10 Best Premier League Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
- Think Football Ideas
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Ranking The 10 Best Premier League Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
The Premier League continues to rely heavily on defensive midfielders who anchor the team, guide build-up play, disrupt opposition play, and settle games when pressure rises.
The defensive midfielder's position has grown into one of the most demanding roles on the pitch, and the English top flight now features a strong group of players who control matches in their own distinct ways. Below is a carefully built ranking of the standout performers for the 2025-26 season.
Here Are The 10 Best Premier League Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
10. Youri Tielemans – Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s ascent in Europe has depended on several figures, and Youri Tielemans has been one of the main pillars. His approach brings order to the middle of the pitch, helping the team stay calm in difficult spells.
The Belgian reads the rhythm of matches with ease, offering Unai Emery steady guidance when Villa look to manage possession.
Since leaving Leicester City in the summer of 2023, his influence has increased. He carries experience and poise, which have become essential to the club’s current direction.
9. Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson, a Whitley Bay native and grandson of ex-Newcastle winger Geoff Allen, has followed a steady yet impressive path.
After coming through Newcastle United’s academy and gaining attention from a successful period at Bristol Rovers, he worked his way into their senior squad and earned a long-term contract.
The turning point arrived with his transfer to Nottingham Forest in 2024, where he stepped into a larger role and immediately lifted the team’s level.
Nuno EspÃrito Santo gave him a central position in Forest’s midfield structure, and Anderson responded with a level of maturity that amazed many and was also vital for Forest securing a European spot in the 2024-25 campaign.
In the current campaign, Forest still use him to control possession phases, link wide players with the deeper midfielders, and carry the ball into areas that unsettle opponents.
His balance, timing on the ball, and sharp distribution have supported Forest through difficult fixtures, and also earned him an England call up which he has grabbed with both hands.
Several top Premier League clubs continue to track his progress as his influence grows each month. With his style of play fitting modern demands, he has become one of the standout midfielders among the league’s emerging group.
8. Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton has developed into one of the league’s brightest young midfielders. Oliver Glasner's Palace lean on him to knit their play together, and his understanding of the system makes him central to their progress.
During his injury spell, the team lacked the balance he normally provides. His return alongside Daichi Kamada aligned with Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley, where his control in midfield allowed others to flourish.
His ceiling remains high, and many clubs rate him as someone capable of operating at the top of the division.
7. João Palhinha – Tottenham (on loan)
Frank Thomas felt Tottenham Hotspur needed a forceful presence in the centre, and João Palhinha, on loan from German giants Bayern Munich, is now supplying exactly that.
His ball-winning strength and positional sense give Spurs a strong foundation. Supporters appreciate how he throws himself into duels and protects the defensive line as well as scoring on occasion.
His stint in Germany didn't go as planned, but he returned to England with the same intensity he previously displayed at Fulham. Palhinha's impact this season has encouraged many Spurs fans to hope for a permanent agreement.
6. Granit Xhaka – Sunderland
Granit Xhaka’s switch from a club he won the league with in an unbeaten campaign in Germany to newly promoted Sunderland surprised many, yet his influence has been clear from the opening weeks.
His leadership keeps the team organised, while his range of passing guides their transitions. Even at 33, he maintains high standards in every phase of play and brings the authority of someone who has experienced football at the highest level.
Sunderland depends on his leadership to guide the team through challenging matches. In his first 11 appearances, he took 21 corners and completed 592 passes with an 83% success rate.
5. Sandro Tonali – Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali returned from a 10-month suspension in August 2024 with a strong determination to re-establish himself, and Newcastle United immediately benefited.
His performances helped Newcastle seal a Champions League spot in the 2024-25 campaign, and he has carried that form into the 2025-26 season.
Tonali's reading of space helps Eddie Howe's team maintain structure, while his distribution, especially from deep, supports their attacking phases.
With him on the pitch, the Magpies tend to gain more control and rhythm. He was vital to securing Newcastle's first major domestic trophy, the 2025 Carabao Cup, in 70 years as they defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. All in all, the Italian's influence grows with each match.
4. MartÃn Zubimendi – Arsenal
Following the departure of Thomas Partey, Arsenal decided to add MartÃn Zubimendi to strengthen an already organised midfield unit. The Spaniard's style relies on awareness, clarity in possession, and well-timed passes that break lines.
He offers the calm temperament required to connect defence and attack effectively, including occasional goals. In his first 11 league matches, he scored 2 goals, registered an assist, and 702 passes with an 89% success rate
With more time, he may become a central figure in Arsenal’s chase for major honours, as his understanding of space suits the Gunners’ technical approach under Mikel Arteta.
3. Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool
Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch entered the new season with renewed confidence. Last season, a change in management played to his strengths, allowing him to develop into a reliable deep-lying midfielder.
His contributions were crucial after the Reds were unable to secure their main transfer target, ultimately helping the Merseyside club win the Premier League. In the current campaign, there has been more to his game, with goals and assists now appearing in his statistics.
His control of tempo has helped Liverpool establish dominance in several matches, while his mobility allows him to cover ground efficiently.
Gravenberch's performances - with an XG of 0.58 and an XA of 0.57 - make him a regular starter, demonstrating the significant development he has undergone within the club’s evolving system. It's worth noting he has made over 546 passes with a completion rate of 88%.
2. Rodri – Manchester City
Rodri stands out through consistent excellence. His ability to dictate matches from a deeper role sets him apart. Manchester City rely on his awareness, strength in possession, and clear decision-making to maintain their structure.
We recall what occurred last term when he was absent for most of the season. His injury made it challenging for the team to compensate for his influence.
This season, he has re-integrated into the City squad, and despite a few minor injuries causing him to miss some matches, his talent continues to stand out. He will undoubtedly be among the top defensive midfielders this season.
Few players worldwide match his reliability or understanding of tactical demands, and he continues to be a crucial piece in Pep Guardiola’s setup.
1. Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea
Moisés Caicedo's ascent in the Premier League has been swift. His performance at Brighton showcased his strength, determination, and precise tackling, drawing attention from top clubs.
Despite lingering doubts about his ability to succeed at a larger club, Chelsea secured his signature. After adapting to the new environment, he has begun the 2025-26 campaign in style, delivering performances characterised by energy and control.
His improvement under Enzo Maresca's coaching has turned him into a central figure for the club’s long-term plans. With his physical attributes and awareness of danger, he anchors Chelsea’s midfield with confidence.
His statistics also demonstrate his ability to score important goals, with an expected goals (xG) of 0.56 and 0.73, respectively.