With N’Golo Kante proving himself doubly important this season – through his absence, in the case of Leicester City’s dramatic fall, as well as through his all-encompassing presence at the heart of Chelsea’s title charge this season – the defensive midfielder position has never been more fashionable.

But what makes the perfect defensive midfielder?

There have been plenty of great examples of top-class holding midfielders in recent years, each bringing to the role a different style.

Claude Makelele, for example, was the perfect shield for the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and setting his own teammates off with short, simple passes. Never flashy, but dependable.

On the other end of the spectrum, Andrea Pirlo was the consummate deep-lying playmaker, launching attacks from a holding role with pinpoint passes and superlative vision.

Who’s the best defensive midfielder you’ve seen?

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