Destroyers of the Pitch: Top 5 EPL Defensive Midfielders

Photo Courtesy of Twitter @SouthamptonFC

2. Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton

The 25-year-old Southampton skipper has been a part of the Saints fold since 2008 and a part of the French National team set up since 2004 (playing for the U16 side). Many started taking notice of the French international in 2013-14 when Southampton took the Premier League by storm and became a mid table side from one that was just trying to stay afloat from relegation. He was the main protection for a talented Saints back four that included Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw and lead the attacks by the likes of Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

The summer of 2014 saw all those players leave, while Schneiderlin’s transfer request was neglected by the club. Like a true professional, instead of holding out for a transfer, Schneiderlin played at a top level for a Southampton team that had no expectations following the mass exodus. Quite contrary to the expert predictions, the Saints have been near the top of the table up until recently.

As a matter of fact, they were in second as the calendar turned from November to December. It is no coincidence that Southampton’s current slide in form started when Schneiderlin was sidelined with an injury that is just seeing him return to fitness now.