Top 5 Holding Midfielders EPL season preview - Is Wanyama the best around?

A solid holding midfielder (CDM) is one of the most important positions in any team, they are not only tasked with bringing the ball up from out the back but also breaking down opposition attacks and regaining possession. In order to be effective players must have a great reading of the game, an ability to play simple passes and the discipline to go into tackles fairly and appropriately. Barcelona's Busquets is one of the perfect examples but who is leading the way in the Premier League?

#5 Nemanja Matic - Chelsea FC

Matic was undoubtedly the best CDM, if not midfielder in the 2014/15 season for Chelsea. The Serbian put a nail in the coffin of every opposition attack however last season he was far from at his best. His immense build means he is rarely out strengthened then again he is often sluggish both on and off the ball as a result. Under Conte Matic could see a return to form, however his place may be under threat from new boy Kante, perhaps two CDMs could help secure up the defence which were unlocked so easily last season.




#4 Moussa Dembele - Tottenham Hotspur

Dembele arrived at Tottenham in 2012 however was slow to get going, yet at 29 years of age he may haver finally reached his peak when he put in many admirable performances in Spurs' failed title campaign. Very few players have better physicality than Dembele, he offers such power in midfield that few can compete with. Unfortunately the Tottenham man received a 6 game ban at the end of the season for poking Costa's eye which dented an otherwise impressive season, the Belgium will miss the opening Premier League games and as a result however Pochettino may have other more than capable defensive midfielders up his sleeve...

#3 Victor Wanyama - Tottenham Hotspur

The Kenyan captain left the south coast to London this summer for £11 million. Wanyama is the best tackler is the league, ahead of the likes of Kante and Dier, however tackling is not the only role a CDM must fulfill. At times the 25 year old lacks discipline, 3 red cards last season epitomises this, furthermore Wanyama on the ball skills are surpassed by the likes of Kante. Wanyama's passes are often astray and he does not have the confidence or pace to drive forwards compared to Kante. At £11 million this is somewhat a bargain whether Wanyama be a mere squad player or definite starter.


#2 Eric Dier - Tottenham Hotspur

Dier was England's best player at the Euros thanks to a handful of steely and professional performances, he has come a long way this season after developing at Sporting Lisbon. At 22 years of age he is surprisingly the most disciplined players around! Dier is not afraid to tackle but his game does not end there, his aerial presence is superior when compared to Kante given his giant frame, on top of that he packs a thunderous drive as displayed in France. Fortunately chances of first team football are far from Dier for the England midfielder as it would be unthinkable to deny the youngster a starting spot.

#1 Ngolo Kante - Chelsea FC

A £32 million move based on one fantastic season will often be labelled as 'ridiculous' however very few are critical of Chelsea's move for such a key player. Kante is the quickest on the list, unusually for a CDM he has a small stature which reduces his aerial ability. However this does not mean to say he doesn't pack a punch in defence, Kante was the first to make 100 tackles in Europe's top 5 leagues last season and ultimately made the team of the season. For Chelsea there's a feeling of excitement on the other hand in Leicester there's one of concern as to who is to fill the void he has left.

Notable Mentions

Mark Noble - West Ham
Danny Drinkwater - Leicester City
Fernandinhio - Manchester City
Morgan Schneiderlin - Manchester United

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