In recent years the importance of a central-midfielder in the Premier League has escalated as the fast paced game continues to be the key to achieving success in England.

We may only be a handful of games into the season but already some key battlers in midfield have been pivotal to a number teams' early success.

With the game constantly developing, players such as Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira were the key to the success at both Manchester United and Arsenal respectively in the late 1990's.

Now in the modern game players in a central roles continue to provide the security to defences as many teams intend to build from the back.

After a number of hours debating, here's is our shortlist of five of the league's best defensive midfielders...

5. Granit Xhaka

The Swiss international made his big-money move from Monchengladbach to Arsenal this summer and is already proving his £34million price-tag was worth every penny.

Xhaka has added the necessary steel in midfield for the Gunners and has also contributed with two goals in the past week. His passing accuracy added with his tackling has enabled Arsenal's midfielders to play with more freedom than previously granted since Patrick Vieira's departure in 2005.

With this recent signing, Arsenal must be considered serious contenders for a Premier League title.

4. Idrissa Gueye

 

The bargain signing of the season award goes to Everton for snapping up Gueye from Aston Villa for £7.5million. The Senegal international was the shining light in Aston Villa's relegation campaign last year and it came as no surprise that a major Premier League club secured his services.

One player who has epitomised Everton's excellent start to the season is Gueye, who suffered relegation to the Championship with Aston Villa at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old midfielder had been praised for posting similar numbers to N'Golo Kante, but he had been tarnished by Villa's relegation.

3. Eric Dier

 

Dier has proved to0 valuable to Tottenham to be considered dropping, even if the club have re-enforced in central-midfield. Dier has become un-droppable because he has emerged as a unique player for Tottenham and performs a role no one else can in the current squad.

Stationed in front of the back four as a holding midfielder, he has provided them with an extra protective layer. It has been noticeable that Dier commits hardly any fouls, for his reading of the game and positioning on the pitch are so impressive.

The 22-year-old has proved to be alert and quick, often smothering opposition attacks before calmly distributing the ball to one of his Tottenham team-mates to quickly start attacks.

2. N'Golo Kante

 

The French international was absolutely crucial to how Leicester were able to play last season, and his absence was already felt by the Foxes this season who have struggled to maintain the form they showed towards the end of the 2015-2016 season.

Kante has always been on hand to snuff out any danger on the edge of the box and has been superb for Chelsea since his employment on the edge of the box.

Kante is exactly the sort of player who has established himself as one of Europe’s best in his position in such a short space of time and now one of the league's most consistent performers.

1. Fernandinho

 

Consistently consistent. On the pitch, he has never been involved in any controversial decisions and ever the professional. Effort and integrity remain a major part of his game.

Fernandinho's versality has enabled City to move onto the next level and he has regularly been seen in a full-back position as well as dominating City's midfield against the league's best playmakers.

His quality is there for all to see and is performances have been sensational under Guardiola, making him the club's most consistent performer.