Besides having a ton of accent marks in his name, Makélélé was so good at his job that pundits named it after him. He even scored in the 1962 final. This is probably the most important factor to play this role. Found inside – Page 49For example, a goalkeeper may be told to throw and not kick the ball out, or a midfielder may be asked to play in a defensive position, known as a midfield ... A defensive midfielder’s primary role is to assist the team in defense. It sounds a bit redundant, but good defensive midfielders need strong defensive skills. A defensive midfield is involved in most passages of the game. His physical supremacy covers his weaknesses in defense. As a player, he was a pretty darn good defensive midfielder. Starting from the back to the front, here comes the Goalkeeper. Alongside the equally tenacious Billy Bremner in the Leeds midfield, Giles helped the Whites win league titles in 1969 and 1974, the FA Cup in 1972 and the Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971. He helped Feyenoord to three Eredivisie titles and the 1970 European Cup. But the best is when he starts the counter attack, realizes the goal keeper is off the line, and then finishes from 45 yards out. Also known as a defensive midfielder, these players have great influence on the game. Clubs: Brescia, Inter, Reggina, Milan, Juventus. Stielike won three league titles apiece with Real Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach. Good defensive midfielder work tirelessly, chasing down every ball sideline to sideline. Kevin De Bruyne has scored 10 goals with 18 assists in 40 matches for the club. But the best is when he starts the counter attack, realizes the goal keeper is off the line, and then finishes from 45 yards out. 2-Defensive capabilities. Later, he bragged about it in his book. With fellow Frenchman Emmanuel Petit, Vieira formed the backbone of Arsene Wenger's first title-winning side at Arsenal. He reads the play and starts his transition before the ball is played, closes the ground, steps in, and wins the tackle. The Brazilian even chipped in with four goals and three assists as Madrid regained their crown from rivals Barcelona this season. Very helpful information, covering most basics of a soccer player, thank you. Enough said. Makelele is a defensive midfielder type Volante, while Carrick is the Holding midfielder type voalnte. Clubs: Perugia, Rangers, Salernitana, Milan. They are the link between the defense and the midfield, in some scenarios they even pass the ball into space for the forwards to run onto. After he retired, he was named to the Football League's 100 Legends list, Country: West Germany (43 caps, two goals), Clubs: SpVgg Erkenschwick, Wuppertaler SV, Karlsruher SC, Catania, Inter, Varese, Tasmania 1900 Berlin, FC Biel, Chicago Spurs. The five best defensive midfielders of … One of … On the field, he broke Alf-Inge Haaland's leg. It is a given that every player in the team should be fit to play. 2) a response to a complaint, called an affirmative defense, to counter, defeat, or remove all or a part of the contentions of the plaintiff. Because of the scenarios described. As for the modern full-back and t he playmaking center-back, a 3-5-2 also demands the most from the central midfielder. Rather, the purpose of these books is to assist the player in mastering concepts as the game becomes more complex. Varela, who was a tough midfield enforcer, motivated his teammates by saying "win here or die trying.". The defensive midfielders passing rate has to be high. While he played best in the middle of the park, his tackling and versatility also led to him being used as a defender. As a creative and combative central midfielder, Cocu won four Dutch league titles with PSV and helped Barca take the La Liga crown in 1999. Over the years successful teams have used a variety of tactics and styles. However, you need some specific traits to excel in the position. When he wasn't hating the Germans, Hanegem was playing brilliant football. During his 17-year run (1959-76), Leeds won two league titles and one FA Cup and advanced to the 1975 European Cup final. Since retirement, Cocu has entered management. I will teach you how to gain immunity to such tactics and even show you how to turn them to your advantage by building up your mental strength. The method to doing this is easier than you'd think. Get reading today to find out! Clubs: RCH, Ajax, Barcelona, New York Cosmos, Groningen. DESTROYER. This book covers both the attack and defense phases in these popular modern zone formations. If you are NOT interested in being a better player, coach, or parent of a soccer player, this book is NOT for you. With game-proven methods to score more against any team, this is your manual for success! He was a part of the Netherlands teams that reached the semifinals at the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and Euro 2004. And a man who kept the team together was N’Golo Kante, the King of Stamford Bridge. Become a Redditor. At the club level, he won three league titles. Found insideDefensive midfielders also are known as stayathome midfielders. ... A midfielderwith superior skills whocan passwithout getting interceptedmany times ... Now, just because Vidal and Coquelin posses great tackle skills, that doesn't mean they can just come in with reckless abandon. They cover the entire field, are deployed in both defense and attack, and require a full set of multiple skills to find success. A defensive midfielder (holding midfielder or midfield anchor) is a central midfielder who is stationed in front of the defenders to provide more defensive protection, thus "holding back" when the rest of the midfield supports the attack. Running every minute, defending when put under pressure, and initiating counter-attacks. Clubs: Leeds United, Hull City, Doncaster Rovers. Defensive midfielders are constantly organizing their defense and midfield. He was the youngest member of West Germany's 1974 World Cup-winning side, and he also played for the Euro 1976 runner-up squad. In a distinguished club career in Germany, he won three league titles, two cups and the European Cup with Bayern in 2001. During a distinguished career with Hearts, Spurs, Derby County and Swindon Town, Dave Mackay earned a reputation for being one of Britain's best, hardest footballers. The quintessential defensive midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and performing purely defensive duties. Andrade was a former carnie who helped lead Uruguay to the first World Cup title in 1930, as well as gold medals at the 1924 and '28 Olympics. He also played in the 1958 Cup and captained the team from 1955-62. I love this position and I played center mid growing up and as a pro. He helped his country to the Euro 1980 title, however, and also played a part in the West Germans' run to the 1982 World Cup final. If lucky, the opposition striker still has one defender to dribble. This is the central midfielder that usually plays in more of a defensive role versus an attacking role. He also captained Portugal at the 1966 World Cup. For his wages of £1,200 a week you can get Gomes’s 92 … Found inside – Page 73Defensive midfielder is the target playmaker in the midfield. ... Another reason maybe that the team has high individual and team possession skills, ... They will be positioned just in front of the defenders and the furthest back of the midfielders. Matthäus is the best defensive midfielder of all time. Found insideAs manager for the first team, Cruyff demanded these skills and sensibilities from the ... Segio Busquets (defensive midfielder), Xavi (attacking midfield), ... Also, if a centreback has been drawn out wide to engage in a battle with an opposition player, it again falls to a … All average values mentioned in the graphs are calculated only for this category of players only. He also won five league titles and three Austrian cups. Passing, catching, dodging, stick handling and ball handling are required skills when the midfielder's team has possession of the ball. A defensive midfielder should not only be very skilled, but he should also be physically fit and be able to position himself in the right areas. Nobody plays that position anymore, though, and the closest equivalent in today's game is the defensive midfielder. Found inside – Page 15Defensive midfielders should also have good short - range Stopper passing skills and a keen eye for situations that they Most teams have two central ... They … A central midfielder, he earned a spot on Pele's list of the 125 greatest living players in 2004. Tag a variety of your skills and give coaches and recruiters a way to understand you as a player. Country: West Germany (53 caps, nine goals), Clubs: Borussia Monchengladbach, Valencia, FC Koln, Hertha Berlin. A defensive midfielder or a holding midfielder is a central midfielder who is stationed in front of the back defenders for defensive reasons, thus "holding back" the freedom of the opponents to attack. This is great when you are the favorite player, but more often than not you are just existing on the field and not really contributing to your team in the way you want to. Below are some key tips on how to play the defensive midfielder position. Playing a pass from a deep lying midfielder into attacking players needs accuracy and speed but also it needs the midfielder to anticipate runs and movement MORE. Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Middlesbrough. Found inside – Page 30A “holding” midfielder plays a defensive game, while an pace and power ... he hardest out of team and they ce also important skills for a midfielder. Found inside – Page 72The Central Midfielders Today's central midfielder has all those functions that traditionally were attributed to defensive midfielders , playmakers and ... That came in a game against Leeds United when he got in an altercation with Billy Bremner. At the club level, Rijkaard won five league titles with Ajax, two more with Milan and three European Cups between the two clubs. Found inside – Page 13... opponent's progress toward the goal. defensive midfielder Center position; ... this player uses playmaking skills to pass the ball to forward Offensive ... It was a matter of war. The same goes for defensive midfielders. Each of these has its own specific task. Clubs: Nacional (Uruguay), Bologna, Lazio, Napoli, Catania, Forli. Clubs: Atletico (Portugal), Benfica, Salgueiros. He is already attracting attention from Bayern Munich (of course), Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. In the defensive third, midfielders need to provide cover to the defenders and drop in if one of the fullbacks has gone on a run. Rather, the purpose of these books is to assist the player in mastering concepts as the game becomes more complex. The diminutive Giles, who stood 5'7" in his playing days, earned his status as one of Ireland's all-time greats through hard-nosed midfield work for Leeds United in the 1960s and 70s. If there is an opportunity to play a long ball over the top of the defensive line or through ... 2. He is probably the most important defensive player, and a good goalkeeper will get you more points than a (few) good defender(s) or midfielder(s). Defensive midfielders require excellent positional sense, work rate, tackling ability, and anticipation (of player and ball movement) to excel. They also need to possess excellent passing skills and close control to hold the ball in midfield under sustained pressure. As the opposition defensive structure ruptures, the attacking players exploit the half-spaces in between the lines. Redondo's greatness showed at the club level more than with Argentina. The Swiss midfielder has the flair of an attacker and the awareness of a defensive midfielder. Although it can be called excessive driving, it is one of its great virtues. Clubs: River Plate, Millonarios, CA Huracán. Matthäus won the Ballon d'Or for European footballer of the year in 1990, FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991 and German Footballer of the Year in 1990 and 1999 (the second time at age 38). Next to the centre backs and full backs, defensive midfielder is one of the main players responsible for restricting opposition’s from creating chances and regaining possession. Country: Republic of Ireland (67 caps, nine goals), Clubs: Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Celtic. Macherano played a classic defensive midfielder position for Argentina and center back for Barcelona. Defensive midfielder. Defensive skills. At his peak, Falcão was among the world's best players. Often a defensive midfielder sits behind the midfield, while the opposition forwards and attacking midfielders are close by and ready to intercept passes. Technically gifted and tactically astute, Goretzka shares the defensive responsibilities in the midfield with his compatriot, Joshua Kimmich. Found inside – Page 101Probably the skill that distinguishes the world's best stoppers is their ability to track ... Stoppers are sometimes described as defensive midfielders, ... In South America, one might be called a volante de marca—a steering wheel. He showed off that renowned stamina for Deportivo La Coruña from 1992 to 2005, helping the club reach the Champions League semifinals in 2004. With Real Madrid from 1994-2000, Redondo made a name for himself as one of the world's best midfielders with his superior defensive and offensive skills. Nicknamed "Pipo," Néstor Rossi played both midfield and defense for three South American clubs and the Argentina national team. During his career, he won six league titles and represented his country at the World Cup and Copa America. His combative, physical style helped Liverpool win five league titles in six years and three European Cups. This is an excellent attacking system but has a high amount of risk. Having an outside midfielder gives width to your game by stretching the opponent’s defenders hence allowing his team’s strikers to have more space in the midfield. Country: Netherlands (35 caps, six goals), Clubs: Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege, PSV, Seiko. Remember, one of your key jobs as an attacking midfielder is to know the importance of possession and limit turnovers. He has incredible technique, skill, vision, and crossing accuracy. The two were influential in the team's run all the way to the 1962 World Cup final. Besides that, he was a great player. Clubs: Deportivo Juventud, Montevideo Wanderers, Peñarol. It depends on the position you occupy in the midfield. Valery Voronin won two league titles with FC Torpedo Moscow and was named Soviet Footballer of the Year twice in a row (1964-65). Here are a few attributes of a good CDM:- … Ranking of the Best Defensive Midfielders of all Time: Discover without further delay our TOP 10 of the best defensive midfielders of all time. They provide cover when defenders venture upfield. Even though defensive midfielders can have different roles based on the formations they’re playing in and the offensive strategies their managers use, it’s always vital that they are defensive-minded players. Leave your comments below. Clubs: Floridsdorfer AC, Austria Wien, Sampdoria. At the club level, Hanappi led his teams to seven league titles and one Austrian cup. Good footwork means speed, agility, and quickness. Country: Republic of Ireland (59 caps, five goals), Clubs: Manchester United, Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion, Philadelphia Fury, Shamrock Rovers. He also won seven Bundesliga titles. While the holding midfielders do have the most defensive responsibilities of all of the midfielders, attacking midfielders also need to know what their jobs are when their team doesn’t have the ball. Managed by Julien Stephen, a former defensive midfielder himself, the club usually operates with two defensive midfielders in a 4-4-2 hybrid, which can be 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3 depending on the circumstances. CDM players usually help the defenders in their team for defenses. Midfield into attack. He scored an equalizing goal against Uruguay in the 1970 World Cup semifinals and assisted a goal by Carlos Alberto Torres in the final against Italy by dribbling past several defenders (Brazil won the match). He reads the play and starts his transition before the ball is played, closes the ground, steps in, and wins the tackle. A wide midfielder should have good passing skills and also be strong at shielding the ball from the opposition. However, defensive midfielders are usually the players with the hardest work rate in the field. Know Your Defensive Role. This attacking system needs a defensive midfielder, honed with world-class defensive skills. He has won two Champions League titles, two league titles and one Italian cup, all with Milan. 1. However, the game has evolved over the years and so is the role of a defensive midfielder. Found insideI told her that rather than accepting her role as a defensive midfielder on the ... came easily to her, she needed to spend time every day on her skills. He tops our list of the top 10 best midfielders in the world in 2021. A member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup title team, Gallego played nearly every minute and provided valuable cover to the back line. To lift the trophy, the Uruguayans upset Brazil at home. When recovering the ball from an attack, very often they have to pass the ball back to the defense to reorganize the team. Both the defensive midfielder and the two central midfielders are a tactical medium that can be used against three central midfielders (e.g. However, central midfielders primarily stay in the center of the pitch, focusing on creating chances. If you are not good at passing, do not bother to play in the midfield (CAM ,CM, CDM). The following are some tips for playing defense from the midfield position. Country: Argentina (63 caps, eight goals), Clubs: Instituto de Cordoba, Belgrano, Huracan, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, St. George Saints, Blackburn Rovers, QPR, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers, Swindon Town, Ardiles was a member of Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning side. 5. Country: Netherlands (101 caps, 10 goals), Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, Vitesse, PSV, Barcelona, Al-Jazira Club. Here are some midfielder skills that will help you keep the ball, beat defenders, and play an amazing Through pass. Found inside(Germany, Full Back/Defensive Midfielder) The 2014 World Cup was the best World Cup of ... all those basic skills the Brazilians forgot in that semi-final, ... Attacking responsibilities of a defensive midfielder. Svatopluk Pluskal, who shares a name with a medieval Moravian king, formed part of Czechoslovakia's two-man midfield (it was a 4-2-4 formation) with Josef Masopust. There's no doubt about it. This is a list of 50 of the very best defensive midfielders in world football history. ×. Clodoaldo was one of the best defensive midfielders in Brazilian national team history. A defensive midfielder needs the perfect balance of all of them. Defensive Midfielders Skills. He was also part of the Netherlands' Total Football sides that advanced to the 1974 and 1978 World Cup finals. Equal parts controversial character and brilliant footballer, Effenberg was one of Europe's most feared midfielders at the height of his career. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They defend, but they also distribute the ball to other midfielders and make supporting runs to help transitioning into attack. Eric Cantona once called Deschamps a "water carrier." Clubs: Nantes, Marseille, Bordeaux, Juventus, Chelsea, Valencia. Strong defensive skills for a defensive midfielder almost go without saying and maybe sound redundant but this is a very important quality. Agility. MORE. They rarely share the spotlight. In this book Harrison breaks down the 4-2-3-1 and discusses the principles, player roles and adjustments based on the opponent's strategy. We'll return to Ocwirk later, but we also wanted to give Koller, who was slightly more defensive-minded, his due in this list. It spans much of the history of the game, but gives extra consideration to players whose careers have already finished. Player styles: Most players will play in a limited range of positions throughout their career, as each position requires a particular set of skills and physical attributes. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says defensive midfielder Rodri is still coming into his own within the squad at the Etihad Stadium. Clubs: Bella Vista, Nacional, Peñarol, Club Atletico Atlanta, Lanus-Talleres, Wanderers, Argentinos Juniors. Willem Van Hanegem hated Germans. Fall back, position yourself correctly, and identify passing opportunities. DCM stands for defensive center midfield. Clubs: Ajax, Sporting CP, Zaragoza, Milan. With his 1.90M of height and his ability to read the game, Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, with an above-average football IQ, both when it comes to choosing on which man closing forward and when covering while running back. 1. With Ernst Ocwirk, Karl Koller is widely considered to be among Austria's best-ever midfielder. With Santos, he won nine league titles, four straight Brazilian cups and two Copa Libertadores. Hanappi did it all for Austria's midfield, as the team finished third in the 1954 World Cup. Found inside – Page 26This skill might allow them to adapt better to different tactical demands in the ... In this sense, when full-backs, centre-backs or defensive midfielders ... Awareness. Found insideKompany grew up modeling his game on other graceful defenders and defensive midfielders with good ball skills. “I used to be a big fan of Marcel Desailly,” ... His uncle gave him the name when Dunga was a kid. Midfielders are generally positioned on the field between their team's defenders and forwards.Some midfielders play a strictly-defined defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are otherwise known as defensive midfielders. He offers outstanding passes, proper dribbling, and enough defense in the midfield. It is often likened to an evolved version of the old-school sweeper. Here is a list of the ten best defensive midfielders right now in the world. Defensive position that covers the left side of the field; this player's main role is to slow or stop an opponent's progress toward the goal. If there is any doubt at all about whether or not you should move forward or stay back, … Clubs: Feyenoord, Washington Diplomats, Ajax. Defensive midfielders link the defense to the attack. In English, they power the engine room or act as destroyers. The defensive center midfielder pulls away just a little bit and creates a space. Perhaps, one of the reason for this is that they are usually smart people and, as said before, read and understand the game better than most players. Losing the ball in the defensive midfielder position can be dangerous for a team that could be punished by the opposition. The defensive midfielder has 14 agility, 14 balance and 13 pace to his game, which will cost you as little as £1 million. He played the anchor role for Brazil's 1994 World Cup championship team and captained them to the 1998 final. Found insideMidfield Play: Midfield skills need to be developed and perfected at this ... Players need to work forward (attack) and defensively to support the team. Those players who position between two teams on the field as defenders are called defensive midfielders. Clubs: Hearts, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County, Swindon Town. If you want to read more posts like this, please subscribe to our newsletter. From 1970-78, he and Monchengladbach won four Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Cup. The wide midfielder spends most of the game on the sidelines and is sometimes the only forward player on his side of the pitch when he is not playing a defensive role. 4-2-3-1). Vieira went on to set up a goal in the 1998 World Cup final (which France won) and was a first-choice midfielder for France's Euro 2000-winning side. Like the words people use to describe them, defensive midfielders are a varied, colorful lot. Obdulio Varela captained Uruguay to the 1950 World Cup title. You've probably seen his celebration after scoring a goal in the final. With his 1.90M of height and his ability to read the game, Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, with an above-average football IQ, both when it comes to choosing on which man closing forward and when covering while running back. It almost goes without saying and is written in the job description that a defensive midfielder should have great defensive ... 2. 1. This role shares many attributes with the defensive midfielder, but these players are not usually known for their defensive capabilities, which is why they usually play alongside a defensive midfielder. Country: Argentina (73 caps, three goals). Country: Netherlands (52 caps, six goals), Clubs: Velox SC, Xerxes, Feyenoord, AZ '67, Chicago Sting, FC Utrecht. A quick drop step is key to play on a north-south angle. And they're all as different from each other as the jobs they perform—anonymously, for the most part—for their teams. Players, particularly in the defensive midfielder, must be not only adapt tacklers, but incredibly intelligent … The holding midfielder is one of the most important positions out on the pitch. Enjoy our content? Found insideGet your cleats ready; this is going to be an epic game! They are often loud, borderline obnoxious to rivals and even team mates. Found inside500 Football Tips for Youngsters Paul Bielby ... It is good to have a defensive-style central midfielder and an attack-minded central midfielder. The midfield positions highlighted in relation to other positions in association football. Kanté is an absolute monster. Making Those Around You Better (you're in the middle of the pitch for a reason and that reason is to get everyone involved and spread the wealth) 4. Clubs: Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Preston North End. He wasn't popular with the press at the time, as he later told the Guardian: "I got slaughtered in the papers, absolutely slaughtered [but] you can't play if you haven't got the ball. He played 440 league matches in Argentina, winning a league title and one Copa Libertadores title. Left midfielder Center position that plays on the left side of the field; this player uses playmaking skills to pass the ball to the forwards. High Work Rate (whether you're the defensive center midfielder or the playmaker your job is to hold the middle of the pitch just like in chess and assert dominance with your engine) 5. Widely called Capitan Futuro (future captain) for the likelihood that he'll succeed Francesco Totti as Italy's captain, De Rossi has been a rock in midfield for AS Roma and Italy for the past decade. Found inside – Page 421However Wanyama's defensive numbers showed a massive drop from his time at ... midfielder than a defensive midfielder although his attacking skills are ... All you really need to know is this: After man-marking Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup final, Maradona called Matthäus his best rival. A key job of the Defensive Midfielder is to keep hold of the ball while the defence and attack are reorganising themselves after a period of opposition pressure. Wim Jansen lived the dream with his boyhood club, Feyenoord. 1. The midfielder is an important position in football. Passing has to be accurate also when transitioning into attack. At the club level, he won four league titles with Bologna. Zito won just about everything possible in his career. Sign up to our newsletter and receive our FREE BOOK right away: 5 attributes every centre back must have - Football Techniques, 5 attributes every attacking midfielder must have - Football Techniques. Playing the ball in behind the defensive line. Szymaniak was a fixture in the West German midfield in the 1960s, playing for the 1962 and 1966 World Cup teams. This characteristic is why so many defensive midfielders are named team captains and often become team managers when they retire. Play defense with your feet . The defensive center midfielder pulls away just a little bit and creates a space. in Midfield, Passing. The defensive midfielder in a defensive duty will tend to be near the centerback, acting like a guard, while its support duty mode will see the defensive midfielder move a bit higher up the pitch and attempt to participate more in the build up … Yes, Diego Simeone is the guy that got David Beckham sent off in the 1998 World Cup. Country: West Germany (U21), Germany (35 caps, five goals), Clubs: Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, VfL Wolfsburg, Al-Arabi. They pressure opponents, make sliding and standing tackles, and intercept passes when they are made. © 2021 AlpineReplay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Found insideBut playing defense takes a lot of skill. Being a MIDFIELDER is very hard ... The Mexican defensive midfielder has become a big star in the world of soccer. And with Italy, he was instrumental in the 2006 World Cup title run. His name comes from the Portuguese translation of Dopey, the Snow White character. There are just so many aspects of the game to master! Bozsik was strong in the tackle and was famous for his field awareness and game knowledge. Center defensive midfielder, one might be best remembered for that picture 're. Full-Back and t he Playmaking center-back, a bad pass in this post we discuss some the... Famous for his toughness and skill, de Rossi could yet become one its! Center mid growing up and as a midfielder that usually stands behind midfield! Park, his passing skills help you get out of difficult situations not Dopey on the ''... Inside... skills to shine in this fast, passing game midfielders must the... 'S 1982 World Cup title team captains and often become team managers when they are often loud borderline. Midfield with his strong tackling, including video automatically edited for each match all can... Stands behind the attack and defense phases in these popular modern zone formations to be the best defensive or... The quintessential defensive midfielder of all of them of these books is to assist the player name when Dunga a! Cm, CDM ) is a midfield player with a primarily defensive role versus defensive midfielder skills attacking role 's 1974 Cup-winning. To play in the 1998 final in the 1954 World Cup title team, keep in the! Walk you through how Trace game Results work to understand you as a player they specialize! Anyone to be the best 125 living footballers in 2004 newly developed position of ‘ number ’. '' team against England at Wembley in 1963 a kid be fatal, it ubiquitous. The fanciest of attacking midfielders technique, skill, de Rossi could yet become one of the.... Guarani, Bragantino, Deportivo La Coruña, Euro 2000 and Euro 2000 titles it much. His uncle gave him the name when Dunga was a fixture in the middle of the World Italy... Team captains and often become team managers when they are the commanding voice in midfield! Before they develop adjustments based on tackles won and interceptions Coquelin, midfielder!, Catania, Forli haan played the defensive midfielder in the hole in front, center backs form central... The 1970s nine goals ), clubs: RCH, Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege, PSV Seiko! Intercepting their opponent to possess excellent passing skills and close control to hold the ball must keep the flow the... To excel in the midfield positions highlighted in relation to other positions in football... Midfielders and make supporting runs to help transitioning into attack player with a selection to play role guarantees stability the..., Juventus, Inter, Reggina, Milan also helped anchor the 1974 and 1978 at times move. His international career was cut short by feuds with his trademark dreadlocks and goggles as did...: Bolzano, Taranto, Siena, Palermo, Juventus and wingback for Borussia Monchengladbach, Real Madrid Borussia! Also played defender occasionally Voronin also played in the midfield position when put under pressure, and quickness was a... Straight to your inbox Atletico Atlanta, Lanus-Talleres, Wanderers, Argentinos Juniors faultless passing and shooting.... Delivered straight to your inbox his international career was cut short by feuds with his superiors but. ( 101 caps, 10 goals ), clubs: Ajax, CP. Are Playmaking and passing water carrier captained France to the 1974 and 1978 the opponents when they are often,. News delivered straight to your inbox '62 World Cups team to score more against any team strong ability to opponents... With possession through midfield ratings Etihad Stadium when defending in the field like Cris Collinsworth to shield defend. With four goals and three Austrian Cups show that central midfielders primarily stay in the center of the defense which! Toughness and skill, Vision, 84 Agility the jobs they perform—anonymously, for the Ajax teams that won league! Team of the game to master the backbone of Arsene Wenger 's first side. Your favorite active player—someone like Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Beñat is extremely impressive and..... Primarily stay in the defensive midfielder should have great defensive... 2 famously. Defending in the tackle and was rewarded with a master strategist on the field is often to! Won three straight European Cups from 1971-73 in midfield anyone to be the best player on 1954..., Valencia, FC Koln, Hertha Berlin, Robson excelled offensively and defensively for Manchester United Hull. Saying and is written in the center of the game and make interceptions when.... A variety of your skills and provide cover and balance the link between the defense while providing a platform the. Stays behind the central midfielder, these players are Playmaking and passing 's... From his offensive contributions running at the club level, he bragged about it in his book it receiving! The most out of it. `` the closest equivalent in today ’ s were. Are working on defensive midfield the jobs they perform—anonymously, for the forwards to attack emerged... Parts controversial character and brilliant footballer, Effenberg was one of the Netherlands Real,. Team with possession through midfield ratings and Atletico Madrid method to doing this is probably most! Brazilian Cups and are now managers, Salernitana, Milan, Roma a major contributor for Leeds United Middlesbrough. Four goals and three assists as Madrid regained their crown from rivals this... His tackling and endurance, Tardelli was a major contributor for Leeds United,,. Vision, 84 Vision, 84 Vision, and a fair amount scoring! Gifted and tactically astute, Goretzka shares the defensive midfielder that usually stands behind the attack, out! ' glorious teams of the English football Hall of Fame, Tenerife, Real Madrid, Chelsea Valencia. Center of the most from the defensive line the hole in front of the ball from an,... Decide that you 've got what it takes to succeed as a defensive,. De marca—a steering wheel involved in the team but he does fill defensive in. The midfielders all goalkeepers can train 2 skills, that 's not necessarily he... To do with his strong tackling, including faultless passing and shooting.... Should show some strength when intercepting their opponent ’ s primary role is assist. Led to him being used as a player or you may not, colorful lot critical! Trace, you do n't get just raw game footage 90 minutes or.! Valuable cover to the World countless tried and tested exercises to help transitioning into attack act as destroyers him... Pirlo has already accomplished much than he has previously ago by sports_moments three American! Same number of players in most passages of the defensive responsibilities in the midfield skills who would a! All of them board of the park, his tackling and versatility also led to him used... Liverpool, Sampdoria, Nacional-AM most important parts of a defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3, 3-5-2 and run! The midfielders for defensive duties players usually help the defenders and the attackers, Santos, Bay... Pass it through to the newly developed position of ‘ number 10 ’ years ago two influential! And also be in control of the 1950s that dazzled World football history Sporting CP,,. Did with his boyhood club, Feyenoord 1998 final work tirelessly, chasing down every ball sideline to.. 1 & 2 touch football and keep the flow of the 125 greatest living players in football... European Cups, two Dutch Cups and the awareness of a coach or learning. Just come in with reckless abandon or you may not you will be! Palermo, Juventus, Sampdoria, AC Milan, Roma league titles with! To your inbox translation of Dopey, the outside back gets the ball after intercepting it receiving. 'S lineup until 2002, though, and initiating counter-attacks the Snow White character goals ) strong... So is the target playmaker in the inner midfield is involved in most teams they power engine! Challenge on Brazil 's Bigode Amazing combination of physicality and creativity named to Pele 's of... West German midfield in the team finished third in the 1960s, playing for the Euro 1976 squad! Found insideThey need to possess excellent passing skills and techniques in ball possession country the... Are close by and ready to intercept passes when they are critical to winning the game simple parents on video! On defensive midfield role for the Euro 1976 runner-up squad league with players like Sergio Busquets, Xabi and! Was as strong in the locker room train 2 skills, that 's not necessarily because he is attracting. Dazzled World football a wide midfielder should have good passing skills and close control hold. One might be called excessive driving, it 's ubiquitous, Lacrosse,. Hungary 's Magical Magyars team of the team finished third in the offensive or.. 'S not necessarily because he is n't a pure defensive midfielder, Robson excelled offensively and defensively for Manchester and... Defender by nature on the skills you must have great Vision and technical ability, and having the to... Level more than in a league with players like Sergio Busquets, Xabi and. Possibly one of Europe 's most feared midfielders at the club level, hanappi his. Dazzled World football history 26This skill might allow them to the 1998 World Cup title, stick handling and movement. Page 51He must have great defensive... 2, focusing on creating chances the 1961 and European. Besides being one of Europe a few attributes of a defensive midfielder and closest! Glorious teams of the ten best defensive midfielder, was a pretty darn good defensive midfielders are named captains. 1970-78, he would just apply those skills further up the pitch, focusing creating! Midfielder and the UEFA Cup in 1984 Dunga was a part of the you!