This role may not be considered the most glamorous job in football, but that doesn't make it any less important than others.
Not only do players need to be adept at tackling, interceptions and relentlessly pressing, they also need to be comfortable in possession, as well as being capable of picking a pass.
The role's importance is often underappreciated because of the difficulty for players to chalk up popular statistics, such as goals and assists, but every great team often has a deep-lying 'number six' making things tick.
Not only do the attributes needed to play the role make it one of the toughest positions on the pitch; there’s a mentality required to become a top defensive midfielder.
Lovers of the Ghanaian Premier League have been blessed with some truly exceptional midfield anchors in the ongoing campaign, and here’s kickgh.com’s rundown of the best of them all.
Seidu Yussif Dauda (Samartex)
Dauda is a truly terrifying ball winner - probably the best on this list - and has an insatiable appetite for running.
On his day, he's one of the best around and is one of those players that opposition players hate to come up against.
Be it turning over play, instigating quick counter-attacks, or spraying raking passes across the field, Dauda can do it all - and is never afraid to put his foot in where it hurts. Every team needs its engine room. Dauda is all of Samartex.
Jean Vital Ourega (Medeama)
Tireless work off the ball is essential in Evans Adotey’s system, with Ourega acting as the hounding, disrupting midfielder who gives opponents nightmares whenever they receive possession.
His all-round ability has improved this season, be it carrying the ball through the thirds with bull-like power, or finding his strikers with long, accurate balls.
The 27-year-old Ivorian can do pretty much everything: pass long, pass short, shoot from way out, shoot from close in, he is strong, can keep the ball, and has vision.
Eric Esso (Hearts of Oak)
He loves to tackle. He loves to steal possession and he loves to build attacks, which all shows in his all-action style of play. Just as tough to get the ball off as he is getting the ball off others, his influence in the Hearts side is can’t be understated.
He is blessed with the ability to sense danger before it even manifest, while knitting passes together and launching attacks. Esso often flies under the radar as his game is so simple. But it's so effective, too.
Richard Boadu (Asante Kotoko)
As midfield destroyers go, Boadu is unplayable, while he has a level of class on the ball that most can only dream of.
His importance to Kotoko was undeniable and it will be interesting to see how they fare without him.
A resilient shield that protects Kotoko’s back four, his reading of the game is one of the best in the division, and he often has a progressive intent the spurs the Porcupine Warriors on. He deserves more credit outside of the club.
Francis Twene (Bechem United)
With versatility in abundance due to the various roles he's played in his previous clubs, all that experience has weaved together to form the perfect package; the perfect amalgamation of mental, technical and physical attributes.
Able to control the tempo of matches, dig his heels in and defend when required, but also provide the eye-of-the-needle pass forward that starts (or finishes) an attack.
Twene’s nimble frame perhaps lures opponents into a false sense of security; the truth is he was one of the most combative and tireless midfielders you are likely to see in the Ghanaian topflight.
Abdul Latif (King Faisal)
Abdul Latif is a paradox of a player – a beefcake who rarely throws his weight around.
Instead, he relies on intelligent reading of the game, two excellent feet and a sumptuous range of passing to keep opponents on the back foot. He has the turn of pace to beat the press and rarely misplays a pass.
The piece of the puzzle which brings the whole thing together.
He is the heartbeat of the King Faisal side – the leader in midfield who ensures a team of stars stays humble and competitive against weaker opponents.
Flavien Kongoza (Berekum Chelsea)
His selfless attitude and ability to move around the pitch have seen him become one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in the league. His ability to disrupt the play and launch attacks has become a feature of the Berekum Chelsea side.
He is very intelligent and is able to diversify how he uses it: whether it be a simple pass, a dribble into space or the whipped passes out wide that has made him such a regular supplier to the Chelsea attack.
