These are the top 10 greatest defensive-midfielders of all time
The position of a defensive-midfielder has the most tough task to do of all the other positions. They link the defense to the attack and break up the opposition’s play.
The list below is given on the basis of retired players. Sergio Busquets, Fernandinho, Casemiro etc. still have some years left in their career.
Also Read: Top 10 greatest wingers in football history
So here are the top 10 greatest defensive-midfielders in football history.
Greatest Defensive-Midfielders
- Lothar Matthaus – Lothar Matthaus was extraordinary. He used to score goals with his right foot, left foot, or direct from free-kicks, and combined a wide range of passing with the ability to glide past a defender.
- Jozsef Bozsik – Bozsik was a key member of the legendary Mighty Magyars. He represented Hungary in various international tournaments.
- Frank Rijkaard – Rijkaard won the Dutch Golden Shoe in 1985 and 198. He was named to Pele’s FIFA 100 lis and is one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time.
- Jose Leandro Andrade – Though he grew up in poverty, Andrade’s incredible footballing ability transformed him into an international celebrity, complete with all the trappings of fame.
- Roy Keane – Roy was a tenacious box-to-box midfielder. The Cork-born man began his career with Cobh Ramblers in his homeland before catching the eye of Nottingham Forest.
- Johan Neeskens – Neeskens arguably the first proponent of the current day Box to Box midfielder. He goes by the name Johannes Jacobus “Johan” Neeskens.
- Patrick Vieira – Patrick was just seventeen when he made his debut with AS Cannes. Within two years, he was skippering the Ligue One outfit.
- Claude Makelele – Makelele was the perfect defensive midfielder, simply winning the ball and making a short pass to keep possession. He was so successful in this position that it is now known as the “Makelele role”.
- Paulo Roberto Falcao – Falcao was a general on the field, brilliant both tactically and technically. He was known in particular for his flair, control, vision, passing, and long-range shooting ability.
- Fernando Redondo – Redondo was capable of carrying on his own the weight of the midfield. He made a name for himself as one of the world’s best midfielders with his superior defensive and offensive skills.