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Defence: Five best defensive midfielders in the Premier league right now

By Christopher Godfrey

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Chelsea's Ngolo Kante battles for possession with Tottenham Hotspur's Victor Wanyama during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on November 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Chelsea's Ngolo Kante battles for possession with Tottenham Hotspur's Victor Wanyama during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on November 26, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 10: Ander Herrera of Manchester United is closed down by Adama Diomande of Hull City during the EFL Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford on January 10, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Ander Herrera  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Ander Herrera: Manchester United

Herrera is one of the most important players for Manchester United. If you don’t believe that, think back to earlier on in the season from when United were struggling defensively. Ander Herrera was not yet a consistent starter. Fortunately for the United fans, Jose Mourinho had a moment of clarity and decided to start him in more games. Herrera plays alongside Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba but in the midfield but he’s the one that usually plays further back which allows Pogba to drive forward.

The stats show that he also excels at breaking up opposition attacking plays with intelligent runs blocking the passing channels. He has the second highest interceptions average per game this season which shows his influence.

Appearances: 19

Tackles: 2.8

Interceptions: 3.1

Clearances: 1.9

Dribbled past: 2

Blocks: 0.2

Aerials won 1.1

The midfielder has enjoyed a dramatic turn in form since being converted to a defensive midfielder. He joined United for £29m from Atletico Bilbao in 2014 but he was played in a more attacking role under Louis Van Gaal. He struggled in this position and failed to justify his high price-tag. Fortunately, Mourinho has worked his magic and converted him into a Spanish N’Golo Kante.

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His high clearances, tackles and especially interceptions averages per game show why he is one of United’s best players.

The 27-year old even spoke about his change of position and form in a recent interview.

"“I am so happy to be a bit more of a defensive player than last season. I can share my energy with the team in that position. “I try to be aggressive, whenever we lose the ball I try to get it back always, but sometimes when the see [read] the football [game], you can recover more possession…”"

The 27-year-old will hope to continue his form in order to get United into the top four.

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