SEASON 4: PLAYER ROLES ; EPISODE 17: PLAYER ROLE (BOX TO BOX MIDFIELDER)

In today’s blog we take a look at my second favourite role within Soccer: The ‘Box to Box Midfielder’ role. Alongside the Wingback role, Box to Box Midfielders are normally the fittest players on the pitch, and they are a prime example of what is needed to play as a Midfielder within soccer.

Many people consider that box to box players only bring physical prowess to a game but that can’t be furher from the truth, as these players possess some of the best dribbling with the ball at pace than in any other role. They are tireless runners who are always available whether as a passing option or to provide defensive cover. I personally believe the Box to Box Midfielder is the most valuable role within the game today since most Midfielders are being asked to do everything on the pitch and these lads are already used to doing so.

ATTACKING PHASE

Almost every Box to Box Midfielder loves getting on the ball, running at the oppoisition and getting into the box to score or create a goal. They also are neat enough on the ball to play some tremendous passes, but they prefer to make dangerous runs off the ball in order to make use of their physical prowess.

DEFENSIVE PHASE

Their engine means that they rarely get fatigued, so they are exceptional when it comes to providing support in the defensive third of the pitch or even when your team is trying to win the ball high in the oppositions half of the field.

POSITIONAL TRAITS

Similarly to a General Midfielder, Box to Box midfielders can play a host of different positins on the field and are normally the most positionally versatile players on the pitch. You can point a Box to Box Midfielder’s arrow to ‘attacking’ or ‘defending’ and their game still will not be affacted that much. Generally speaking, BTB Midfielders play thier best when positioned as a M(C) but can play anywhere from D(R,L), M(RLC), or AM(RLC).

Additionally, some box to box midfielders love running with the ball at their feet, while others love making off the ball runs to get into decisive positions on both ends of the pitch. Take this into consideration when chosing your type.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

The key attributes that Box to Box Midfielders possess are:

Tackling
Positioning
Movement
Dribbling
Long Shots
Stamina
Work Rate
Aggression
Concentration
Leadership

BEST PLAYERS OF ROLE IN SOCCERMANAGER WORLDS

Fede Valverde 🇺🇾
Jude Bellingham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
Leon Goretzka 🇩🇪
Marcos Llorente 🇪🇸
Granit Xhaka 🇨🇭

Almost tore out some of my hair making this list, man. That last spot had so many players that I panicked (well, not really cause Xhaka has been superb for Arsenal for the last 2 seasons).

Up next, we take a look at a role that is often misunderstood by a lot of so called “experts” of soccer. See you in a bit… ✌️