CAM (Central Attacking Midfielder)
Short for Central Attacking Midfielder. A central attacking midfielder (CAM) is a creative playmaker positioned in the heart of the midfield, just behind the forwards. Their primary responsibility is to link the midfield and attack, orchestrating offensive moves and creating goal-scoring opportunities for teammates. The CAM often operates in the space between the opposition’s defense and midfield, making them a key figure in both build-up play and the final third.
Modern central attacking midfielders are versatile, combining technical skill with vision and creativity. They can operate in a more central or slightly wider position, depending on the team’s formation, and are often involved in quick transitions, one-touch passing, and intricate combinations. Their ability to read the game and execute through balls, crosses, and long passes makes them essential in breaking down defensive lines. A CAM is expected to have strong dribbling, a keen eye for goal, and excellent decision-making under pressure.
CAM Roles and Tasks
- Creating Goal Scoring Opportunities
- Playmaking and Assisting
- Linking Midfield and Attack
- Providing Key Passes
- Scoring Goals
- Dribbling and Beating Defenders
- Making Late Runs into the Box
- Controlling the Tempo of the Game
- Creating Space for Teammates
- Building Attacks from Deep
- Disrupting Defensive Lines with Movement
- Supporting Counter-Attacks
- Delivering Through Balls
- Linking Up Play with the Forwards
- Pressing and Regaining Possession
- Playing Between the Lines
- Switching Play and Maintaining Width
- Providing Crosses into the Box
- Receiving the Ball in Tight Spaces
CAM Types
Creative Playmaker
A player who is responsible for dictating the tempo of the attack, providing vision and creativity in the final third. Known for their ability to deliver accurate through balls, long passes, and assist teammates with key passes.
Attacking Midfielder
A more goal-oriented CAM who often makes late runs into the box and looks to score goals in addition to providing assists. Their positioning allows them to exploit spaces between the opposition's defense and midfield.
Box-to-Box Playmaker
A dynamic midfielder who not only creates chances but also contributes defensively. A box-to-box playmaker transitions between defense and attack, providing energy and ball-winning abilities while still being a key creator in the final third.
False Ten
A CAM who drops deeper into midfield, often disrupting the opposition's defensive lines and linking the play more centrally. Requires a high level of vision, passing, and tactical intelligence to exploit spaces and create opportunities for others.
Wide Playmaker
A player who operates in a slightly wider role but still remains central to the team's creative play. They are involved in both crossing and playmaking from the flanks while still looking to assist in the central areas of attack.
Second Striker
Though primarily an attacking midfielder, the second striker role often overlaps with that of a CAM. They support the main striker, offering creativity and assisting in goalscoring, as well as dropping deeper to connect the midfield and attack.
Pressing Attacking Midfielder
A CAM who applies high-pressure defense on opposing players, especially in the final third, forcing turnovers and quickly transitioning to attack. Known for their stamina, work rate, and ability to disrupt the opposition's build-up play.
Deep-Lying Playmaker
A player who operates deeper in midfield than a traditional CAM, helping to dictate the tempo of the game from a more withdrawn position. Known for exceptional passing range and composure under pressure, they contribute to both defense and attack.
Creative Hub
The central focus of a team’s attacking play, often responsible for creating and distributing chances across the pitch. They combine vision, creativity, and leadership to direct the play and unlock opposition defenses.
Free Role Playmaker
A CAM who is given the freedom to roam across the pitch and find spaces in the opposition's defense. This role allows for fluidity in attacking play, with the playmaker looking to link up with various teammates and create diverse attacking options.
Hybrid Attacker
A combination of a CAM and forward who contributes both in the midfield and in the final third, regularly making runs into the box and looking for goal-scoring opportunities. A hybrid attacker is known for their versatility and unpredictability in the attack.
Versatile Playmaker
A highly adaptable CAM who can contribute to the attack in various ways: through passing, shooting, and dribbling. Their ability to operate in different areas of the pitch makes them a valuable asset in a fluid, dynamic attack.