Midfielders Strategy 101

Midfielders are the most versatile players on the field. 

Some players attack. Others defend. But midfielders must do it all. Perhaps that is why they are considered soccer’s MVPs: Most Versatile Performers. 

Most teams employ four midfielders. In this system, there is one outside player on each side of the formation and two inside midfielders. Some teams designate the inside players “attacking midfielder” and “defensive midfielder.” 

The attacking midfielder, or “playmaker,” acts much like a point guard in basketball. Once the defense wins the ball, the object is to quickly get the ball to the playmaker to initiate the counterattack. By including the playmaker, the offense increases of number of players the opponent must defend. 

“It’s like a fastbreak in basketball,” Erwin says. “The playmaker wants to distribute the ball and penetrate the defense. If he can’t penetrate the defense, he wants to move it ahead to the forwards. As soon as the defense adjusts to the playmaker, then he can hit a swinging forward or outside player.” 

Occasionally midfielders score, but players in that position cannot afford to be judged by it. 

Successful midfielders control the tempo and relieve pressure on the defense by forcing turnovers and preventing penetration. Assisting or finishing is like finding a quarter in a phone booth—an unexpected treat. 

“Their reward has to come from seeing the team do well,” Erwin says. “They are asked to do an awful lot of different things. They do more running than anybody on the field. They need to know that they can help the team by doing other things. They complement both sides of the ball.” 

The Soccer Academy stresses, particularly with new and younger players, how each midfield position affects the team and how, if they are out of position, no other player is there to do the job. 

Their first objective is to deny penetration and protect the middle of the field. Midfielders are expected to closely guard an opponent with the ball but wait for a mistake before trying for a tackle. Any defensive gamble that does not force a turnover can result in the offensive team moving forward and creating a shot. 

“Everybody needs to be a ‘soccer’ player,” Erwin says. “Regardless of your position, we all have the same idea: Win the ball, keep the ball, try to put yourself in a dangerous spot to create and exploit space. You want to be able to attack, but in order to have numbers, the midfielder also must be able to get back and defend—to keep everything in front of him. They wait for a mistake to win the ball and as soon as they win it, go on and attack as fast as possible. 

“The most important part is having pride in not allowing goals.”