Ranking the best Defensive Midfielders in 2024/25 EPL Campaign
Defensive midfielders are like heroes in modern football, tasked with shielding their defense or breaking up opposition attacks. The 2024/25 Premier League season has highlighted the immense importance of this role, with several players delivering big performances weekly. Here’s an in depth look at top defensive midfielders of the campaign, ranked by their performances and statistical impact.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Strengths: Let’s start with Arsenal and English international Declan Rice. Rice has elevated Arsenal’s midfield since his record-breaking move from West Ham. His ability to cover ground, win possession, and dictate the tempo has made him indispensable. Rice leads the league in interceptions and ranks highly in progressive carries, showcasing his ability to combine strong defensive set up with attacking play.
Key Stats: Rice holds the highest interceptions per game: 3.2 from defensive midfielders, with a passing accuracy of 91%. Arsenal’s ability to compete for the title has been significantly influenced by Rice’s consistency. His presence allows creative players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to m, knowing the defensive side of the midfield is secure.
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)
Strengths: Not surprised that Moises Caicedo makes it to the best of midfielders after series of oustanding performance this season in the league. After a shaky start following his high-profile transfer from Brighton, Caicedo has settled into Chelsea’s midfield. His energy, tackling, and passing ability have improved Chelsea’s form under Enzo Maresca, making his team a title contender.
Key Stats: Caicedo in tackles per game has a 4.1 rating and holds a 89% pass completion which has been seen in linking up play with the forwards. Caicedo’s defensive work has provided Chelsea with much-needed balance, allowing their attacking talents to thrive. His partnership with Enzo Fernández has been particularly effective in stabilizing the team after a slow start to the season.
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Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Strength: Asides Declan Rice, Thomas Partey is another top defensive midfielder this season in the league. Since his move from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal. His ability to cover ground, win possession, and make crucial passes to fellow team mates has made him indispensable. He has a good ability to combine strong defensive set up with attacking play.
Key Stats: Partey has 2.9 interceptions per game, with a passing accuracy of 81%. Arsenal’s ability to win matches and compete for the title has been significantly influenced by his consistency. His presence also compensate for Rice tackling ability and physicality.
Casemiro (Manchester United)
Strengths: Casemiro remains a midfield stronghold, despite Manchester United’s struggles this season. The Barzilian experience, determining the game, and tackling ability have been vital in stabilizing United’s defensive structure. He also provides a goal threat from set-pieces and long-range strikes.
Key Stats: Casemiro has a 3.6 in tackles per game, a 2.1 in aerial duels won per game and has 1 goal to his name this season in the league. While his form has been inconsistent, coupled with United’s overall poor performance, Casemiro’s leadership and defensive contributions remains crucial. However, doubts around his fitness and declining pace have raised concerns about his effectiveness to the team.
Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
Strengths: Bissouma has been revitalized under Ange Postecoglou. His ability to win the ball, resist pressure, fault opposition attack and progress play has made him crucial in Spurs’ attacking system as well in the defense.
Key Stats: In progressive passes per game, Bissouma holds 7.5 and makes 2.9 tackles per game. Spurs’ inconsistent form this season has been partly due to Bissouma’s injuries, while he is fit, he aids well in the defense as well as in ball transition to forwards.
Honourable Mentions
Rodri (Manchester City): Often regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world, the 2024 Ballon D’or winner combines brilliance with tactical intelligence. A key player in Pep Guardiola’s system, excelling in possession and positioning while offering a goal threat when needed. His ability to control games and deliver in crucial moments, makes him irreplaceable for City. His calm under pressure and unmatched composure set him apart. However, due to his recent injury which has kept him out for the season, he could not break into the top 5 list in this season.
Romeo Lavia (Chelsea): One very important defensive midfielder in the premier league and for Chelsea. When fit, Lavia’s potential is evident, supporting both in the defense and making opportunities for fellow team mates to thrive in games with passes. However, injuries and the excellence of Caicedo have limited his appearance in the league.
Conclusion
The Premier League’s defensive midfielders are as diverse as they are talented. Whether it’s Rice’s masterclass, Caicedo’s adaptability or Partey’s tenacity, these players are making the league more competitive this season. As the campaign continues, their performances will likely determine the results of key matches as well as the league title.
