It was a confused list with some playmakers and some defensive midfielders but some are actually defensive midfielders.
Take Busquets for example, he has good distribution and he's not bad on the ball but his primary role in the team is to act as a defensive shield. It is Xavi who acts as the playmaker. At times under Pep, the two centre-backs used to pull wide as the fullbacks pushed forward and Busquets would drop back making it a back three. It's the same thing with Song or Maschareno when he used to get given a chance there.
Someone like De Jong is a more extreme example than Busquets - he doesn't have the same ability on the ball and his only role in the side is to win the ball back.
I happen to agree that a deep lying playmaker is crucial for us right now and have been saying for months that it is the biggest issue Rodgers has to solve this summer what with having already purchased Allen for that role.