The 10 best defensive midfielders on the planet: Chelsea man just misses out on top spot

8) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

A player who looks almost certain to be heading to the Premier League in the coming months, Sami Khedira is largely seen as a defensive midfielder, but it is perhaps his lack of consistent defensive cover that lets him down. A box-to-box player, Khedira does do his defensive job well – but can be exposed if played as an out-and-out covering midfielder against a good team.