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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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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