The best 5 from football history

Last update 29 July, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

Talk about “number 5” is to talk about the silent brain of a team. They do not always mark goals or receive covers, But the great defensive midfielders have been key to building champions teams. From the golden years of Argentine football to the tactical domain in Europe, he better 5 from football history It has been a vital piece in the balance between defense and attack.

In this article we will explore the most influential midfielders in history, Your styles, His legacies and how they redefined this essential role in the king sport.

Evolution of the defensive midfielder in history

The origin of the number 5 In South American football

In Argentina, the dorsal 5 It is synonymous with central steering wheel. Arose as the man who connected defense and attack, With tactical sense and claw. Players like Pipo Rossi and Antonio Rattín They were pioneers of the aguerrrido but thinking style that defined the "five" South American.

The pivot in European football

In Europe, The role evolved towards the "defensive pivot", focused on ball recovery and rapid distribution. With trainers like Sacchi, Deschamps o Guardiola, The midfielder was demanded plus game reading, positioning and technical clarity.

Essential characteristics of the best number 5

Tactical intelligence and vision

A great “5” He doesn't run more than anyone, Run better. Read the game in advance, Close spaces and direct your teammates.

Recovery and pressure capacity

It is the first defender when the ball is lost. Its function is to break lines, Intercept passes and stop back..

Leadership and presence in the field

The best number 5 It is many times the captain without a bracelet. Order, Communicates and transmits security to your team.

Candidates for better 5 of all times

Fernando Redondo (Argentina)

Elegant, technician, cerebral. Fernando Redondo It marked an era at Real Madrid and the Argentine National Team. His performance against Manchester United in 2000 It is still a masterpiece of the role.

Sergio Busquets (Spain)

Guardiola Barcelona and Spain World Champion. Dominated the positional game like nobody, With short passes, Timing and smart coverage.

Didier Deschamps (France)

Captain World Champion in 1998. He was not the most technical, But his tactical discipline and leadership made him a reference of the European midfielder.

Claude Makélélé (France)

So much influenced his style that the term "the Makélélé role" was created. Pure destruction, efficiency, and positioning. Key at Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Casemiro (Brazil)

Force, Intensity and winning mentality. Essential part of the Champions of Real Madrid and the balance in the Brazilian team.

Fernando Redondo analysis

Elegant and technical style

Redondo played with a high head, classy. His turns, filtered passes and driving under pressure differentiated him from any other “5”.

Memorable matches and titles won

Champions Champion with Real Madrid (1998, 2000), He was the protagonist of legendary matches like Old Trafford's, where he humiliated the English defense with an unforgettable heel.

Tactical comparison: Busquets vs makélélé

The possession pivot vs the classic destroyer

• Busquets: dominated the ball out, slowed down or accelerated the game as need.

• Recognition: cut the rival game, gave simple passes and covered spaces without attracting attention.

Both were vital, although with different functions.

The impact of the "5" on champions teams

An elite midfielder gives balance, Cover the ups on the sides, Start high pressure and organize transitions. There is no champion team without a large number 5.

From Desilly in Milan to Rodri in the modern City, This role is the tactical basis of the great sets.

How to influence offensive and defensive game

• Offensively: They start the play from behind with clean passes.

• Defensively: They recover, distribute and position to anticipate plays.

He “5” It is the team hinge.

Opinion of experts and coaches

Pep Guardiola has said that Busquets is “The smartest player he has trained”. Mourinho confessed that Makélélé was more important than any offensive star. The words of the technicians ratify the silent relevance of the number 5.

The future of the number 5 In modern football

Today the role evolves towards hybrids like Rodri, Declan Rice o Aurélien Tchouameni. More technical, more physical, more versatile. The future of “5” is brilliant ... and essential.

Frequent questions (FAQ)

1. Why is it called “number 5” to the midfielder?
In Southamerica, the dorsal 5 Historically, the central flyer was carrying.

2. Who has been the 5 more elegant?
Fernando Redondo is considered by many as the most technical and elegant.

3. Makélélé invented his own role?
Yes, His style was so unique that he was named “The Makélélé role” To describe the destructive midfielder.

4. Was Busquets better than Xavi or Iniesta?
It wasn't so colorful, But without it the system did not work. Its importance was tactical and fundamental.

5. Casemiro is only physical?
No, It also has a good long pass, medium distance and a lot of experience.

6. Is the "5" more important than the 10?
In modern football, Many times yes. Control the rhythm, the pressure and give balance.

Who was the best 5 from football history?

Each era has its figure, But we combine elegance, Intelligence and legacy, Fernando Redondo It is the most complete and aesthetically bright midfielder of all time.
However, Busquets redefined the role for the 21st century and Recognition made it essential in physical football.
Any of them deserves to be in the Olympus of the great "5".