5 best defensive midfielders in the Premier League this season (2020/21)

N'Golo K
N'Golo K

#3 N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League
Manchester City v Chelsea - Premier League

Thanks to his tenacity and untiring nature, N'Golo Kante plays a more dynamic role than that of a defensive midfielder. A modern-day Premier League legend, Kante has been one of Chelsea's most important players over the past four seasons.

The Frenchman has played a big role in Chelsea's journey to the final of the UEFA Champions League this term as well. In 30 appearances in the Premier League this season, Kante has won 79 tackles at a success rate of 53%. He has made 59 interceptions and 194 recoveries for the Blues.

He has provided two assists and has a pass completion rate of 86%. It's Kante's ability to read the opposition's moves and snuff out the danger that sets him apart. His intelligent positioning and relentless running makes him a thorn in the neck for opposition players.

#2 Rodri (Manchester City)

Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Manchester City are the most complete team in the Premier League right now. Pep Guardiola has been able to bring in the right players in the right positions and Rodri's acquisition from Atletico Madrid ranks right up there.

The Spaniard has been excellent for Manchester City. Within two seasons in England, he has established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.

Rodri's role in the central midfield is more about connecting attack and defence than the other players on the list and he averages 83 passes per match at a pass completion rate of 91%.

Rodri has won 71 tackles in 33 appearances at a success rate of 56%. He has made a whopping 283 recoveries in midfield and has won 71% of his aerial duels. The 24-year-old's calming presence has gone a long way towards Manchester City having a glorious season on all fronts.

#1 Yves Bissouma (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City - Premier League
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City - Premier League

Brighton & Hove Albion have been a much better team than their position in the Premier League table will have you believe. After taking almost a season to get used to the pace of the English game, Bissouma seems to have mastered the craft and it is no surprise that he is one of the most coveted defensive midfielders in the Premier League right now.

A tough-tackling midfielder, Yves Bissouma has become a force to be reckoned with in the Seagulls' starting XI under Graham Potter. Bissouma's side faces a lot more incursions than the other players on the list but his numbers are still extremely impressive.

The Mali international has won 100 tackles at a success rate of 65% in 35 Premier League appearances. He has made 62 interceptions and an incredible 266 recoveries. Though he is just 182 cms tall, Bissouma is pretty good at aerial duels as well, winning 38 out of 59.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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