Alright, football fanatics and Football Manager 2023 enthusiasts, let's dive deep into the heart of the midfield and talk about the unsung heroes: the defensive midfielders! These are the guys who do the dirty work, break up play, shield the defense, and ultimately, allow your creative players to shine. Finding the best defensive midfielders FM23 can be the key to a rock-solid team, capable of dominating possession and shutting down the opposition. Whether you're managing a global powerhouse or a plucky underdog, the right defensive midfielder can transform your fortunes. This guide is designed to help you scout, identify, and sign the perfect defensive midfielder to anchor your squad in Football Manager 2023. We will explore the key attributes, highlight some top-tier players, and offer insights to help you make informed decisions in the transfer market. Let's get started, shall we?

Decoding the Defensive Midfielder Role in FM23

Before we get into specific players, let's understand what makes a top-class defensive midfielder tick in FM23. This role is far more than just tackling and intercepting; it's about tactical awareness, positioning, and providing a shield for your backline. The defensive midfielder acts as the first line of defense, breaking up opposition attacks, winning back possession, and distributing the ball effectively to start your own attacks.

Several key attributes define a great defensive midfielder. First and foremost, Tackling is crucial for winning the ball. Marking is essential to track runners and prevent them from getting into dangerous positions. Positioning is the ability to anticipate and be in the right place to intercept passes and cut off passing lanes. Work Rate is important because it dictates how often the player will contribute to all phases of play, and Stamina is important to maintain performance over the course of a match. Teamwork helps in the collective effort to close down opponents and support teammates. Anticipation is an attribute that helps a player to make decisions quickly and accurately. Strength is another important attribute, allowing defensive midfielders to win physical battles and shield the ball. Passing and Vision are also important for a defensive midfielder to have, as they allow for the quick distribution of the ball to teammates. Finally, Decisions help them make good choices on the field and react to different situations. Understanding these attributes is crucial to finding players who fit your tactical system and style of play. They can be deployed in a variety of roles, including defensive midfielder (defend), defensive midfielder (support), and even as a half-back. Each role has specific instructions that will affect the player's performance. Knowing what a player excels in and how they will fit your team's tactical style is important.

Scouting for the Best Defensive Midfielders in FM23: Key Attributes

So, you're ready to hit the scouting reports and find the perfect defensive midfielder for your squad? Awesome! Let's talk about the key attributes you should be focusing on. This is where you separate the wheat from the chaff. We've already touched on the importance of tackling, marking, and positioning, but let's break it down further, shall we?

• Tackling: This is the bread and butter of the defensive midfielder's game. You need a player who can consistently win the ball cleanly. Look for players with high tackling and aggression. A player with high tackling will be more likely to win the ball, and high aggression will make them more willing to go into tackles. However, be cautious; high aggression can lead to cards, so you need to balance this. Players like Casemiro are renowned for their tackling ability, a prime example of someone who can consistently win the ball and disrupt opposition attacks.
• Marking: Defensive midfielders need to be able to track runners and close down space. A high marking attribute is crucial. This attribute helps the player to stay close to their assigned opponent. Players like Rodri are good markers, which allows them to effectively deny space to the opposition.
• Positioning: Anticipating where the ball will be and being in the right place at the right time is crucial. Look for players with high positioning and anticipation. This allows them to intercept passes and cut off passing lanes. N'Golo Kanté is a master of positioning, constantly winning the ball back and breaking up attacks before they develop.
• Work Rate and Stamina: These two attributes go hand in hand. A defensive midfielder needs the stamina to cover ground all game and the work rate to be involved in both defense and attack. High work rate means a player will contribute in both defense and attack. High stamina ensures the player can maintain their performance throughout the match. Declan Rice is an excellent example of a player with high work rate and stamina.
• Strength and Aggression: These attributes are vital in winning physical battles and being assertive in challenges. Strong players can win duels and shield the ball effectively. High aggression means they'll be more willing to challenge and disrupt opposition play. However, as noted before, be careful of players with high aggression as they are more prone to fouls.
• Passing and Vision: While their primary role is defensive, a good defensive midfielder needs to be able to distribute the ball effectively to initiate attacks. Look for players with good passing, vision, and decisions. They should be able to pick out passes and retain possession. Players like Toni Kroos are known for their passing ability.

When scouting, don't just focus on the raw attributes. Look at the player's personality, hidden attributes, and preferred moves. These can significantly impact their performance on the field. Also, consider the player's tactical familiarity with the role and your system. All these factors contribute to finding the perfect defensive midfielder for your team.

Top Defensive Midfielders in FM23: Player Spotlights

Alright, enough theory – let's get to the fun part! Here are some of the best defensive midfielders FM23 has to offer, broken down by price range and potential. Please keep in mind that player performance can vary from save to save, but these are generally considered some of the top options.

Elite Tier: The World-Class Anchors

These are the big dogs, the players who can immediately transform your midfield and solidify your team's defense. Signing one of these guys usually requires a hefty transfer fee, but their impact is often worth it. They are some of the best defensive midfielders in FM23

• Rodri (Manchester City): A mainstay in Manchester City's midfield, Rodri is a complete defensive midfielder. He excels in tackling, positioning, and passing. His ability to control the tempo of the game and shield the defense is second to none. Rodri is an excellent choice for any team that values possession and defensive stability. His high mental attributes, such as anticipation and decisions, make him a very reliable player.
• Casemiro (Manchester United): A seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. Casemiro is a tackling machine, known for his relentless work rate and ability to win the ball back. He is also a very good leader, making him a great asset on and off the field. His aggressive style and strong tackling ability make him a disruptive force in midfield. He brings a winning mentality to any team he plays for, and he is a great leader, with very high determination.

Mid-Tier: The Solid Options

These players are more affordable, and they provide excellent value for money. They may not be world-class, but they can still make a significant impact on your team.

• Declan Rice (West Ham United): A young, dynamic midfielder with a high work rate, stamina, and tackling ability. Declan Rice is a good choice for teams that want a player who can cover a lot of ground and win the ball back. He is also a good leader, with high determination and work rate. He is known for his tackling ability and his ability to win the ball back and is a great asset in midfield, providing energy and defensive solidity.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid): A young, dynamic, and versatile midfielder with good tackling, marking, and passing. He has great potential and is a good long-term investment. He is a modern defensive midfielder with excellent attributes. He offers a blend of physicality, defensive prowess, and passing ability. He's also relatively young and can grow into a world-class player.
• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): A player who is known for his tackling and defensive abilities. He has good physical attributes and is a solid choice for teams looking for a defensive presence in midfield. He is a player who can read the game well and is a strong tackler. Despite his lack of pace, he offers great value for his price.

Budget Buys: Bargains to Bolster Your Midfield

On a tight budget? No problem! There are plenty of hidden gems in FM23 who can become key players for your team. You will often find these players in lesser-known leagues or at clubs that are willing to sell.

• Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa): Has good tackling, marking, and passing ability. He's a good all-around player with a lot of potential. He is very good in tackling and interceptions and is a good value for his price. He is good in the air and is a threat in set pieces.
• Ismaël Bennacer (AC Milan): A young, versatile, and dynamic midfielder. He is good in tackling, marking, and passing. He is a player who can play in multiple positions and is a good option for teams looking for versatility. He is a good value for his price and can develop into a key player.

Tactical Roles and Instructions for Defensive Midfielders

How you deploy your defensive midfielder is as important as the player you choose. Their role and instructions significantly impact how they perform on the pitch. Let's delve into the various roles and instructions that can be assigned in FM23.

• Defensive Midfielder (Defend): This is the most conservative role. The player focuses on winning the ball back and protecting the defense. They will stay deep, mark opponents closely, and rarely venture forward. This is a safe option for holding the midfield. Give them the