CM (Central Midfielder)
A Central Midfielder (CM) is the engine of the team, responsible for linking the defense and attack while controlling the tempo of the game. Positioned centrally, the CM's primary role is to distribute passes, maintain possession under pressure, and support both defensive and offensive actions. Their ability to control the flow of play, make key passes, and create opportunities for teammates is essential to the team’s success.
Modern central midfielders are not only responsible for creating chances and maintaining possession, but they also contribute defensively. They track back to break up opposition attacks, press high to regain possession, and are always involved in transitions between defense and attack. A CM needs to possess excellent ball control, vision, passing accuracy, stamina, and tactical awareness. They often cover large areas of the pitch, making them versatile and crucial for both defensive and offensive operations.
CM Roles and Tasks
- Ball Retention and Possession
- Distributing Passes
- Controlling the Tempo of the Game
- Creating Goal Scoring Opportunities
- Supporting Offensive and Defensive Actions
- Tracking Opposition Runners
- Pressing High to Regain Possession
- Tackling and Interceptions
- Positioning and Space Coverage
- Winning Aerial Duels
- Dribbling and Ball Control
- Providing Leadership and Communication
- Shooting from Distance
- Supporting Full-Backs in Defensive Situations
- Reading the Game
- Versatility in Defensive and Offensive Transitions
CM Types
Box-to-Box Midfielder
A tireless midfielder who covers the entire pitch, contributing to both defensive duties and attacking moves. Known for their stamina, work rate, and versatility in all phases of play, the Box-to-Box midfielder is a dynamic presence in the heart of the field.
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Sitting deeper in midfield, the Deep-Lying Playmaker focuses on dictating play, distributing passes, and controlling the tempo of the game from a defensive position. Their vision, passing range, and composure are key to initiating attacks from the back.
Attacking Midfielder (CAM)
Positioned closer to the forwards, the Attacking Midfielder focuses on creating goal-scoring opportunities, making key passes, and supporting the attacking play. Their creativity, vision, and technical skills make them essential for unlocking opposition defenses.
Defensive Midfielder (CDM)
A more defensively-oriented midfielder, the CDM is responsible for shielding the defense, intercepting passes, and breaking up opposition attacks. Their tackling ability and positioning are vital to maintaining the team’s defensive stability.
Regista
A type of deep-lying playmaker who operates freely from a deeper position, orchestrating play and controlling tempo with pinpoint passing. The Regista is often the team’s key distributor and initiates attacks from deep.
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Focused on winning back possession and disrupting the opposition’s build-up play, the Ball-Winning Midfielder applies high pressure using physicality and defensive awareness. Their work rate and tackling ability are crucial for breaking up attacking moves.
Advanced Playmaker
An attacking-minded central midfielder who plays further up the field, looking to make creative passes and unlock opposing defenses. Positioned between the opposition’s midfield and defense, the Advanced Playmaker excels in finding space and setting up goal-scoring chances.
Carrilero
A central midfielder who operates in the half-spaces or wide areas, the Carrilero supports full-backs and provides width in formations with narrow midfield. Their versatility allows them to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Mezzala
An advanced central midfielder who plays slightly wider, supporting both the attack and the midfield. Known for making forward runs, combining with wingers, and delivering crosses, the Mezzala creates overloads in attack by operating in the half-spaces.
Playmaker
A creative and technical midfielder who specializes in distributing passes and creating chances for their teammates. They are often the link between the defensive and attacking lines and are relied upon to dictate the pace of the game.
Creative Midfielder
A creative force in the midfield, focused on unlocking opposition defenses with clever passing and movement. The Creative Midfielder is often the team’s chief playmaker, looking for opportunities to assist or score.
Versatile Midfielder
A well-rounded midfielder who can contribute both defensively and offensively. Their ability to adapt to various roles in the center of the park makes them invaluable to their team’s tactical flexibility.