Top 5 defensive midfielders in 2017

#2 N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea)

Kanté is one of the most underrated players in the world

There is always a debate as to whether N'Golo Kanté is technically a defensive midfielder or a box to box midfielder, however, there is no arguing that he is a world-class player. We decided to include him on this list, anyway.

The influence of Kanté is so big, that stats do not do him justice. When he was at Leicester City two seasons ago, he was their most important player and helped them pull-out a miracle by winning the English Premier League.

The next season, he switched to Chelsea, who had been struggling against relegation with José Mourinho, and he helped lift them to become the champions of England. Meanwhile after his departure, it was his former team Leicester City, that had become the side fighting for survival.

During his short absence from Chelsea, following an injury in the international break, the club's form dropped yet again. There is no doubt that the formidable French international manages to improve all the teams that he is a part of.

With 3.5 successful tackles, 2.3 interceptions 1.3 key passes and a pass success of 86.5% percent, Kanté has managed to retain his status this season as one of the finest and most complete central midfielders in Europe.