The Battle of the Premier League’s Elite Number 6s

The 2025–26 Premier League season is well underway, and one of the most intriguing midfield battles is unfolding among three of Europe’s most complete holding midfielders — Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), and Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool).

While Caicedo and Gravenberch have already experienced the intensity of English football, Zubimendi is in his debut Premier League campaign — yet has quickly adapted to its pace and physicality. To determine who has been the most effective number 6 so far, we examined the latest Premier League and Champions League 2025–26 data.

Each midfielder offers a distinct style: Caicedo blends relentless energy with defensive mastery, Zubimendi showcases tactical intelligence and calm control, while Gravenberch brings flair, drive, and creativity from deep.

But who truly stands out as the best defensive midfielder in England this season?
When measured across attacking, creative, and defensive metrics, one name consistently rises above the rest — Moisés Caicedo.

Here is Martin Zubimendi vs Moises Caicedo vs Ryan Gravenberch Ranked:

1️⃣ Moisés Caicedo – The standout performer so far, combining elite defensive work rate, ball-winning ability, and an impressive 75% conversion rate, making him the most complete number 6 in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

2️⃣ Ryan Gravenberch – Strong in attacking transitions and take-ons, showing dynamism and flair, but less consistent defensively compared to Caicedo.

3️⃣ Martin Zubimendi – Calm, composed, and tactically intelligent in his debut EPL season, but still adapting to the pace and intensity of English football.

The Ecuadorian international has been the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, excelling in minutes played, touches, recoveries, interceptions, tackles, and even goal contributions — areas rarely dominated by defensive midfielders. His performances reflect a player operating with elite consistency, intelligence, and maturity, firmly establishing himself as the Premier League’s top number 6 this season.

Minutes Played — Reliability and Consistency

Why It Matters

Minutes played reflect not just a player’s endurance but also the manager’s trust and the player’s ability to remain fit and available.

As one fan famously said, “There’s no ability without availability.” At the heart of every great footballer is the consistency to show up when needed.

So, who among these midfielders has been the most reliable presence so far in the Premier League and Champions League?

Data

Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26: 771 minutes
Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26: 691 minutes
Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26: 810 minutes

Moisés Caicedo leads the trio with 810 minutes. Martin Zubimendi follows closely with 771 minutes. Ryan Gravenberch has featured the least with 691 minutes.

Verdict

✅ Moisés Caicedo wins this one — the most reliable and consistently available midfielder so far.

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Touches — Involvement and Influence in Build-Up Play

Why It Matters

Touches reveal how involved a player is in a team’s overall rhythm and build-up. The more touches a midfielder makes, the more central he is to ball circulation, decision-making, and control of the game’s tempo.

In essence, frequent touches reflect confidence, trust from teammates, and tactical importance in possession phases.

Data

Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) — 616 touches
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) — 577 touches
Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) — 670 touches

Moisés Caicedo once again leads, registering 670 touches across the Premier League and Champions League. Martin Zubimendi follows with 616 touches. Ryan Gravenberch is third with 577 touches.

Verdict

✅ Moisés Caicedo wins again — the heartbeat of Chelsea’s possession play and the most involved midfielder among the trio.

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Passing Accuracy — Control and Composure Under Pressure

Why It Matters

Passing accuracy defines a midfielder’s reliability on the ball — it determines how efficiently a team maintains possession, sustains attacks, and controls the tempo.

In modern football, especially for holding midfielders, accurate passing isn’t just about safety; it’s about trust, composure, and rhythm under pressure.

Data

Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)

• Attempted Passes: 561
• Completed Passes: 514
• Passing Accuracy: 91.6%

Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)

• Attempted Passes: 544
• Completed Passes: 483
• Passing Accuracy: 88.8%

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

• Attempted Passes: 501
• Completed Passes: 443
• Passing Accuracy: 88.4%

Moisés Caicedo stands out with a remarkable 91.6% passing accuracy. Martin Zubimendi follows closely with 88.8%. Ryan Gravenberch ranks third at 88.4%.

Verdict

✅ Moisés Caicedo wins this category — the most precise passer among the trio, balancing defensive responsibility with exceptional composure on the ball.

Progressive Play — Passing and Carrying the Ball Forward

Why It Matters

Progressive metrics show which midfielder helps his team advance up the pitch through line-breaking passes or carries.

While simply passing the ball around can help retain possession, it doesn’t always make a difference. What separates top midfielders is their ability to move the ball forward — breaking lines and pushing play toward the opponent’s goal.

Besides, driving the ball forward is perhaps one of the best ways to relieve pressure at the back.

Progressive Passing Distance (Yards)

Progressive passing distance measures how far a player successfully advances the ball toward the opposition’s goal through completed passes.

It reflects vision, ambition, and the confidence to take calculated risks in possession — qualities that define elite number 6s in the Premier League and Champions League.

Data

Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) — 2,317 yards
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) — 1,691 yards
Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) — 2,351 yards

Moisés Caicedo has progressed the ball the furthest this season among the three midfielders, with his completed passes covering 2,351 yards in the Premier League and Champions League. Martin Zubimendi comes second with 2,317 yards, while Ryan Gravenberch has progressed the ball 1,691 yards so far this season.

Progressive Carrying Distance (Yards)

The alternative to progressing the ball through passing is carrying it forward while maintaining control.

This metric measures how far a player moves the ball toward the opponent’s goal with their feet — an indicator of close control, confidence under pressure, and ability to transition defense into attack.

A midfielder with a strong progressive carrying distance helps his team relieve pressure, create space, and drive attacks directly from deeper areas. Here is how the three midfielders have performed in this statistic:

Data

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 734 yards
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 1,158 yards
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 699 yards

✅ Verdict: Ryan Gravenberch leads this category, progressing the ball an impressive 1,158 yards this season — the best among the three midfielders.

Ryan Gravenberch has carried the ball the furthest among the three midfielders this season, with 1,158 yards, followed by Martin Zubimendi with 734 yards and Moisés Caicedo with 699 yards.

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Creativity and Attacking Output — The Modern Midfielder’s Edge

Why It Matters

In today’s game, defensive midfielders are expected to contribute creatively and offensively.

Goals

While the number six position isn’t typically associated with goal scorers, a defensive midfielder who can find the back of the net adds a valuable dimension to his team — often turning tight matches into victories and helping drive title ambitions.

Here is the number of goals scored by each midfielder in the EPL and Champions League this season:

Data

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 2 goals
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 2 goals
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 3 goals

Verdict

✅ Moisés Caicedo leads this category with three goals, ahead of both Zubimendi and Gravenberch, who have scored two each.

Assists

If a player cannot score the goal themselves, then they can help create one by assisting a teammate to score. This is also an equally important quality for a number six or defensive midfielder to have.

So, who is better at assisting their teammates to score this season in the EPL and Champions League?

Data

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 0 assists
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 2 assists
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 0 assists

Ryan Gravenberch leads this category with two assists, while both Martin Zubimendi and Moisés Caicedo are yet to register an assist this season in the EPL or the Champions League.

Verdict

✅ Ryan Gravenberch wins this one

Conversion (%)

Conversion rate measures how efficiently a player turns shots into goals — the higher the rate, the more clinical and effective the midfielder is in front of goal. It highlights shooting precision and decision-making in advanced areas.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 40%
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 28.57%
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 75%

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo wins this category with an impressive 75% conversion rate, proving to be the most efficient finisher among the three midfielders.

Shot-Creating Actions

Shot-creating actions refer to the two consecutive offensive moves that lead to a shot on goal, such as take-ons, passes, or fouls drawn. Here is how the three defensive midfielders performed in this statistic:

Data

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 18 SCA
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 30 SCA
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 18 SCA

In the 2025–26 season, across the EPL and the UCL, Ryan Gravenberch has the highest number of shot-creating actions (30 SCA), while Martin Zubimendi and Moisés Caicedo are tied in second place with 18 SCA each.

Verdict

✅ Ryan Gravenberch wins this one.

Completed Crosses

The ability to occasionally drift wide and deliver accurate crosses adds tactical flexibility to a team’s shape. A midfielder who can operate in wider areas provides positional dynamism and helps unlock compact defenses.

Here is how the three midfielders have performed in this statistic:

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 3 completed crosses
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 2 completed crosses
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 2 completed crosses

✅ Verdict: Martin Zubimendi takes this one, showing his ability to support attacks from wider positions.

Successful Take-ons

Successful take-ons measure how many times a player beats an opposing defender while keeping possession — a valuable skill that shows confidence, agility, and attacking initiative.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 2 successful take-ons
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 8 successful take-ons
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 4 successful take-ons

✅ Verdict: Ryan Gravenberch wins this one, completing the most take-ons (8) and proving the most effective dribbler among the three midfielders.

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Defensive Dominance — Tackles, Interceptions, and Recoveries

Ball Recoveries

Ball recoveries show how well a midfielder anticipates danger and wins back loose balls — a key indicator of defensive awareness and positioning.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 33 recoveries
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 40 recoveries
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 49 recoveries

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo dominates this category.

Interceptions

Interceptions highlight a player’s reading of the game and their ability to break opposition passing lanes before tackles are even needed.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 7 interceptions
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 8 interceptions
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 21 interceptions

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo wins this category.

Tackles Won

Tackles won measure physical engagement and defensive timing — both essential for breaking up opposition attacks early.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 10 tackles won
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 7 tackles won
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 19 tackles won

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo wins this category. In fact, Moisés Caicedo sweeps all key defensive categories, showing he is dominant and decisive.

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Aerial Strength and Blocks — Presence and Positioning

Aerial Duels Won

Key to preventing set-piece and long-ball threats, aerial duels won show which midfielder dominates in the air and helps his team retain or regain possession.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 19 aerial duels won
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 8 aerial duels won
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 3 aerial duels won

Martin Zubimendi, standing at 1.81 m, has clearly been the most dominant in the air, winning 19 aerial duels this season. Ryan Gravenberch (1.90 m) follows with 8, while Moisés Caicedo (1.78 m) has managed 3 aerial duels won across the EPL and Champions League.

✅ Verdict: Martin Zubimendi wins this category.

Blocks

Blocks show a player’s defensive commitment, positioning, and willingness to absorb pressure in front of goal.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 15 blocks
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 2 blocks
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 13 blocks

✅ Verdict: Martin Zubimendi takes this one, showing superior tactical awareness and reliability in Arsenal’s defensive setup.

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Ball Control and Discipline — Maintaining Composure Under Pressure

Miscontrols

Miscontrols indicate ball security — fewer miscontrols mean higher composure and technical assurance.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 9 miscontrols
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 13 miscontrols
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 5 miscontrols

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo again shows calmness under pressure, rarely losing control when pressed.

Fouls

Foul counts reflect timing in challenges and discipline — fewer fouls often show cleaner defensive technique.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 15 fouls
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 6 fouls
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 9 fouls

✅ Verdict: Ryan Gravenberch leads here, staying composed and avoiding unnecessary challenges.

Times Dispossessed

This measures how often a player loses the ball when in possession — crucial for maintaining control in buildup.

• Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – 2025–26 – 4 times dispossessed
• Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool – 2025–26 – 3 times dispossessed
• Moisés Caicedo – Chelsea – 2025–26 – 9 times dispossessed

✅ Verdict: Ryan Gravenberch edges this one thanks to his superior ball retention and composure in tight spaces.

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🧮 Ranking Summary — Based on 2025–26 EPL & UCL Stats

Here is Martin Zubimendi vs Moises Caicedo vs Ryan Gravenberch Ranked:

1️⃣ Moisés Caicedo – The clear leader among the trio, displaying top-tier defensive awareness, stamina, and efficiency in front of goal. His 75% conversion rate and consistency across both the Premier League and Champions League underline his dominance as the most complete number 6 this season.

2️⃣ Ryan Gravenberch – Offers flair and attacking drive from midfield, excelling in take-ons and forward play, but still falls slightly short of Caicedo’s all-round defensive balance and reliability.

3️⃣ Martin Zubimendi – Intelligent and composed in possession, his tactical understanding is evident, though his adaptation to the speed and physicality of English football is still a work in progress.

Overall Ranking Table

Rank	Player	Key Strengths
🥇 Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)	Best in minutes, touches, goals, passing accuracy (91.6%), progressive passing (2,351 yards), tackles (19), interceptions (21), recoveries (49), and conversion rate (75%).
🥈 Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)	Excellent in progressive carries (1,158 yards), take-ons (8), assists (2), and shot-creating actions (30).
🥉 Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)	Strong in aerial duels (19) and defensive blocks (15), showing tactical awareness and reliability.

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Conclusion — Moisés Caicedo Is the Best Number 6 in the Premier League 2025–26

After comparing every major metric — from minutes played and passing accuracy to tackles, interceptions, and progressive passing — Moisés Caicedo clearly emerges as the most complete defensive midfielder in the Premier League and Champions League this season.

While Ryan Gravenberch shines in creativity, carries, and take-ons, and Martin Zubimendi stands out for his aerial strength and defensive positioning, Caicedo’s all-round influence is unmatched. His ability to dictate tempo, regain possession, and seamlessly link defense to attack makes him the heartbeat of Chelsea’s system.

With elite numbers in both defensive and distribution metrics — including 91.6% passing accuracy, 2,351 progressive passing yards, and 49 recoveries — Caicedo has proven himself the benchmark for the modern number 6.

✅ Verdict: Moisés Caicedo wins this midfield battle. In a season full of tactical brilliance and evolving roles, the Ecuadorian has shown that he’s not just Chelsea’s anchor — he’s the Premier League’s best number 6 of 2025–26.