Top 5 defensive midfielders in the Premier League
Claude Makelele was the man who defined the role of the modern day defensive midfielderThe role of a defensive midfielder is one that is quite seldom appreciated. They do not have the flashy flamboyant style other outfield players possess but their importance is usually highlighted when two very strong teams play each other. Take for example the Chelsea vs Arsenal game from last weekend, the game was further evidence of Arsenal’s lack of a proper defensive midfielder.In modern day football, the role of a defensive midfielder becomes more and more important as the managers ask their full backs to push up the field often leaving their team vulnerable to counter attacks. The defensive midfielder almost acts like a pseudo centre back who sits in between the centre backs and rarely ventures forward. Their major job is to break up the opposition play.It was the former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele who reinvented the holding midfielder role in the modern day format. So we take a look at the top 5 defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Source for Statistics: SQUAWKA
#5 Daley Blind
Daley Blind is a versatile player who is equally capable of playing as a left back and as a defensive midfielder.
The former Ajax man and son of Danny Blind made a switch to Manchester United this season following an impressive World Cup with the Dutch National Team where he played under current manager Louis van Gaal.
Blind has operated as a defensive midfielder so far for Manchester United and he was predominantly played in the same position last season by Ajax. His impressive performances earned him the Dutch Footballer of the Year award. The prestigious award was previously won by players like Wilfried Bony, Jan Vertonghen and Luis Suarez who have all gone on to excel in the Premier League.
Last season, the Dutch International averaged 2.71 interceptions every ninety minutes which is more than anyone else on this list, in addition to this he also commits the least number of fouls every 90 minutes in comparison to everyone else on the list with just over one foul every ninety minutes.
So far Blind has had a good start to his career at Old Trafford and it remains to be seen how well he can prosper in the Premier League as time goes on.