Finishes: Colors & Stains
This article is about the association football position. For other uses, see Midfielder (disambiguation)
GK SW RB CB CB CB LB π RWB LWB DM DM DM RM CM CM CM LM AM AM AM RW SS LW CF CF CF The π midfield positions highlighted in relation to other positions in association football
A midfielder is an outfield position in association football.[1] Midfielders π may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are in that case known as defensive midfielders. As central π midfielders often go across boundaries, with mobility and passing ability, they are often referred to as deep-lying midfielders, play-makers, box-to-box π midfielders, or holding midfielders. There are also attacking midfielders with limited defensive assignments.
The size of midfield units on a team π and their assigned roles depend on what formation is used; the unit of these players on the pitch is commonly π referred to as the midfield. Its name derives from the fact that midfield units typically make up the in-between units π to the defensive units and forward units of a formation.
Managers frequently assign one or more midfielders to disrupt the opposing π team's attacks, while others may be tasked with creating goals, or have equal responsibilities between attack and defence. Midfielders are π the players who typically travel the greatest distance during a match. Midfielders arguably have the most possession during a game, π and thus they are some of the fittest players on the pitch.[3] Midfielders are often assigned the task of assisting π forwards to create scoring opportunities.