Defensive midfielders with the Best Potential in Serie A 2026

At a glance

T. Pérez of Atletico-MG is the standout for raw talent across defensive midfielders in Serie A, with a Field Insider Rating of 65.5, and E. Pulgar has been the form player this season, grading 46.7.

The numbers a scout watches are the year-on-year jumps: Vitinho has improved his Season rating most, up +27.1 on last season, while T. Pérez's scouting Rating has risen fastest, +16.1 over the same span. Those are the players whose trajectory is bending upward fastest.

By our market-value index, Vitinho of Botafogo is the most valuable name in this group at 37.1.

Best talent

T. Pérez65.5RTG

Atletico-MG

In form

E. Pulgar46.7SsN

Flamengo

Rising potential

T. Pérez+16.1RTG

Atletico-MG · 24/25→25/26

Most improved

Vitinho+27.1SsN

Botafogo · 24/25→25/26

Top scorer

E. Pulgar2goals

Flamengo

Most valuable

Vitinho37.1val

Botafogo