Best Defensive Midfielders In The Premier League This Season

Best Defensive Midfielders In The Premier League This Season

Over time, with the ongoing evolution of tactics in the Premier League, the significance of a defensive midfielder has grown, and there is currently a much higher emphasis on this position than in the past.

A formidable enforcer positioned just ahead of the defensive line can make the distinction between a sturdy team and a triumphant one. In the past, there have been numerous cases where the inclusion of a formidable defensive midfielder serves as the vital component that propels a team to unprecedented success.

With the current spotlight on defensive midfielders, substantial financial investments are being made in this position, leading to a continuous increase in the pool of top-tier players occupying this role. Here are the current top 10 defensive midfielders in England.

10. Cheick Doucoure – Crystal Palace

Despite only joining Crystal Palace last summer, Cheick Doucoure has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout performers and one of the Premier League’s more accomplished defensive midfielders.

He not only claimed the club’s Player of the Year accolade in his inaugural season but also shone as a central figure in the Eagles’ midfield since his arrival. It’s hardly surprising that clubs like Liverpool have expressed interest in securing his services this summer.

For Roy Hodgson’s team to advance on their promising performance at Selhurst Park last season, Doucoure is likely to play a pivotal role in their success.

9. Joao Palhinha – Fulham

Last season, many anticipated that Fulham would quickly return to the Championship following their promotion the previous year. This expectation was well-founded, as they had struggled to establish themselves as a Premier League team in recent seasons and had frequently moved between the two divisions.

However, that scenario didn’t materialize, and they surpassed expectations by comfortably finishing in the top half of the table. A significant factor in this success was the brilliant acquisition of Joao Palhinha, who played a crucial role in the defensive midfield position for Fulham.

The Portuguese standout seamlessly adapted to English football last season and made a tremendous impact under Marco Silva’s management. His signing for just £20 million the previous summer is a testament to how impressive the 28-year-old has been in London, as Bayern Munich has reportedly offered £50 million for his services.

8. Pascal Gross – Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion’s ascent has been truly captivating in recent years. They have uncovered a remarkable array of talents during this period, many of whom have gone on to secure lucrative moves to some of England’s top clubs.

However, amidst this evolution, one name has remained a constant fixture in the heart of the Seagulls’ squad – Pascal Gross. Signed during their inaugural season in the Premier League, Gross has consistently ranked among the club’s top performers and quietly established himself as one of England’s premier but often overlooked defensive midfielders.

Remarkably versatile, the 32-year-old is capable of playing in various positions, including further up the pitch. With the departure of Moises Caicedo (discussed later), he is expected to see more playing time in the defensive midfield role this season. Gross’s influence on the south coast team cannot be overstated, and there’s no doubt that he will once again deliver his best this year.