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We are already past the halfway mark of the 2018/19 season of the Premier League and we have seen some very entertaining stuff so far. This season in the Premier League, we have seen some brilliant midfield performances and some of the defensive midfielders have been really good.
A defensive midfielder plays in a much disciplined role and he gives his side's attacking players a chance to express themselves up the field. Defensive midfielders are players who focus on protecting their side's back-line and provide cover for the full backs or center backs, if they move forward and join the attack. These players are tasked with breaking up play, protecting a certain zone on the field or sometimes man mark a particular attacking player from the opposition. These players do the dirty work better than anyone else and are a vital component of every successful team.
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So, without further ado, here are the top four defensive midfielders in the Premier League this season according to me.
#4 Lucas Torreira
Lucas Torreira arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer and he has already become a fan favorite in North London. The little Uruguayan has been giving Arsenal midfielders a lesson in energy and tenacity and he has added much needed bite in the middle of the park for the Gunners.
His progressive passing and aggressive tackling has made an extremely favorable impression on the Arsenal Faithful. He has mostly played alongside Granit Xhaka in a midfield two this season. Still very young, the Uruguayan has a long way to go, but the 22 year old has definitely had a wonderful start to his Arsenal career.
In terms of stats this season in the Premier League, Lucas averages 82 touches per game, has a passing accuracy of 89% and has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. The 22 year old has won 62% of his tackles, won 63% of his duels, made 28 interceptions and made a total of 23 clearances.
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#3 Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves has been brilliant for the Wolves this season. The Portuguese is the most stylish player on this list. He's adapted his game brilliantly after stepping up from the Championship to the Premier League. He has mostly played by the side of his idol Joao Moutinho in a midfield two and has shown the harder side of his game.
His passing range and vision is what sets him apart from the rest in this list and he makes Wolves tick. He is also a set piece specialist and with age on his side, only time will tell how far the 21 year old might go. His form is going to be vital for Wolves if they are to end in the top half of the Premier League this season.
In terms of stats this season in the Premier League, Neves averages 73 touches per game, has a passing accuracy of 82% and has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. The 21 year old has won 44% of his tackles, won 46% of his duels, made 44 interceptions and made a total of 21 clearances.
#2 Georginio Wijnaldum
In the summer transfer window, when Liverpool signed Fabinho and Naby Keita, Wijnaldum's position in the Liverpool team looked under threat, but the 28 year old has been absolutely phenomenal for Liverpool this season. Due to injuries to several midfielders, the Dutchman has been used as a defensive midfielder by Jurgen Klopp this season and primarily in two formations, either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1.
Wijnaldum now is a first pick in the midfield for Liverpool and deservedly so as he has been brilliant for the Reds. The 28 year old Netherlands international isn't a defensive midfielder by trade, and that's what makes his achievements this season even more commendable. Gini Wijnaldum is going to be a vital player in Liverpool's bid for the title this season.
In terms of stats this season in the Premier League, Wijnaldum averages 72 touches per game and has a passing accuracy of 91%. The 28 year old has won 55% of his tackles, won 50% of his duels, made 11 interceptions and made a total of 15 clearances.
#1 Fernandinho
Fernandinho is one the most important players of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side. He allows the likes of Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne to express themselves further up the pitch and controls the flow for Manchester City. His brilliant performance against Liverpool at the Etihad earlier this month was another showing that proved why the Brazilian is the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League right now. His fitness and form will be absolutely vital for City, if they are to pip Liverpool to the Premier League title come May.
In terms of stats this season in the Premier League, Fernandinho averages 93 touches per game, boasts a passing accuracy of 88% and has 1 goal and 3 assists to his name. The 33 year old has won 82% of his tackles, won 53% of his duels, made 30 interceptions and made 54 clearances.
