With the full release of Football Manager 2022, we're looking to help you assemble the most formidable team around by presenting the best players in the game.
Defensive midfielders should provide the perfect shield for your backline while also moving the ball forward to the dangermen to strut their stuff.
Table of Contents
- FM22 Best Defensive Midfielders
- Joshua Kimmich (CA 178 - PA 183)
- Casemiro (CA 167 - PA 170)
- Fabinho (CA 164 - PA 168)
- Fernandinho (CA 164 - PA 165)
- Thiago (CA 164 - PA 173)
- Frenkie de Jong (CA 164 - PA 183)
- Federico Valverde (CA 160 - PA 168)
- Jordan Henderson (CA 159 - PA 159)
- Sergio Busquets (CA 157 - PA 171)
- Rodri (CA 157 - PA 165)
Read on to find out who the best defensive midfielders you can use in Football Manager 2022.
FM22 Best Defensive Midfielders
With FM22 now here, we've delved into the database to discover the best defensive midfielders - or DM - in the game.
From superstars to players yet to reach their prime, these playmakers will guarantee you success in this year's game.
Joshua Kimmich (CA 178 - PA 183)
Age: 26
Club: Bayern Munich
Value: £73-£92 million
Wage: £300,000 a week
One of the most versatile players in Football Manager 2022, Joshua Kimmich could be top of a number of 'best player' lists.
With an incredible range of passing and defensive stats, matched by leadership and work rate, we think you should be throwing everything you have at Kimmich in the hope he signs for your club.
Casemiro (CA 167 - PA 170)
Age: 29
Club: Real Madrid
Value: £72-£107 million
Wage: £185,000 a week
Casemiro is the beating heart of Ancelotti's Real Madrid side, and that's reflected in his FM22 valuation.
A stunning player with a great range of physical attributes, we think you should be making Madrid an offer they cannot refuse.
Fabinho (CA 164 - PA 168)
Age: 27
Club: Liverpool
Value: £74-£115 million
Wage: £180,000 a week
Liverpool's commanding Brazilian has all the markings of a world-class footballer.
Fabinho's mix of defensive capabilities combined with his vision and creative flair make him a player that you need to try in Football Manager 2022.
Fernandinho (CA 164 - PA 165)
Age: 36
Club: Manchester City
Value: £6.6-£8 million
Wage: £200,000 a week
The oldest man on the list, but not one you should overlook.
At 36, Fernandinho is still very highly rated, and now he isn't making the City starting XI regularly, he could see out the rest of his career at your club.
Thiago (CA 164 - PA 173)
Age: 30
Club: Liverpool
Value: £49-£76 million
Wage: £225,000 a week
Another - and not the final - Liverpool man on the list, Thiago won't be the defensive shield that others on the list can be.
What he does bring to the table is incredible ability on the ball with his composure and passing range to dictate play from deep for your side.
Frenkie de Jong (CA 164 - PA 183)
Age: 24
Club: Barcelona
Value: £121-£145 million
Wage: £165,000 a week
Barcelona has never been short of classy midfield options, and Frenkie de Jong is certainly another name on that list of passing masters.
A special player with a great mix of stats, De Jong is the flying Dutchman that could bring great success to your team in Football Manager 2022.
Federico Valverde (CA 160 - PA 168)
Age: 23
Club: Real Madrid
Value: £61-£95 million
Wage: £66,000 a week
Another Real Madrid player, it's only a matter of time before Federico Valverde takes over from Casemiro or another of the older midfield three.
With incredible pace for a DM, he can cover the ground and save your team from getting countered too easily.
Jordan Henderson (CA 159 - PA 159)
Age: 31
Club: Liverpool
Value: Not for sale
Wage: £190,000 a week
The third and final Liverpool player to make the list, Jordan Henderson gives something a bit different to the team.
A true leader on the field, Henderson may not have unbelievable technical skills, but he is just the man you need to rally the troops.
Sergio Busquets (CA 157 - PA 171)
Age: 33
Club: Barcelona
Value: Not for sale
Wage: £195,000 a week
Sergio Busquets is one of the greats at reading the game so well he makes it look easy.
His ability to sniff out attacking threats, then play out with composure and superb vision make him one of the best in the world.
Rodri (CA 157 - PA 165)
Age: 25
Club: Man City
Value: £144-£180 million
Wage: £130,000 a week
Much like Fabinho, Rodri is the perfect mix of strength and creative flair that you need in your team.
At only 25, this Spanish anchor is able to create chances for your forwards, as well as keeping things tight at the back. If you get the chance, you need to try and sign him.
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