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Goal.com Player Of The Decade: Defensive Midfielder
Choose, from the following five options, the outstanding candidate for best defensive midfielder of the decade....
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Dec 23, 2009 11:00:00 AM
The Nominees
Edgar Davids
After coming through Ajax's famed academy, picking up bucketfuls of honours along the way, the Surinam-born 'Pitbull' helped Juventus to two Scudetti in this decade as well as a Champions League final in 2003. He guided Barcelona to second place in la Liga after his arrival on loan in 2004 rejuvenated the Blaugrana. Davids was also named in the Euro 2000 team of the tournament and formed, in the words of Marcello Lippi, 'a one man engine room' for club and country.
Michael Essien
Since joining Chelsea, Essien has continued his development into one of the world's most complete midfielders. Equally adept going forward as he is at defending, the Ghanaian has become the heartbeat of the Pensioners' midfield since Claude Makelele's departure. The 'Bison' has two Ligue 1 titles, as well as a Premier League medal, in his locker and is an irreplaceable member of Ghana's national team, the Black Stars.
Gennaro Gattuso
'Ringhio' has become synonymous with AC Milan over the past ten years, wearing his heart on his sleeve and a scowl on his face as the Rossoneri picked up a Scudetto, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup. Gattuso was also integral to Italy's 2006 World Cup success.
Claude Makelele
Credited with defining the defensive midfielder's position, which is now named after him. As consistent as the tide, Makelele was proven to be nigh-on irreplaceable for the Galacticos of Real Madrid and carried on his dominant brand of ball-winning and passing at Chelsea. Makelele is a Champions League winner, as well as two-time winner of la Liga and the Premier League.
Patrick Vieira
Enjoyed some legendary battles with Roy Keane of Manchester United duing the early part of the decade and led Arsenal to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups since the turn of the century. Vieira has won three Serie A titles with Inter as well as having the one he won with Juventus revoked due to Calciopoli. He was a key part of France's Euro 2000 win and played a major role in Les Bleus' run to the World Cup final in 2006.
Edgar Davids
After coming through Ajax's famed academy, picking up bucketfuls of honours along the way, the Surinam-born 'Pitbull' helped Juventus to two Scudetti in this decade as well as a Champions League final in 2003. He guided Barcelona to second place in la Liga after his arrival on loan in 2004 rejuvenated the Blaugrana. Davids was also named in the Euro 2000 team of the tournament and formed, in the words of Marcello Lippi, 'a one man engine room' for club and country.
Michael Essien
Since joining Chelsea, Essien has continued his development into one of the world's most complete midfielders. Equally adept going forward as he is at defending, the Ghanaian has become the heartbeat of the Pensioners' midfield since Claude Makelele's departure. The 'Bison' has two Ligue 1 titles, as well as a Premier League medal, in his locker and is an irreplaceable member of Ghana's national team, the Black Stars.
Gennaro Gattuso
'Ringhio' has become synonymous with AC Milan over the past ten years, wearing his heart on his sleeve and a scowl on his face as the Rossoneri picked up a Scudetto, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup. Gattuso was also integral to Italy's 2006 World Cup success.
Claude Makelele
Credited with defining the defensive midfielder's position, which is now named after him. As consistent as the tide, Makelele was proven to be nigh-on irreplaceable for the Galacticos of Real Madrid and carried on his dominant brand of ball-winning and passing at Chelsea. Makelele is a Champions League winner, as well as two-time winner of la Liga and the Premier League.
Patrick Vieira
Enjoyed some legendary battles with Roy Keane of Manchester United duing the early part of the decade and led Arsenal to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups since the turn of the century. Vieira has won three Serie A titles with Inter as well as having the one he won with Juventus revoked due to Calciopoli. He was a key part of France's Euro 2000 win and played a major role in Les Bleus' run to the World Cup final in 2006.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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