How to control the midfield in football

If you love soccer and like playing in midfield, the central defensive midfielder role might be right for you. The CDM is the team's backbone, balancing defensive duties with playmaking responsibilities.

Players like Sergio Busquets, N'Golo Kanté, and Rodri have shown how mastering this position can define a team's success.

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In this guide, we’ll break down what it takes to thrive as a CDM and the steps you can take to elevate your game.

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1.

Understanding the Role of a Central Defensive Midfielder

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Before you can master the position, you need to fully understand what it entails. The CDM plays right in front of the defensive line.

Best defensive midfielders of all time

They act as a shield for the defenders. At the same time, they connect the defense to the attack.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Distribution: Control possession and play accurate passes to transition from defense to attack.

  Dictating the speed at which a team plays.

• Defensive Duties: Intercept passes, tackle opponents, and break up attacks.
• Positioning: Stay discipli
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