Top 10 Best Holding Midfielders in the Premier League (2025)
Holding midfielders often fly under the radar, yet they are crucial in maintaining team balance. They might not score flashy goals or show off fancy skills, but their talent for breaking up attacks and shielding the defense is vital for their teams.
This list ranks the top 10 holding midfielders based purely on their defensive stats—such as tackles, recoveries, duels won, aerial battles, and blocks. Using detailed statistics from FotMob, we focus on the key metrics that truly reflect their contributions in midfield.
With the 2024/25 season underway, these players have demonstrated their value through grit and smart tactical play, rather than flashy displays, consistently winning possession and shutting down threats.
10. Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City)
Stepping up in Rodri’s absence, Kovačić has been vital in maintaining midfield control for City, combining possession retention with steady passing and tactical discipline.
9. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
Ndidi remains Leicester’s midfield anchor, expertly breaking up plays and protecting the defense, despite the team’s broader challenges.
8. Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
The Belgian midfielder made a big impact after his £50 million move, blending physical strength and defensive intelligence with occasional attacking contributions.
7. Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)
Brought in to shore up a vulnerable midfield, Ugarte has made a significant defensive impact with his ball-winning skills and tactical awareness.
6. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
Bissouma has been a quiet but reliable defensive presence, crucial for Spurs’ stability thanks to his tackling, interceptions, and high work rate.
5. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Guimarães offers solid defensive work and excellent positioning, focusing more on regaining possession through anticipation than pure destruction.
4. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice has been arguably the Premier League’s best £100 million signing, excelling in both defense and attack with consistent performances and remarkable durability.
3. Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Partey is a key midfield figure with impressive defensive stats and the added bonus of goal contributions, making him a versatile force.
2. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)
Known for his relentless energy and precise ball-winning timing, Caicedo combines defensive skill with technical finesse, often compared to legends of the role.
1. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Since arriving from Bayern Munich, Gravenberch has been a standout performer in Liverpool’s midfield, excelling both defensively and in controlling the game, helping keep Liverpool dominant in the league.
