The German league, known for its intense and physical style of play, attracts some of the best midfielders in world soccer. In the Bundesliga, these players are key not only to protecting the defense, but also to building and accelerating the attack. Center-backs like Joshua Kimmich and Emre Can bring experience, technique and versatility to the midfield, while youngsters like Arthur Vermeeren and Kristijan Jakić show promising potential. All of them are among the best defensive midfielders in Germany today.
To learn about other names that are among the best and delve deeper into the career of each of them, as well as their main characteristics, read on!
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Best defensive midfielders in Germany: career, titles and records
Here is a list of the best defensive midfielders in Germany this season:
- Joshua Kimmich
- João Palhinha
- Aleksandar Pavlovic
- Arthur Vermeeren
- Angelo Stiller
- Granit Xhaka
- Ellyes Skhiri
- Robert Andrich
- Emre Can
- Kristijan Jakić
Read on to discover the careers and track records of each of best defensive midfielders in Germany.
1) Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich began his career at VfB Stuttgart, but it was at RB Leipzig where he excelled, catching the eye of Bayern Munich, who signed him in 2015. Since then, Kimmich has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Germany and in world soccer.
Kimmich is known for his versatility, and can play both at right-back and center-back.
The star is pivotal in both attack and defense, and is the main organizer of Bayern’s attacking moves, one of the biggest German teamsin history.
Titles with RB Leipzig.
- Saxony Cup: 2012-13
Titles for Bayern Munich
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2020
- UEFA Champions League: 2019-20
- UEFA Super Cup: 2020
- Bundesliga: 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
- German Cup: 2015-16, 2018-19, 2019-20
- German Supercup: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022
- Audi Cup: 2015
German national team honors
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
- European Under-19 Football Championship: 2014
2. João Palhinha (Bayern Munich)
João Palhinha began his professional career at Sporting CP, where he made history by winning the Portuguese title after a long drought.
In 2023, he was transferred to Bayern Munich and quickly became one of the best defensive midfielders in Germany .
Palhinha is known for his marking ability and intensity, as well as being one of the strongest names in the Bundesliga in tackles and interceptions.
3. Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich)
Another Bayern Munich star on the list of Germany’s top midfielders, Aleksandar Pavlovic began his career with the team in 2011 as a seven-year-old from SC Fürstenfeldbruck.
He began training with the first team in 2022 and has since become one of the most talked-about names in the league and one of the most valuable stars on the market.
With excellent performances both on and off the ball, he is considered to be more than just a promising player – after all, he is already one of the best in his position in the Bundesliga.
4. Arthur Vermeeren (Borussia Dortmund)
Arthur Vermeeren started his career in Belgian soccer with Royal Antwerp and in 2024 he moved to Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid, but that same year he was loaned to Dortmund, where he has been developing and is already considered by many experts as one of the best defensive midfielders in Germany.
With a creative style of play and excellent ball control, Vermeeren has excellent vision and passing accuracy, which helps him stand out among so many good players.
5. Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)
Angelo Stiller started at Bayern Munich, moved on to Hoffenheim and finally arrived at Stuttgart, where he found space to develop his career as one of the best defensive midfielders in Germany .
Since then, Stiller has impressed with his positional sense and ball skills, as well as his calmness under pressure and passing accuracy.
The midfielder is a strategic player in midfield, helping to set up attacking plays and in defense.
6. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen).
Granit Xhaka began his career at Basel, moving on to Borussia Mönchengladbach and Arsenal of the Premier League, before arriving at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
With extensive experience in European leagues, Xhaka is one of Leverkusen’s midfield leaders and undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in Germany today.
Known for his intensity, precision long passing and shooting from outside the box, Xhaka is a born leader and a player capable of controlling the tempo of the game, which is why he is so important to Bayer Leverkusen.
Among his most important achievements for the team, we cannot fail to mention his participation in winning the Bundesliga 2023/24 after a long wait!
Titles won by Bayer Leverkusen
- Bundesliga: 2023-24
- German Cup: 2023-24
- German Supercup: 2024
Read also: Bundesliga champions: list of all German soccer league winners.
7. Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Ellyes Skhiri started his career in Tunisia and made a name for himself at French club Montpellier before moving to Cologne and then Eintracht Frankfurt.
Skhiri is known for his ability to drop back and his strong physical presence, being one of those midfielders who know how to cover space well.
In addition to being efficient in defense, Skhiri also contributesin attack withimportant goals, especially from the air.
8. Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen)
Robert Andrich began his career in German soccer at smaller clubs before joining Bayer Leverkusen, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of Germany’s best midfielders, combining physical strength with good passing, ball recovery and playmaking.
The player is also renowned for his ability to transition between defense and attack.
Titles won by Bayer Leverkusen
- Bundesliga: 2023-24
- DFB-Pokal: 2023-24
- DFL-Supercup: 2024
9. Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)
Emre Can started at Bayern Munich and has had spells at Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Juventus and finally Borussia Dortmund. Experienced and versatile, Can plays both in midfield and defense, bringing solidity and experience to Dortmund.
Known for his physical strength and leadership, the player contributes significantly in both defense and attack, being exceptional in tackles and a reliable presence in midfield.
Honors with Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2012-13
- German Cup: 2012-13
- German Supercup: 2012
- UEFA Champions League: 2012-13
Titles for Borussia Dortmund.
- German Cup: 2020-21
Titles for Germany
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
10. Kristijan Jakić (FC Augsburg)
Kristijan Jakić began his career in Croatian soccer before joining Eintracht Frankfurt. A wide-open defender, he is one of the most intense defensive midfielders in the Bundesliga.
Jakić is admired for his physical style of play and his ability to protect the defense. His presence in midfield is crucial to the team’s scheme, especially for his role in transitions and tackles.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s track record
- UEFA Europa League: 2021-22
Germany’s best midfielders have shown impressive performances in the Bundesliga, each with specific skills that stand out in German soccer.
If you enjoy watching European competitions, it’s worth keeping an eye on the best midfielders in Germany today.
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