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The Greatest Defensive Midfielders of All Time
Shirt number: 4; also known as: 'volante'

Not the most glamorous position, but a vital role in every team. The defensive midfielder's job is to win the ball, chiefly by tackling but also by reading the game and intercepting and then passing to a team mate, turning defence to attack in an instant. This 'transition' is a key part of the counter-attacking style so prevalent in the modern game. The greatest defensive midfielders are able to win possession and then use the ball wisely. They cover a lot of ground and always know where to be. These players screen the defence, adding confidence, and never giving the ball away. The great defensive midfielder exemplifies fighting spirit and, by putting his foot on the ball, can dictate the pace of the game. The greatest exponents add leadership, can play great long passes and can shoot accurately from distance. They have the discipline to remain deep, behind the ball, but if an opportunity opens up for them to attack they will take it. In the W-M system either or both of the left/right half would perform this role, since then teams have always played one defensive midfielder with a 4-2-4/4-4-2 and 4-33 system. Recently, in a 4-2-3-1 some cautious managers now play two of them (i.e. Benitez at Liverpool or Mancini at Manchester City).

Picture
Jose Andrade
Monti   Arg/Ita  1920s/30s

Jose Andrade  Uru  1930s

Nestor Rossi  Arg  1940s/50s


Billy Wright  England  1939-59  (Wolves)

Rattin  Arg  1950s/60s

Zito  Bra  1950s/60s

Szymaniak  Ger  1956-66

Mackay  Sco  1959-65

Stiles  Eng  1960s

Voronin  USSR  1960-68


 

Picture
Rijkaard
Clodoaldo  Bra  1970s

Bonhof Ger  1970s

Cerezo  Bra  1980s

Fernandez  Fra  1980s

Tardelli  Ita  1980s

Souness  Sco  1980s

Rijkaard  Hol  1980s

Redondo  Arg  1990s

Dunga Bra  1990s

Deschamps  Fra  1990s


 

Picture
Vieira
Albertini Ita  1990s

Paulo Sousa  Por  1990s

Keane Ire  1994-04

Vieira  Fra  1990s/00s

Gattuso  Ita  1990s/00s

Makelele  Fra  2000s

Senna  Spa  2000s

Hargreaves  Eng  2000s

Cambiasso Arg  2000s/00s

Mascherano  Arg  2000s/10s

De Rossi  Ita  2000s/10s

Busquets 
Spa 2000s/10s

Kante  Fra  2010s



To explore, use the tabs on the header or click on the links below:

Alltime Legends

Best Players in Each Position

Best Ever National Teams 

Best Ever Club Teams
 
Dream Teams


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