Soccer's Top 5 Defensive Midfielders

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5. Sergio Busquets

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Sergio Busquests is a bit of a character and a habitual flopper on the pitch, but that doesn’t take away from his contributions to his team's success. The long and rangy Spanish International plays in a withdrawn role, allowing the attacking talent in his side to express themselves. An excellent positional defender, Busquests is always in the right place at the right time. He always plays the right pass, making it look effortless. Always keen to dispossess the opposition, the Barcelona man is never caught out of position. A world-class talent, he shows glimpses of his brilliance during set pieces, displaying limitless potential of what he can offer if given the chance.

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4. Luis Gustavo

Luis Gustavo Official Facebook Page

Luis Gustavo is a midfield general with the build to play center-back if needed. He is a stalwart in the center of the pitch. The Brazilian International seems to always put in the right tackle on an attacker. With loads of ability, Gustavo surveys the pitch methodically and analytically, always anticipating the opponent’s next pass. The newly-acquired Wolfsburg man has all of the ingredients to patrol the midfield, with a knack for breaking up counterattacks and spraying the ball around the pitch to the open man. Gustavo is not your typical Brazilian star -- what he lacks in flair, he makes up for in industry.

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3. Lassana Diarra

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Lassana Diarra is one of the fiercest tacklers to ever step on a soccer pitch. With his bulldog mentality, he never misses the chance to tackle an opponent. His ability to dispossess the opposition in the middle of the pitch consistently is something very few players can do. For a man who is known for tackling, the French international possesses excellent ball control and the ability to pick the right pass. Lokomotiv Moscow is his new home, and I’m sure he’ll waste no time showing his vigor and tenacity for the Russian based club.

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2. Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi Official Facebook Page

Blaise Matuidi is a combative midfielder with bundles of energy. Playing in a withdrawn role doesn’t always suit him, as one of his best attributes is his work rate all over the pitch. The French international is a superior athlete with pace and quickness that allows him to track down the opposition. The Paris Saint-German man is the heart of the midfield, putting in spectacular performances regularly. Matuidi almost never makes an innocuous challenge; it is a testament to his athleticism and willingness to work tirelessly to win the ball back for his team.

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1. Daniele De Rossi

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Daniele De Rossi is a master tactician and a coach’s dream in the center of the pitch. If there is a pass to be made, a tackle to be had, or a 50/50 ball to be won, you can bet he is there. The Italian international is one of the great long passers in the game today with his ability to switch play with a pinpoint diagonal ball to ignite a break. The Roma man also possesses power and accuracy in his boots, shooting from long range and always testing the goalkeeper. De Rossi’s awareness is off the charts; anticipating and intercepting passes are his specialties. Many have tried to lure De Rossi with mountains of cash, but he seems to lean on the side of loyalty when it comes to his career.