Top 10 Best Central Midfielders in eFootball 2023

Fabio Henrique Tavares, born on October 23, 1993, better known as Fabinho, is a professional footballer from Brazil who plays as a defensive midfielder or right-back for Liverpool and the Brazil national team.

Fabinho is a key player in Liverpool's lineup, having occasionally played as a center-back when Virgil van Dijk was injured. As a defensive midfielder, he excels at intercepting passes, tackling, and disrupting opposition attacks. Despite not having the largest physique, Fabinho can challenge for the ball effectively in all areas of the pitch. He is also quite mobile, often contributing to the attack, but never neglecting his defensive duties. With good height, he frequently participates in clearing corners and sometimes drops back to cover for defenders. Fabinho's passing abilities are solid, helping to link the team and quickly initiate counter-attacks. However, his dribbling can be limited due to his balance. His well-rounded stats for passing and defense make him an excellent choice for players looking for a reliable, solid midfield presence. Fabinho is ideal for teams that need a dependable defensive midfielder to strengthen their defense during counter-attacks.

Overall, Fabinho's base attributes are more than satisfactory, offering solid defensive and attacking potential. He is a top choice for players seeking a reliable defensive option to bolster their midfield.

Born in Madrid in 1996, Rodrigo (commonly known as Rodri) is a Spanish midfielder who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2019 after a season with Atletico Madrid.

At 26 years old, Rodri is considered one of the top defensive midfielders with excellent ball progression skills (whether through passing or dribbling forward), and his defensive actions are key both in the game and in real life. Standing at 1.91 meters and weighing 85kg, his physical presence is perfect for a defensive midfielder. On the pitch, Rodri is versatile, capable of supporting defenders in building from the back and controlling the tempo of the game. His ability to read the game is exceptional, often positioning himself at the right place and time to disrupt opponents' attacking moves early in their half, giving his team a competitive edge. Rodri's stats are outstanding, with defensive and passing ratings all above 8. He excels in interceptions, shielding the ball, and tackling, making him a reliable figure in the midfield. He is also an effective aerial presence during set pieces, often contributing with powerful shots from the edge of the box.

Rodri's strength lies in his simple, effective ball distribution, making him a great choice for players who prefer a possession-based style of play. Overall, his solid, straightforward approach makes him an excellent option for controlling the tempo in defensive midfield.

Marcelo Brozovic was born on November 16, 1992, and is a professional footballer from Croatia who plays as a midfielder for Inter Milan and the Croatian national team.

If you're looking for a midfielder with incredible stamina and passion in every play, then Brozovic is the perfect choice for you. Standing at 1.81m and weighing 68kg, he possesses a solid frame for a central midfielder. Despite his physical stature, Brozovic is known for his excellent link-up play and his tendency to push the ball forward. For those in need of an attacking midfielder, Brozovic is a great pick. His passing and shooting are outstanding for a central midfielder, and it's clear his style leans toward a more attacking role. However, his defensive stats are equally impressive, as he is a fierce competitor in pressing and 1v1 duels. His tackling ability is also strong, making him a great option for regaining possession and helping with defensive efforts.

Overall, Brozovic's base attributes are already solid, and if the match requires a more attacking style, he is a great option to help drive the ball forward and link up with teammates in the attacking phase.

Sergio Busquets Burgos, born on July 16, 1988, commonly known as Sergio, is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. He is the son of Carles Busquets, a former goalkeeper who played in the 1990s.

The way Sergio Busquets plays is a blueprint for how a defensive midfielder should operate, both defensively and offensively. When the opposition has possession, Busquets often pushes forward, urging his teammates to advance with him, and applies pressure to the opponent. Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Busquets is not just known for his defensive capabilities but also for his intelligent style of play. Unlike typical defensive midfielders, Busquets relies on his intellect and individual technique to evade the opposition's pressing, rarely resorting to crude tackles to regain possession. His tactical awareness and ability to read the game allow him to control the ball, dictate the tempo, and distribute passes like a deep-lying playmaker. Busquets isn't about physical strength; his greatness lies in his subtle but highly effective contribution, much like Iniesta or Xavi.

It’s difficult to comment on Busquets in a conventional sense—he's like the unseen cog in the machine that makes everything run smoothly. His style of play isn't flashy, yet it’s far from dull; he makes the game look effortless, especially when receiving passes in defensive positions and making everything seem simple after a single touch.

Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi, born on December 16, 1996, is a professional footballer from Nigeria who plays as a defensive midfielder for Leicester City and the Nigerian national team.

Ndidi's tackling and intercepting skills have made him a key player in preventing counter-attacks and strengthening the defense. He serves as a shield in front of the backline, helping to neutralize the opponent’s attacking plays. Standing at 1.86m and possessing remarkable agility with long strides, Ndidi covers a lot of ground, making him an effective force in midfield. His speed gives him a distinct advantage in foot races, which is another highlight of his game as a central midfielder. Ndidi also has an excellent tactical awareness, with the ability to deliver precise cross-field passes and an impressive long-range shooting ability. His presence on the field provides a sense of security for both the defenders and the attackers. Central defenders find their job much easier with a midfield “sweeper” like Ndidi protecting them.

Ndidi is the perfect choice for those in need of a midfield powerhouse. His ability to regain possession, harass opposing players, and cover every inch of the field makes him a crucial player in a high-pressing system.

Jorginho, born on December 20, 1991, is a professional footballer from Italy with Brazilian roots. He plays as a central midfielder for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Italian national team.

Jorginho's preferred position is that of a deep-lying playmaker, and unlike Andrea Pirlo, he tends to stay deep rather than pushing forward in attack. This distinguishes him from Pirlo’s role as a Regista. His job is to be the central hub of passing, initiating attacking moves with sharp vision, precise passing, and exceptional tactical awareness. Jorginho orchestrates play by linking the defense to the attack and dictating the tempo of the game. Though he isn’t known for scoring or directly assisting, his long, accurate passes create chances for teammates. Despite playing deep in midfield, Jorginho’s lack of defensive skills, such as poor positioning and slower reactions in man-marking, can be a weakness. His strength lies more in controlling the game and less in disrupting the opponent’s attacks. Nonetheless, his off-the-ball movement is outstanding, and he often presses the opposition to prevent dangerous situations.

Jorginho is also praised for his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces and his leadership in organizing the defense to cover gaps. He is also famous for his distinctive penalty-taking style, with a jump before striking the ball, achieving a high conversion rate.

Jordan Brian Henderson, born on June 17, 1990, is an English footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Liverpool in the Premier League and the England national team.

Henderson is a versatile midfielder, primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, known for his relentless work rate and the energy he brings to his team. He presses high whenever the opposition gains the lead. Henderson can act as a shield in front of the defense, a deep-lying playmaker, or even a box-to-box midfielder or a right-sided number 8, depending on the tactical setup. He’s a tireless fighter on the field, executing fierce tackles, intercepting passes, and breaking up opponent attacks. At the same time, he can display remarkable finesse with the ball, making short, long, and cross-field passes with pinpoint accuracy, driving the team forward and creating space where others may not see it. Statistically, Henderson is better suited for passing and attacking, but he can also cover vast areas of the pitch with his exceptional stamina.

What's remarkable is that Henderson achieves all this with an effortless, composed demeanor. It seems as though he plays without thinking, as everything he does is seamlessly programmed—smooth, precise, and effective.

N’Golo Kanté, born on March 29, 1991, in Paris, France, is a professional footballer and a key player for the French national team. He is often referred to as the most lovable player in the world, with many people—including opponents—finding it hard to dislike him. There’s a joke that 2/3 of the Earth’s surface is water, and the other 1/3 is Kanté’s footsteps.

The only ‘cute’ player in the Team of the Year, N’Golo Kanté, is a prime example of a central midfielder who excels at breaking up play and tackling. His pace is impressive, and he’s a nightmare for opponents to shake off, able to track back swiftly or even race strikers during counterattacks. Kanté is exceptional in tackles, interceptions, and winning duels, even when going up against larger midfielders or forwards. His ability to control the ball after regaining possession is outstanding, and his anticipation and positioning in central areas are top-notch. Kanté’s short passing is extremely accurate, making him ideal for quick one-touch passes, while his long passes are also reliable, helping his team to transition rapidly. Despite his modest height, Kanté’s stamina compensates for his aerial challenges. He’s not known for his shooting, so using him for long-range efforts is not recommended, and he can sometimes leave himself exposed when pushing forward.

Choosing N'Golo Kanté as a central midfielder in your squad is a solid choice. When the ball is in the defensive half, he’ll hunt it down and press with relentless energy. His physicality and exceptional tackling skills make him a formidable central midfielder in the game.

Joshua Walter Kimmich, born on February 8, 1995, is a German footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or right-back for FC Bayern München and the Germany national team. Though his physical stature may not be imposing, Kimmich’s fighting spirit and determination to succeed are evident. He was once seen as too small, and even a hip injury threatened to derail his career. But everything changed. The Kimmich of Bayern Munich is an upgraded version, excelling in physique, style of play, and intelligence.

Kimmich has earned recognition for his hard work on the field, impressing everyone with his footballing talent. His defensive skills are outstanding, with excellent tackling, decisive one-on-one challenges, and quick reactions to regaining possession. His pace is adequate for a midfielder, and he’s adept at intercepting passes and disrupting attacks. His short passes are accurate, his ball control is quick and precise, and while his long passing can occasionally be slightly off, it’s generally reliable. In situations where your midfield doesn’t see many crosses, Kimmich is often used for set pieces. Standing at 1.76m, he may not be tall, but he excels in aerial duels, clearing corners and dealing with high balls effectively. His ball control is exceptional, and he can hold off opponents while maintaining balance and composure in tight situations. Moreover, if needed, Kimmich can slot in as a right-back, where he continues to contribute both defensively and offensively. Kimmich’s all-around game is practically flawless, and with his intensity and determination, you can rely on him to protect the midfield or cover the right flank.

Even with his base stats, Kimmich offers an incredibly well-rounded skill set, making him an excellent choice for anyone who needs a reliable midfielder who can also link defense and attack seamlessly. He’s certainly a player to keep in mind for those seeking a versatile central midfielder.

Casemiro, full name Carlos Henrique Casimiro, was born on February 23, 1992, in Brazil. Currently, he plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Brazil national team.

As a defensive midfielder, let’s focus on his defensive capabilities. Casemiro has average speed, but his tackling, strength, and ability to win duels are exceptional, making him highly effective at retrieving the ball. Standing at 1.85m, with excellent jumping and heading ability, he is a solid presence in aerial duels. Casemiro rarely loses his position, maintains his focus, and provides strong cover. His interception skills are outstanding, and he's also adept at cutting off passes or predicting opposition plays. If he doesn't intercept a pass, he relentlessly presses and puts pressure on the ball carrier. His ball control is excellent, and his quick reactions allow him to cut out passes and retain possession. Casemiro is also proficient in short passing, and with his boosted long passing skills, he can initiate attacks with accurate long balls. His shielding ability is exceptional, and he handles pressing situations effectively. Despite being a defensive midfielder, Casemiro's shooting ability is impressive. He often pushes forward like a central midfielder and occasionally makes runs into the box to meet crosses. Whenever possession is lost, he’s always the first to track back and apply pressure on the opponent’s striker.

In terms of what a central midfielder needs, Casemiro excels in all areas. His base stats alone make him an ideal choice for anyone seeking a tireless box-to-box midfielder who can both defend and contribute offensively. Casemiro is undoubtedly a must-have in the list of top central midfielders.