The Best Defensive Midfielders in FM24


In Football Manager 2024, defensive midfielders are crucial for controlling the game. Let’s dive straight into the top players in the holding midfield role in the game: Rodri, Joshua Kimmich, Declan Rice, Frenkie de Jong, and Bruno Guimarães.

Rodri: Manchester City

  • Rodri is the obvious choice here after his performances for Manchester City and stands out for his smart play and solid positioning. He’s a key player for controlling the midfield and breaking up opponent attacks.

Joshua Kimmich: Bayern Munich

  • Kimmich is not just a defensive midfielder; he’s versatile. Expect precise passes, tenacious tackling, and tireless work rate from him.

Declan Rice: Arsenal

  • Rice is known for his physicality and ability to read the game. He’s a solid choice for anchoring the midfield and stopping opponents.

Frenkie de Jong: Barcelona

  • De Jong’s elegant style masks his effectiveness. With great ball control and vision, he smoothly transitions between defense and attack.

Bruno Guimarães: Newcastle

  • Guimarães is a rising star with energy, intelligence, and a knack for breaking up play. He’s a smart investment for teams looking for midfield stability and is even handy in the Segundo Volante role.


These defensive midfielders—Rodri, Kimmich, Rice, De Jong, and Guimarães—bring essential qualities to your side in Football Manager 2024. Whether it’s tactical smarts, versatility, defensive solidity, these players have what it takes to dominate the midfield in your save. They will be tough to prize away from their respective clubs but keep them on your radar as you navigate your save game.