Defensive Midfielders are known to have a incredible job to do, most stay with the back line and just pass the ball out the back. But there are others who put themselves ahead of others, having the ability to play on both sides of the pitch during all times of the game. This list will show you ten of them that did their job exceptionally in the year of 2013
#10. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC)
Mikel Arteta is a interesting player coming in a number 10, a player who was converted into a DM. Over the past year and a half he's changed from the player he was at Everton FC. While at Everton Arteta was in a more advanced role, which lead to a career best 9 goals and 12 assists during the 2006-2007 season. But all has changed for the Spaniard who has exceptional passing range and can open up a game at key moments for the gunners. A notable accolade he recieved was Arsenal's co-captaincy, a role he took after a great first season as the anchor for Arsenal. Lets hope we get to see more of him during the rest of the season as he is currently out with a torn hamstring.
#9. Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
It may seem surprising that a key catalyst for Man United's title win is at the bottom half of the list. Many people should appreciate the way Carrick plays as he dominated at the helm of the back line. Passing the ball out the back, winning it in key situations, and pushing up the pitch to help support the forward line. If you still don't think Carrick is a great player just look at his pass to Javier Hernandez against Chelsea.
Carrick will be eager to give Manchester United another title with more sublime performances.
#8. Roman Neustadter (Schalke 04)
This 25 year old Ukraine born German international may seem like a average player but he was one of the steals of the 2012-2013 season. Roman was purchased by Schalke 04 on a free transfer from fellow Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbech and has never looked back. His phenomenal play lead Schalke to a fourth place finish. You can also tell the player is immense when he leads his team in passes completed (1123), tackles (57), and interceptions (55). All three categories show how important Neustadter is to his club.
#7. Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint Germain)
26 year old Frenchman Blaise Matuidi has grown as a indispensable player for PSG ever since he moved there in 2011. Know for his passing accuracy and ability to win the ball cleanly, he is a player who's key in most of PSG's games. It showed in his amazing performance against European giant Barcelona, putting in the last minute equalizer to save PSG from defeat. He also capped of the 2012-2013 season with a Ligue 1 trophy to add to his growing collection.
#6. Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Javi Martinez has had a great year for club and country, winning trophy's with one and reaching the final with the latter. After moving to Bayern for 40 million euros from Athletic Bilbao many had high expectations for him. And boy did he deliver, playing in a pivot role in front of the back line with Bastian Schweinsteiger. This was extremely instrumental as Bayern would go on to win a historic treble (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League). The latter competition he was a key figure, helping break up Barcelona's midfield to progress to the final. He's still only 24 years old so he has plenty of time to prefect his craft and cement his role as a starter for the amazing Spain national side.
#5. Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen)
Many would agree that Lars is the better than his twin brother Sven Bender of Borussia Dortmund. At the age of 24 he is vice-captain of Leverkusen and is a great tackler of the ball for his club. It showed as Bayer had the second best defense in the league only conceding 39 goals all season behind Bayern Munich. He also helped and put in amazing efforts to lead Bayer to a 3rd place finish in the Bundesliga. His play has developed a lot over the years and he has a starting role in the German national squad. For now you can say that Lars is the Michael Laudrup to his brother in terms of who's better. He has plenty years ahead of him and can probably become a captain for club and country.
#4. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
Xabi Alonso is one of the best passers in the world when he steps on the pitch. To see a player of his class be out for 3 months isn't great at all. It seems like he has a connection with the ball that lets him play the ball calmly wherever he wants. He is the lynchpin between the defense and the offense and does it extremely well. Over the past 2 years he's won a euro and finished runners up against Brazil in the Confederations Cup. When he plays for Madrid he is a exceptional tackler of the ball and gets a few key passes a game. At the age of 31 he still has a few years left in him and it is a pleasure to see him play.
#3. Maxime Gonalons (Olympique Lyonnais)
This may seem like a unlikely player for the top 3 but Maxime Gonalons is a player who holds all the tools.When he plays it out the back line he plays it safe and he has a high passing accuracy. He also led his team in tackles and is one of the leaders of intereptions for his side. Gonalons also played well in the Ligue 1 as he helped led Lyon as captain to a third place finish. He has also gotten a berth in the French national squad and it seems like he can be a fixture in the side for years to come. He'll be looking to add some silverware to his collection this season and at 24 he has plenty of years ahead of him.
#2. Andrea Pirlo (Juventes)
Coming in at number two is the always sublime Andrea Pirlo, who possesses some of the best passing in the game. The Italian has made a name for himself over his career at AC Milan and his current club Juventes for his mind-blowing passes. Pirlo plays as the anchor in Italy's 3-5-2 and pulls the string for the side who reached the 2012 UEFA Euro final. He also helped Juventes to two straight Serie A titles in the process. Even though he his is diminutive to other DM's his smooth play and calm passing makes up for it. Andrea hopes to play until the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it would be amazing to see him cap off his career with a win in the final.
#1. Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona)
If Lionel Messi is important to Barcelona's success, Sergio Busquets must be twice as important to the club. He burst on to the scene a lanky young player, but showed what he was about as he pushed the powerful Yaya Toure out of the starting eleven. Over time he has gotten smarter and smarter leaving the passing to midfielders in front of him. He's a amazing tackler and his bad rap as a diver has seemed to wear off. His off ball movement is also top par as it seems he's always in the right position to disposes the opponent. Busquets is the one who stays with the back line while Alonso pushes up the pitch for the national side. Some players are even having trouble breaking into their respective starting eleven because of him. Mark my words, Sergio Busquets will be one of the best players of all time by the end of his career.
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