The top-5 defensive midfielders in the Premier League

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As the new Premier League season continues to inch ever closer to getting underway, we at 101 have kicked into gear a new series, which takes a look at the finest the English top-flight has to offer, in each position across the pitch.

In this piece, we delve into the best of the best defensive midfielders, whittling the competition down to a final five.

Check out our picks below.

Fabinho

First up comes an undisputed inclusion on our shortlist of deep-lying Premier League midfielders, in the form of Fabinho.

Since making the move to Liverpool in the summer of 2018, Brazilian international Fabinho has gone about establishing himself as an absolutely integral member of the Reds’ ranks.

The 28-year-old is widely understood to be one of the first names on the teamsheet of boss Jurgen Klopp, with his importance to the cause at Anfield laid bare each and every time Fabinho is unavailable for selection.

Boasting both technical brilliance and a near unmatched ability to read the game, Fabinho is, without question, one of world football’s very best in his role.

N’Golo Kante

Next up comes a player who was perhaps not at his best this past season.

The fact remains, though, that Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, on his day, remains essentially unplayable.

The 31-year-old, like Fabinho above, has tasted glory both domestically and on the European stage whilst on the books of his current employers, with his importance to the Blues’ cause absolutely unquestionable.

Kante has in some aspects redefined what it means to be a ‘defensive midfielder’, with his ability to patrol the length of the pitch whilst simultaneously providing protection to the defenders behind him a sight to behold.

Jorginho’s addition to Chelaea’s ranks means that the ex-Leicester City star is now generally utilised more as an ‘8’ than a traditional ‘6’, but the fact remains that, when all is said and done, Kante will be remembered in the eyes of most as one of the finest defensive midfielders to ever do it.

Declan Rice

The first and sole Englishman on our list of the Premier League’s best holding midfield stars comes in the form of Declan Rice.

Despite not plying his trade for one of the division’s traditional top clubs, Rice has gone about proving time and time again over the course of the last couple of seasons that he is more than capable of holding his own against the very best English football has to offer.

What makes the 23-year-old so special is his ability to thrive not only on the defensive side of the ball – breaking up attacks at their source with athleticism, reading of the game and remarkable stamina levels – but too his capabilities when in possession.

Once viewed as little more than a defensive shield, Rice has added to his game in tremendous fashion over the last two years in particular, now more than comfortable spraying passes the length of the pitch, or breaking the lines of midfield courtesy of driving runs.

A move to one of the Premier League’s elite undoubtedly awaits, but for now, West Ham continue to reap the benefits of one of the nation’s true standout talents.

Thomas Partey

Our next inclusion may give rise to some form of debate, owing to questions over his exact position on the pitch.

Many would no doubt argue that Thomas Partey operates best as a box-to-box midfield presence, a role which allows him to make use of an all-round game featuring elite press resistance and line-breaking abilities.

Since making the move to Arsenal, though, the Ghanaian has, for the most part, operated in a two-man pivot alongside Granit Xhaka, with his knack for shutting down opposition attacks at key moments remaining integral in Mikel Arteta’s setup.

It came as no surprise to see the Gunners’ top-4 push essentially go up in smoke in the immediate aftermath of Partey’s latest injury blow this past season, a testament to the 29-year-old’s ever-increasing importance in north London.

Should Arsenal kick on to secure a return to the Champions League next time out, their midfield enforcer will no doubt prove central as to why.

Rodri

The Premier League’s best defensive midfield presence? Based on last season’s evidence, it would be hard to argue otherwise.

Since swapping Madrid for Manchester three years ago, Spanish international Rodri has gone from strength to strength, now firmly in the conversation for the title of world football’s standout deep-lying engine room star.

The influence of Pep Guardiola has unquestionably proven key to such growth, with those of a Citizens fearful that Fernandinho was irreplaceable having seen such concerns put firmly to rest.

Tenacity, ball winning, composure, passing both short and long range, a thunderous strike and the ability to control the tempo of a match from deep, Rodri possesses each and every trait required to excel in the holding midfield role, in absolute abundance.

Not only that, but having just turned 26, the best is likely yet to come…

Honourable mentions: Wilfred Ndidi, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Ruben Neves

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