Ten of the Best Defensive Midfielders in the World

Essien is the model player: fast, strong, well-built, tactically aware and professional. He could add a few more goals to his game, but not at the expense of the valuable defensive contribution he gives to the team. Chelsea had to haggle with tough negotiators Lyon for his signature in 2005, but the Ghanaian was well worth the wait. A player with no real weakness, and although he gets forward more than teammate John Obi Mikel, much of his game is based on defensive prowess.

When Barcelona realized they could not sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal in 2010, they decided to make Mascherano their one big summer signing. Despite paying in the region of $27 million to Liverpool, the Argentinean regularly finds himself on the bench at Camp Nou, such is the competition for places. However, there are few better in the world game than Mascherano at providing a screen for the defense. A River Plate youth product, he is fearsome in the tackle, and an economical distributor with a never-say-die attitude.

Although he may not bite into the tackle like some of the other defensive midfielders in this list, Alonso’s main role for club and country - when selected by Spain – is to sit in front of the back four, win back possession and find the attackers. A real leader, there are few finer sights in the game than Alonso spraying long range passes right and left, and he gets in his fair share of tackles, too.

A first-choice for club and country, Busquets' predominant role is to maintain his position behind Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, dispossess the opposition and pass the ball to his more creative teammates. A penchant for overreacting to fouls can infuriate the opposition, but this does not diminish his overall contribution. A product of the club’s La Masia youth academy and one of the best holding midfielders in the world, Busquets is the master of the simple pass.

The Roma youth product gets forward more than most players on this list, but his defensive contribution should not be understated. His tough tacking enables others to move into more advanced positions, but he himself is capable of between five and 10 goals a season. De Rossi possesses a similar spirit to club idol Francesco Totti, that can sometimes boil over, but it is the sort of passion the Roma tifosi love.

One of world soccer’s more prickly characters, Melo’s disciplinary record is woeful. Sent-off for a malicious stamp on Arjen Robben in the World Cup quarter final against Holland, such petulance is typical of the man. But when he is able to keep his temper in check, the Brazilian is a dynamic presence in the midfield. Comfortable in possession and strong in the tackle, an excellent 2008-09 season with Fiorentina persuaded Juventus to spend big on this well-rounded midfield player.

The Holland international is one of the Premier League’s more feisty customers. Responsible for breaking Hatem Ben Arfa’s leg in 2010 and almost decapitating Xabi Alonso in the World Cup final earliar that year, De Jong is nonetheless a vital presence for club and country. A master at keeping his position in front of the back four, De Jong’s biting tackles are crucial to coach Roberto Mancini’s gameplan.

Dubbed ‘the new Fernando Redondo’ when he was younger, Cambiasso had to leave Real Madrid in search of regular action and was a key member of the Inter Milan team that dominated Serie A in the second half of the last decade. Famous for finishing off a 24-pass move for Argentina against Serbia in the 2006 World Cup, Cambiasso is also a smooth operator in the opposition half.

The 2010-11 season saw Song produce more swashbuckling runs into the opposition penalty area than most Arsenal fans thought possible. But in the Gunners’ first choice midfield he remains the most defensive orientated of his teammates and is excellent at breaking up opposition attacks, maneuvering himself out of tight situations and playing the ball simply to a teammate. A snip from French club Bastia in 2006, and another gem unearthed by wily manager Arsene Wenger.

Like Alonso, Senna’s ability to pass the ball long is a thing of beauty. He may be picking up more injuries as he enters the autumn of his career, but he remains a crucial cog in the Villarreal midfield when fit. For many observers, he was Spain’s best player as they won the 2008 European Championships.