How many types of midfielders are there in the beautiful game? Well, let's just say it's like trying to count the number of times Neymar rolls on the ground after a tackle — it’s endless! And no, we’re not stopping at “box-to-box” and “holding.” There’s a whole midfield menu out there, and today, we’re going all "Hilda Baci" on it!
The Difference Between a Style of Play and a Position
The midfield position is arguably the most competitive and important position in football. The midfield position is generally categorized into three positions: defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and attacking midfielder.
Within these three key positions, players with different styles of play can occupy these positions respectively. The mere football person, in as much as I don’t blame anyone, thinks the player who is strong, tall, and works hard is the defensive midfielder. These same people assume the guy with silky flair and incredible passing is the attacking midfielder or should be playing the attacking midfield position.
That is false. We have silky players with incredible passing ranges playing as defensive midfielders, and we have some of the most hardworking, strongest midfielders who are attacking midfielders. Have you ever seen a player and thought, “Wait, he’s playing there?” Yeah, football does that to you.
The 5 Types of Midfield Styles
We will talk about the types of midfielders in the game in a minute. But first, I have to cook assorted beef noodles. All that talk has me hungry. Have you ever been so hungry you start imagining football formations with your food? No? Just me?
1. The Destroyer
Casemiro tackling Messi
A tenacious battler who keeps opposition attacks at bay through hard tackling and pressing. This position is the most recognizable breed of defensive midfield players. They usually sit in front of the backline. Some prime examples of a destroyer are Makelele, Casemiro, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Regardless of this particular style of play, we have "Destroyers" who are also central midfielders. An example is the reinvented Wilfred Ndidi under Enzo Maresca. He is still aggressive, tackles, and intercepts a lot, but not in front of the backline like most destroyers who play the defensive position do. Ndidi tackles high up the field, trying to win the ball in the final third of the opposition.
2. The Deep-lying Playmaker (DLP)
Toni Kroos in action
This is another role which, in terms of position, can be categorized as a defensive midfielder. However, the deep-lying playmaker role differentiates from the destroyer. The deep-lying playmaker will always be available, occasionally as a lone pivot, to receive the ball from the center-backs or other teammates, to recycle the possession.
Players with this style of play are Sergio Busquets, Rodri, and Thomas Partey. Just like the "Destroyers," we have DLPs who are not defensive midfielders but central midfielders. Toni Kroos, Pjanic, Verratti, and Scholes are prime examples.
3. The Regista
Pirlo in action for New york city fc
The Regista is an Italian word meaning director. It means the one who dictates the offensive play of a team. It is a prominent role in Italian football that has spread across the globe. The fabulous Andrea Pirlo was a brilliant example of a player in this midfield role.
Registas are the types of midfielders with a penchant for long, cross-field passes. A regista will be one of the team’s most talented players in terms of passing range, press resistance, composure, vision, and creativity. A regista can only be categorized as a defensive midfielder. Who’s your favorite Regista? Let’s have a debate in the comments
Registas are the types of midfielders with a penchant for long, cross-field passes. A regista will be one of the team’s most talented players in terms of passing range, press resistance, composure, vision, and creativity. A regista can only be categorized as a defensive midfielder. Who’s your favorite Regista? Let’s have a debate in the comments
4. The Box-to-Box Midfielder
A player who tirelessly covers every blade of grass for the full 90 minutes. Due to their energy, offensive, and defensive abilities, they can contribute at both ends of the field in an all-round manner. Prime examples of box-to-box midfielders are Steven Gerrard and Paul Pobga.
The box-to-box style can be categorized in all three key midfield positions depending on the player. Michael Essien has a box-to-box style of play but he is a defensive midfielder. Steven Gerrard had the same style of play but he is a central midfielder. Jude Bellingham and Dele Alli have the same style of play but they are attacking midfielders. You get the point? Good. If you had to pick one box-to-box midfielder for your dream team, who would it be? Drop your picks below!
The box-to-box style can be categorized in all three key midfield positions depending on the player. Michael Essien has a box-to-box style of play but he is a defensive midfielder. Steven Gerrard had the same style of play but he is a central midfielder. Jude Bellingham and Dele Alli have the same style of play but they are attacking midfielders. You get the point? Good. If you had to pick one box-to-box midfielder for your dream team, who would it be? Drop your picks below!
5. The Creative Playmaker
Just like i believe that the Ballon D’Or is a battle of who has the strongest PR, the creative playmakers are the types of midfielders that enjoy the most PR. They are among the most aesthetically pleasing positions in football and it’s where some of the most technically talented players operate. They usually operate within and between the lines, or off the striker. These players are the creative lifeblood for the team in terms of goals and assists.
Prime examples of such players are Kevin De Bruyne, Özil, Bruno Fernandes, Modric, and James Rodriguez. Players with this style of play are usually categorized as attacking midfielders but can’t be boxed into just this position alone. We have players with creative playmaking styles who are central midfielders, prime examples being Enzo Fernandez and Modric. Do you think creativity can be taught, or is it pure talent? Let’s get a discussion going!
Prime examples of such players are Kevin De Bruyne, Özil, Bruno Fernandes, Modric, and James Rodriguez. Players with this style of play are usually categorized as attacking midfielders but can’t be boxed into just this position alone. We have players with creative playmaking styles who are central midfielders, prime examples being Enzo Fernandez and Modric. Do you think creativity can be taught, or is it pure talent? Let’s get a discussion going!
Conclusion
The midfield is not just the heart of the team; it’s the brain too. The different styles of midfield play add layers of strategy and excitement to the beautiful game. Whether it's a destroyer making a crunching tackle, a deep-lying playmaker threading a perfect pass, or a creative playmaker pulling the strings, midfielders are the ultimate game-changers. So next time you're watching a match, keep an eye on these unsung heroes who keep the game flowing like a perfectly cooked bowl of assorted beef noodles.
Do you agree with my list? Did I miss any crucial midfield styles? Let me know in the comments — and don’t forget to share your favorite midfield moments!
Do you agree with my list? Did I miss any crucial midfield styles? Let me know in the comments — and don’t forget to share your favorite midfield moments!
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