Best Defensive Midfielders in MLS Today

Introduction

Best Defensive Midfielders in MLS , the shield often called the “number 6”rarely gets the headlines, but their influence is undeniable. Acting as both shield and engine, they protect the backline, recover possession, and dictate tempo. In MLS, where games move at breakneck speed and transitions can decide results in seconds, the best defensive midfielders are the silent leaders who keep everything under control.

Key Attributes of a Top Number 6

When ranking MLS’s best holding midfielders, these qualities stand out:

• Ball Recovery: Tackles, interceptions, and breaking up counterattacks.
• Tactical Intelligence: Reading play, closing spaces, and covering teammates.
• Passing Range: Switching the attack, short circulation, and progressive passes.
• Leadership: Organizing teammates and maintaining composure.
• Positional Discipline: Staying anchored to protect the backline.

Best Defensive Midfielders in MLS Players Profiles

1. Ilie Sánchez – LAFC
Ilie Sánchez is the heartbeat of LAFC’s midfield. With a passing accuracy above 90%, he recycles possession with ease and rarely gets pulled out of position. His anticipation—averaging over 2 interceptions per game—makes him one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS. Calm, consistent, and disciplined, Sánchez provides the perfect balance to LAFC’s explosive attack.

2. Darlington Nagbe – Columbus Crew
Nagbe redefines the role of a defensive midfielder through elegance rather than aggression. Press-resistant and nearly impossible to dispossess, he consistently ranks among best defensive midfielders in MLS leaders in passing accuracy. His ball-carrying ability transforms defensive moments into attacking opportunities, making him the Crew’s metronome. While not a pure destroyer, his reliability under pressure is second to none.

• MLS top defensive midfielder.”

3. Obinna Nwobodo – FC Cincinnati
If energy had a name, it would be Obinna Nwobodo. Relentless in tackles and duels, he ranks near the top of MLS in recoveries. His defensive intensity gives Cincinnati the platform for attacking stars like Luciano Acosta to shine. While his passing is pragmatic, his ability to shut down counterattacks is why he’s irreplaceable.

4. José Martínez – Philadelphia Union
“El Brujo” brings both bite and brains to the Union midfield. He’s among the league leaders in tackles and interceptions, setting the tone for Philadelphia’s pressing style. While his combative edge can sometimes draw fouls, his leadership and aggression are vital to the Union’s high-energy approach. When Martínez is on form, Philadelphia looks unstoppable.

5. Rasmus Alm – St. Louis CITY SC
In St. Louis’s pressing system, Alm embodies intensity and tactical discipline. He isn’t a traditional destroyer, but his tireless running, pressing awareness, and defensive support allow the team’s transition-heavy style to function. Alm’s versatility—contributing both defensively and in link-up play—makes him one of MLS’s underrated midfield engines.

Honorable Mentions

• Diego Chará (Portland Timbers): The benchmark for defensive midfielders in MLS, still a master of ball-winning after more than a decade.
• Mark-Anthony Kaye (New England Revolution): Combines physical presence with solid distribution, adaptable across midfield roles.
• Artur (Houston Dynamo): Steady, balanced, and effective in protecting Houston’s backline while initiating build-up play.

Conclusion

Defensive midfielders in MLS may not grab headlines, but they shape results week in and week out. The likes of Sánchez, Nagbe, Nwobodo, Martínez, and Alm exemplify how the “number 6” role has evolved into one that blends defensive grit with composure on the ball. In a league defined by speed and transition, these midfield anchors are the reason their teams can both defend solidly and attack with freedom.

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FAQs – Best Defensive Midfielders in MLS

Q2. Who are the top 10 best defensive midfielders in MLS today?

Alongside the top 5, Diego Chará (Portland Timbers), Artur (Houston Dynamo), Mark-Anthony Kaye (New England Revolution), Latif Blessing (Toronto FC), and Dax McCarty (Nashville SC) round out the list of the top 10 best defensive midfielders in MLS today.

Q3. Who are the best defensive midfielders in MLS history (all time)?

Some of the best all-time MLS defensive midfielders include Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders, Minnesota United), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Diego Chará (Portland Timbers), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), and Chris Armas (Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls).

Q1. What position number does defensive midfielder play in?

In traditional football (soccer) numbering systems, the defensive midfielder usually wears the number 6 jersey. So, most commonly, when people say the defensive midfielder’s number, they mean the 6

Q4. Who were the best defensive midfielders in MLS in 2022?

In 2022, Ilie Sánchez, José Martínez, Obinna Nwobodo, and Diego Chará were consistently ranked among the best defensive midfielders due to their leadership and defensive impact.

Q5. Who are the top 50 MLS players today?

The list includes stars across all positions, from midfield anchors like Ilie Sánchez and Nagbe to attackers such as Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati), Carlos Vela (LAFC), and Thiago Almada (Atlanta United). Defensive midfielders often rank highly for their consistency and influence.

Q6. Who are the top 10 best players in MLS overall?

As of today, names like Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Hany Mukhtar, Luciano Acosta, Carlos Vela, Thiago Almada, Cucho Hernández, Sebastián Driussi, Héctor Herrera, Riqui Puig, and Denis Bouanga are considered among the top 10 best players in MLS.

Q7. Who are the best MLS players in EA Sports FC 24?

In EA Sports FC 24, some of the highest-rated MLS players include Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC), Giorgio Chiellini (LAFC), and Héctor Herrera (Houston Dynamo). Among defensive midfielders, Ilie Sánchez and Darlington Nagbe are solid picks in-game.

Q8. Who are some of the most famous players in MLS right now?

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC), Carlos Vela (LAFC), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) are among the most famous and impactful stars currently in the league.

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