Find out about the top 20 best Premier League (EPL) defensive midfielders of 2025/2026 right now.
The role of the defensive midfielder has continued to evolve over the years as new tactics from managers continue to shape the game in the modern era.
Today, your average DM would have to be the bridging line between your defence and the offensive unit while keeping his guard as the central enforcer. The role of a defensive midfielder cannot be overemphasised as their value continues to increase year after year.
Here are the best defensive midfielders in the world:
20. Christian Nørgaard (Arsenal FC)
Christian Nørgaard is a household name in the Premier League but begins a new chapter at Arsenal after a successful career at Brentford. The Danish star was brought to add depth to the title-chasing Gunners.
Christian Norgaard, who was captain of Brentford, has already showcased his talent at the Emirates Stadium with his composure and aggressive style.
19. Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur)
Pape Matar Sarr is another outstanding name in the English top flight. The Spurs star has been in top form in the midfield, which has been vital for the team. The Senegal star played a key role in the club's Europa League triumph in the 2024/25 season.
Pape Matar Sarr has been applauded for his unique skills and his technicality. He has been tipped to maintain his solid form in the long run.
18. Idrissa Gueye (Everton FC)
Idrissa Gueye has been a household name in the Premier League in the Everton shirt. He has been a key player for the Toffees and one of the reasons behind the stability of the midfield in the team.
Head coach David Moyes has flourished thanks to the presence of some veterans, including Idrissa Gueye, who has been rock solid. The Senegalese star is known for his tackles and linking up play between the defence and the attack.
17. Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion FC)
Carlos Baleba is one of the fastest-rising players in the English Premier League. The Brighton star has continued to attract attention in consistent form. His addition to the Seagulls has been a game changer ever since the departure of the club's key midfield star, Moises Caicedo.
Carlos Baleba has been applauded for his offensive mindset, which sees him drive forward to attacking positions while managing his position. He would be a key player in the long run for the team.
16. Romeo Lavia (Liverpool FC)
Romeo Lavia's top form hasn't been achieved yet, especially due to his injury record. The Belgian star surely has the best to offer when it comes to manning the defensive midfield.
The Belgian was one of the best talents during his time at Southampton; that led to the bidding war between some of the biggest teams, including Chelsea FC and Liverpool.
15. Jordan Henderson (Brentford FC)
Jordan Henderson is no stranger to the list of the elite. The former Liverpool man makes his way back to the Premier League after an eventful stint at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and AFC Ajax.
The England international was trusted for the role at Brentford, a club with an ambitious project. His form has been top-notch with his leadership qualities and experiences.
Jordan Henderson was added to the Brentford project in a bid to bolster the team and improve the quality amid the departure of key names, including Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Nørgaard.
14. Casemiro (Manchester United)
Despite Manchester United's inconsistency this season, Casemiro has played a key role in the team. The former Real Madrid man needs no introduction when it comes to this level of the game.
Rating
Casemiro was in good form at the start of the season, but inconsistency has flawed his good form. The Brazilian is known for his unique abilities, which include proper position and playmaking. He is a complete midfielder who needs no introduction.
13. Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth)
Tyler Adams has been the face of Americans in the Premier League over the years, having played for Leeds United, where he wasn't in top form. However, the move to Bournemouth shows the light at the end of the tunnel.
He is now a midfield machine for Bournemouth and one of the favourite starters in the first team. The American, who is known for his tackle and quick passes, has continued to produce an average performance week in, week out.
Tyler Adams ranking as one of the best defensive midfielders isn't a fantasy, with statistics showing his impressive ratings from passes and tackles to interceptions.
12. Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa FC)
Boubacar Kamara has been one of the solid names in the Aston Villa midfield talent pool, which includes the likes of Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans. He is sometimes quiet but loud with his A-game, and Villa fans seem to enjoy his presence in the midfield.
Boubacar Kamara joined Aston Villa from Marseille and wasted no time by filling up the void in the defensive midfield with a playing style that suits the coach.
Kamara's form in the Villa shirt has been commended, as his performance in big games has proven vital for the team. With Villa's involvement in domestic and European activities, the Frenchman would be key for the team.
11. Amadou Onana (Aston Villa FC)
Amadou Onana has been a consistent player since his arrival in the Premier League.
At Everton, the Belgian star had a quality time on the pitch while becoming one of the most important players in the team. Since moving to Aston Villa, he's already one of the first team players under Unai Emery.
Amadou Onana moved to Aston Villa at the start of the season and has continued to gather the numbers.
How does he play?
Amadou Onana is exceptional, and Premier League fans can attest to it, especially Villa fans who are now enjoying his services in the UCL. He is arguably one of the best defensive midfielders in the EPL right now.
Primarily as a defensive midfielder, he's been seen in central at times and returns while returning to his position. He is also known for long balls, tackling, and successful ground duels.
10. Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa FC)
Youri Tielemans is one of the favourite starters for Villa boss Unai Emery. The Belgian endured a tough time in the starting lineup in the first few games in his first season at the club before getting to his best.
Rating
Youri Tielemans is having a great season already with just a few games into the campaign and has maintained a steady presence as one of the engine rooms of the Villa midfield. He has continued to witness an upward rise in rating according to the data from Sofascore.
How does he play?
The Belgian has played multiple roles. While playing as a defensive midfielder, he has been at central, and as an offensive midfielder, he has been filling the void in the midfield.
9. Joao Palhinha (Tottenham Hotspur)
Joao Palhinha also makes the list with huge credits to Portugal, having been a key figure in the midfield. He was outstanding for Fulham, but the accolades only lasted just two seasons before the departure for Bayern Munich.
However, the defensive midfield machine is back in the Premier League but in the books of Tottenham Hotspur on loan from the Bavarians and has continued his fine form.
Tottenham Hotspur is already benefiting from his presence in the midfield this season.
8. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland AFC)
It has been an eventful career for Granit Xhaka, from the days of Arsenal to Bundesliga and German Cup champion with Bayer Leverkusen and now captain of the newly promoted Sunderland side.
Granit Xhaka has long been singled out for his brilliance and intelligence, especially in dictating the pace of the game from the midfield. The Swiss footballer is already a significant addition to the team and has seen some progress with the team's early success in the Premier League this season.
7. Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Adam Wharton has emerged as one of the midfield forces in the Premier League today. The form of the English star has got everyone watching. He could well become the next big-money talent at Palace, with his form already signalling a bright future ahead at Selhurst Park.
The England star joined Crystal Place in February 2024, and has already had an eventful career at the London club, from helping the club lift the FA Cup trophy to winning the Community Shield curtain raiser against all odds.
Adam Wharton was part of the Blackburn Rovers academy. He has been, especially due to his passing range and ability to drive forward at times.
6. Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal FC)
Martin Zubimendi sits in the Gunner's midfield with sights on dominating and not just counting the numbers. Of course the stats of Real Sociedad are a clear idea of what he's got to offer to the Londoners.
The Spanish footballer has flourished since his arrival in the English Premier League, with over £61 million paid by the Gunners.
The new Arsenal man has had an immediate impact. He is a player who operates from the base of the midfield while providing cover and stability to central players. Thus, his physical attributes rank high.
Martin Zubimendi would be key for Arsenal in the team's quest to win the Premier League title after many years. His influence and presence have already proven to be big factors moving forward.
5. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)
Sandro Tonali is finally back at the top of English football, having been absent from the Newcastle first team amid the scandal with the FA that led to his eventual suspension. The Italian had been outstanding and one of the most influential players in Newcastle United's first team during the 2024/25 season.
The Italian and former AC Milan star is a solid figure in the first team and has been showing his quality, especially in high-profile games. This season, he will be a crucial player for the Magpies in the midfield as they seek to maintain presence at the biggest stage.
4. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Bruno Guimarães has cemented his position as a top-level midfielder with his dominant performance in the Premier League under the Newcastle United umbrella. The Brazilian defensive midfielder has been key to the club's consistency in the league.
Bruno Guimaraes joined the Magpies in 2021 from Lyon and had an immediate impact on the team, and after four seasons at the club, he has been recognised as one of the best in his position.
3. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea FC)
Moises Caicedo continues to shine in his position and stands as one of the elite midfielders in the league. Since the days of Brighton, the Ecuadorian has been amongst the top-level players at the biggest stage.
Caicedo has found his top form at Chelsea after a sloppy start to life at Stamford Bridge. He was instrumental at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he was one of the leading midfielders alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who is currently in the books of Liverpool.
At Chelsea, he has been phenomenal since the start of the 2025/2026 season with improved ratings across all games he's played for the club.
2. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool FC)
Ryan Gravenberch remains atop the list when it comes to ranking the best DMs in the EPL. The Dutchman has shown to be consistent and a reliable option for the Reds since his arrival from Bayern Munich. So far this season, he has been involved in the game of games.
Rating
Ryan Gravenberch has continued to average a significant rating this season and has continuously powered the midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
How does he play?
The Dutch star has been deployed in the central midfield position as well as in the defensive wing.
1. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodrigo is one of the pivots of the Manchester City midfield and continues to lead the Premier League's best midfielder chart. The Spaniard is mainly deployed as a defensive midfielder by Pep Guardiola, which has been effective.
The holding midfielder is one of the most technically gifted players in the world with an impressive skill in his game. Over the years, he has been applauded for his passing, composure, and playmaking, making him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Rodri is one of the Man City players with the most minutes in the Premier League and the only Ballon d'Or winner in the team.
In case you don't know, here are some of the greatest Premier League defensive midfielders:
Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)
Patrick Vieira was arguably one of the biggest names in the defensive midfield position. The Frenchman won three Premier League titles with Arsenal FC and was known for his elite tackling, passing, and leadership.
Roy Keane (Manchester United)
Roy Keane is the next player on the list with up to seven Premier League titles. He was one of the key players during the Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United.
Claude Makélélé (Chelsea)
Claude Makélélé remains one of the biggest names in the Premier League. He won two Premier League titles with Chelsea FC and was known for his positional discipline and ball recovery.
N'Golo Kanté (Leicester City, Chelsea)
N'Golo Kanté won two Premier League titles. He was part of Leicester’s miracle title win and Chelsea’s resurgence.
Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri is one of the biggest names on the list. He's won over Premier League titles and is known for his defensive solidity and elite passing.