Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has been named the best defensive midfielder in world football in a new top 10 list.
The France international has had relatively underwhelming season, at least by his high standards, but he remains the best No 6 on the planet, according to FourFourTwo.
Casemiro is second on the list after another impressive campaign with La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who are also through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Kante has been named as the best defensive midfielder in world football (Image: PA)
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is third. The Brazilian has already helped the Reds to the Carabao Cup this season, while Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
West Ham’s Declan Rice is fourth. The England international has captained the Hammers throughout the season, helping them to seventh in the Premier League and the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Fifth on the list is Rodri, who has continued to play a crucial role for Premier League leaders Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side are currently one point clear of Liverpool at the top of the table, while they are also through to the last four of the Champions League.
Real Madrid's Casemiro is second on the list (Image: PA)
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is sixth on the list. Formerly a full-back, Kimmich is now a key midfielder for Bayern, who could win their 10th consecutive Bundesliga title this weekend with victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti is seventh, while Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic is eighth.
Another England international, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, is ninth. Arguably more of a No 8 than a No 6, FourFourTwo have justified his inclusion because of his impressive defensive stats this season.
The list is finally rounded off by Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets. Described as once being the "gold standard" of defensive midfielders, Busquets still remains among the best in his position in La Liga, despite Barcelona’s struggles this season.
Liverpool's Fabinho is one of four Premier League players on the list (Image: PA)
Here is FourFourTwo's top 10 list in full:
10. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona and Spain), 9. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund and England), 8. Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan and Croatia), 7. Marco Verratti (PSG and Italy), 6. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich and Germany), 5. Rodri (Manchester City and Spain), 4. Declan Rice (West Ham and England), 3. Fabinho (Liverpool and Brazil), 2. Casemiro (Real Madrid and Brazil), 1. Kante (Chelsea and France)
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