soccer, defensive midfielders have become the unsung heroes of the game, often working tirelessly to shield their teams’ defenses and initiate attacks.

As we step into the year 2023, it’s high time we recognize and celebrate the top 10 defensive midfielders who are making a significant impact on the global stage.

These players possess the ability to read the game like a book, break up opposition attacks, and distribute the ball with surgical precision.

Join us as we unveil the elite guardians of the midfield, the unsung maestros of the beautiful game who are crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between defense and attack on the pitch.

Top 10 Best Defensive Midfielders In The World 2023

10 Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of football, has been a quiet force to be reckoned with. Often heralded as one of the globe’s premier midfielders, he claims the title of Spain’s greatest defensive midfielder in history.

While his playing style may not be as flamboyant as some of his peers, Busquets has been an indispensable cog in the machinery of arguably the greatest Barcelona team ever assembled.

His brilliance lies in his exceptional positional sense, tactical acumen, and unmatched ability to regain possession. What truly sets Busquets apart is his unique fusion of defensive mastery with technical finesse, effectively reshaping the role of a defensive midfielder.

In this article, we delve into the remarkable skill set that defines Sergio Busquets and examine why he rightfully earns his place among the top 10 best defensive midfielders in the world for the year 2023.

9 Bruno Guimaraes 

Bruno Guimarães is one of the top 10 best dmf in the world in 2023. He is a Brazilian international who plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League. Guimarães is known for his strong defensive skills, his ability to win the ball back in midfield, and his passing range. He is also a good dribbler and has a knack for scoring goals.

Guimarães started his career at Athletico Paranaense in Brazil. He moved to Lyon in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1. In 2022, he moved to Newcastle United for a club-record fee.

Guimarães has made an immediate impact at Newcastle United. He has helped the team to a top-four finish in the Premier League. He has also been called up to the Brazil national team and has won 10 caps.

Guimarães is a young, talented player with a bright future ahead of him. He is already one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and he has the potential to become even better.

8 Enzo Fernandez

In the dynamic world of football, the emergence of talent is a constant narrative, and in 2023, one name that commands attention is Enzo Fernandez.

At just 22 years old, this Argentine sensation has firmly established himself among the elite, earning a coveted spot among the top 10 best defensive midfielders globally.

Fernandez’s ascent to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by a string of standout performances in the Premier League where he leads the charts for ball carrying, and consistently ranks high in duels and possession won.

His crowning achievement came in the form of the Best Young Player award at the 2022 World Cup, where his leadership guided Argentina to victory.

With a commanding presence in the midfield, complemented by his impressive technical prowess, Enzo Fernandez has swiftly become the most sought-after defensive midfielder on the planet, leaving an indelible mark on the beautiful game.

7 Declan Rice

Declan Rice is a highly talented player who has been praised for his athleticism, passing ability, and tackling skills. Rice is a key player for West Ham United and the England national team.

Rice is a strong and athletic player who is able to win the ball back in midfield. He is also a good passer of the ball and can start attacks from deep. Rice is a complete midfielder who can do it all. He is a great tackler, a good passer, and he can even score goals.

Rice is a key player for West Ham United. He has been a regular in the West Ham team since he was 19 years old. Rice is also a key player for the England national team.

Rice is a world-class defensive midfielder who is only going to get better. He is a key player for West Ham United and the England national team. Rice is a future star of the game.

6 Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurélien Tchouaméni, a name that might not ring a bell for many, is swiftly ascending the ranks to claim his spot among the world’s premier defensive midfielders.

At just 23 years old, this French prodigy has been a sensation in the football world, particularly since his move to AS Monaco in 2020.

Tchouaméni’s performances in Ligue 1 caught the eye of football giants, leading to a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid, fetching a staggering fee in the range of 80-100 million euros.

Renowned for his unyielding tenacity, unwavering grit, and formidable athleticism, Tchouaméni is a force to be reckoned with in the heart of the midfield.

Moreover, he possesses the ability to drive the ball forward and boasts an impressive pass accuracy, further solidifying his credentials as a top-class midfielder.

As his star continues to rise, Tchouaméni finds himself in elite company among the world’s midfield elite, a testament to his remarkable journey from relative obscurity to being one of the best defensive midfielders on the global stage in 2023.

5 Marcelo Brozovic

Marcelo Brozovic is one of the top 10 best defensive midfielders in the world in 2023. He has been a key player for Inter Milan for the past few years, and he has also been a regular starter for the Croatia national team.

Brozovic is a complete midfielder who is strong in both defense and attack. He is a good passer, dribbler, and tackler and also very good at reading the game and anticipating danger.

He is a very complete midfielder who can contribute in both defense and attack. Brozovic’s weaknesses are his lack of pace and his occasional tendency to make mistakes. He is not the fastest midfielder, and he can sometimes make uncharacteristic mistakes.

Overall, Marcelo Brozovic is a top 10 defensive midfielder in the world. He is a complete midfielder who is strong in both defense and attack. He is a key player for Inter Milan and the Croatia national team.

4 Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti, the accomplished Italian midfielder, finds himself firmly entrenched among the elite as one of the top 10 best defensive midfielders in the world for the year 2023, as acknowledged by multiple reputable sources.

With a career spanning over a decade at Paris Saint-Germain, Verratti has been the linchpin of their midfield, celebrated for his exceptional defensive prowess and dribbling wizardry.

Beyond that, he carries the distinction of being one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the beautiful game, showcasing an uncanny ability to navigate through opposition pressure.

Verratti’s talents extend further as an outstanding ball progressor. Even in the face of injuries and brief absences, he continues to exert his influence on the pitch, leaving spectators in awe with his artistry.

As a maestro of the midfield, Marco Verratti’s performances are a testament to his enduring impact and a testament to the timeless beauty of the sport.

3 Casemiro

Casemiro is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Manchester United and captains the Brazil national team. Known for his strength, work rate, and aggressive play, Casemiro is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

Casemiro has won numerous trophies with Real Madrid, including five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, and one Copa Del Rey. He has also won the Copa América with Brazil in 2019.

Casemiro is known for his strong defensive work rate. He is an excellent tackler and he is also very good at reading the game and intercepting passes. He is also a good passer and he can start attacks from deep.

Casemiro is a key player for both Manchester United and Brazil. He is a vital part of their midfield and he is a major reason why they have been so successful in recent years.

2 Joshua Kimmich

At just 27 years old, Joshua Kimmich, the German football sensation, has secured his place as one of the world’s premier defensive midfielders in 2023.

Hailing from Bayern Munich and a stalwart of the German national team, Kimmich’s rise is marked by versatility, intelligence, and an innate ability to decipher the game.

Initially a right-back, he’s morphed into a world-class central midfielder, amassing a staggering 20 trophies for club and country.

His penchant for providing key assists is evident, with 221 chances created in the past three Bundesliga seasons and 28 assists in 88 games.

Despite his lean frame, Kimmich boasts an unrelenting work ethic and astute football IQ. Multiple sources, including Bundesliga, Top Soccer Blog, and The Trivela Effect, unanimously anoint Kimmich as the world’s foremost defensive midfielder, surpassing formidable peers such as Casemiro, and Declan Rice.

1 Rodri

Rodri is a key player for Manchester City and the Spain national team. He is known for his strong tackling, passing ability, and ability to read the game.

Rodri is a physical presence in midfield. He is strong in the air and good at winning tackles and also a good passer of the ball. Rodri can pick out a pass from deep and start attacks.

Rodri is also a good reader of the game. He knows when to make a tackle and when to intercept a pass. He is also good at positioning himself to block shots and clear the ball.

Rodri is a key player for Manchester City. He has helped them win the Premier League title three times in the past four seasons. He has also helped them win the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Rodri is also a key player for the Spain national team. He is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and a complete midfielder who can do it all. He is a strong tackler, a good passer, a good reader of the game, and a key player for both Manchester City and the Spain national team.