How to Be a Good Central Midfielder in Soccer

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 Approved

Soccer, or football outside the United States, Canada, and Australia, is the most popular sport in the world. Of the positions, the midfield is crucial as they combine defense and offense. Once they have the ball, the midfielder needs to know how to pass the ball to attacking players while also excelling at possession. Of the 11 players on a team, there are usually three or four midfielders. This wikiHow will show you how to play midfield like Chelsea's N'Golo Kanté or Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne.

Steps

1
Get some experience playing soccer/football. Central midfield is the most challenging position to master because the game revolves around you and it takes time be a good midfielder. You have a better chance of being more successful if you start playing soccer at a young age.
2
Be fit. Check out this article. Build stamina. It's important to be a good athlete; it is crucial to be fit for this position. It is the most important position on the field. (You shouldn't be pacey; it's actually unnecessary to be fast.)^{[1]
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3
Have good technical ability. Work on your skills. Ball skills should be above average or exemplary because you are the person who holds the ball for most of the time and you cannot lose the ball.^{[2]
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- You should be able to control, pass and receive the ball well, not only with your feet but other parts of your body like chest and thighs.
- Dribbling is also important.
4
Be willing and able to pass. If you are not good at passing, do not bother to play in the midfield. The midfield is where the most skilled players distribute the ball play. You must play in the air and on the ground with short passes, both of which should be weighted properly. You should be the player who can read and analyze the game and spot runs your teammates are making and execute a pass.^{[3]
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- This is crucial as central midfielders should be able to create more chances for their team to score. This is why they are called playmakers.
5
Work on your defensive maneuvers. Central midfield is not only about attack. You are the engine that keeps the team going offensively and defensively.^{[4]
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- Don't overcommit and stab! Force the offense to make a mistake or force them to play the ball backwards.
6
Be aware of the ball and any shooting opportunities. Always take note of who is around you and move into space when off the ball.
- Have good vision. This will enable you to move the ball around well and create scoring opportunities. You, as a center midfielder, have to control the play. This means distributing the ball and checking to every ball.
- Shoot when you can. While forwards mostly do the attacking, it is not a crucial part of midfield but given you are not usually in the box, an occasional nice shot is always a great bonus.

Community Q&A

Question

I play CAM, and my coach wants 15 goals per season. How can I practice getting the ball out of my feet quickly and shooting well?

Community Answer

Keep your head up. I play CAM and scored 23 goals last season just by keeping my head up and by creating my own space.
Question

Can midfielders try to score a goal?

Community Answer

Although strikers and wingers pose the greatest threat of scoring a goal, if given an opportunity midfielders, can try to score for their team.
Question

Is it bad to play the ball back to the defense sometimes?

Community Answer

No, if you are under too much pressure and only your defenders are available, you can pass to them as long as they do not have an opposing player too close. After you pass the ball back, get open so they can clear the ball back to you if needed.