midfielder

Midfielder is a football position for players who operate primarily in the middle third of the pitch. The midfielder's central responsibility is to connect play between defense and attack, maintain possession, control tempo, and contribute to both defensive and attacking phases as required by tactics. Midfielders must read the game, position themselves to intercept passes, win or recycle possession, and initiate attacking moves.

There are several common subtypes. Central midfielders act as the team's engine, distributing passes and supporting both phases. A defensive or holding midfielder sits in front of the defense to break up opposition play and shield the back line. An attacking midfielder, or playmaker, focuses on creating chances and providing assists, sometimes scoring goals. Wide midfielders operate along the flanks, delivering crosses, creating width, and tracking back to defend.

In modern systems, midfielders can form a pivot or a compact trio, as in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, or employ a double-pivot in front of the defense. Key responsibilities include ball progression, space creation, pressing, transitioning between possession and counter-attack, and maintaining balance across the field. Essential skills for midfielders include passing accuracy, vision, dribbling, stamina, and tactical awareness.

Youth players are often developed through drills that emphasize decision-making, positioning, and teamwork. Performance is assessed by metrics such as pass completion, chances created, tackles, interceptions, and distance covered.