CM Soccer Position Explained

The CM soccer position is one of the most important positions on the field because they have a 360 degree view and the connect the defense with the offense. There is a popular phrase that goes “The team that wins the midfield wins the game” and this is because the midfield is the heart and literal center of the team.

I’ve played a lot of different positions through my soccer journey but the position I’ve played the most is CM followed by CDM and CAM. In this blog, I will explain the different types of central midfielders, the key responsibilities, and attributes needed to succeed in this position.

Different Types of Players in the Midfield

The midfield is made up of different types of players, wide midfielders and three different types of central midfielders.The type of center midfielders used are going to depend on the formation and tactics of the team.

• Left and right midfielders (LM) and (RM)
• The central midfielder (CM)- referred to as the number 8
• The central attacking midfielder (CAM)– referred to as the number 10
• The central defensive midfielder (CDM)– referred to as the number 6

If you want to get even more specific, each position also has slightly different roles. For example the central midfield (CM) can play as a deep lying playmaker or a box to box midfielder.

Key Responsibilities of Central Midfielders

Control the Game

One of the main roles of the central midfielder is to control the speed and tempo of the game since they are in the middle of everything. Whatever team wins the midfield has the higher chance of winning the game.

This is because when you control the midfield you get to slow the game down, or speed the game up. To control the game you need central midfielders who have a well rounded skill set, understanding of the game, and the stamina and key attributes required for this position.

Bridge Defense and Offense

Along with controlling the speed and tempo of the game is combining the defense and the offense. As a central midfielder you need to be well rounded in all skills related to defense and offense, but you also need to be able to link up your defensive players like center backs, sweepers, and full backs , the right and left backs, with the strikers, center forwards, and wingers.

Play the Ball Forward

One of the best ways to get the ball up the field to the other team’s goal, is to play forward. Position your body or manipulate the ball in a way that allows you to play the ball forward and only play backwards if you have to and if it makes senses. Knowing where to pass the ball and making the right decision can be improved by scanning a lot and having positional awareness

Defensive Responsibilities

Although a CM is not as defensive as a CDM they must also be able to provide defensive cover especially depending on the formation being used.

Create scoring opportunities

On the opposite end of defensive duties we have offensive duties. As a central midfielder it is not only important to create goal scoring opportunities for teammates and get assists, but it is also important for the central midfielder to score goals.

Key Attributes of the Center Midfielder in Soccer

Now that you know some of the key responsibilities, let’s talk about the key attributes needed to be an elite central midfielder.

• Fast, physically or mentally
• Good decision makers
• High composure, game IQ, and awareness
• Stamina
• High work rate
• Excellent technical skills
• Well rounded ball control skills
• Can participate in the defense and attack
• Able to play all types of passes
  • Long passes
  • Short passes
  • Through balls
  • Progressive passes
  • Crosses
• Be able to play with both feet
  • Non-dominant foot and stronger foot

Best Central Midfielders to Analyze

The world of football is full of amazing midfielders to analyze and learn from. Here is a list of some of the best professional central midfielders in history, active, retired, and some who have turned into coaches.

• Iniesta- Retired
• Xavi- Barcelona Manager
• Pep Guardiola- Manchester City Manager
• Modric- Real Madrid
• Toni Kroos- Real Madrid
• Jude Bellingham- Real Madrid
• Pedri- Barcelona
• Frankie De Jong- Barcelona
• Kevin De Bryune- Manchester City
• Enzo Fernandez- Chelsea
• Bruno Fernandes- Manchester United
• Joshua Kimmich- Bayern Munchen

Summarize

To summarize, the centre midfielder is one of the most important positions and oftentimes these players are the most technically skilled players which give them the name of “maestros.”

In this blog I explained the different types of midfielders, the key attributes needed to succeed in this position, and provided you with a list of the most elite soccer midfielders to analyze and learn from.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cleats for midfielders?

The best soccer cleats for midfielders are the Nike Tiempo Legend line.

What are the playing positions of the central midfield?

• The central midfielder (CM), The central attacking midfielder (CAM), The central defensive midfielder (CDM)
• Within these positions there are also other roles such as:
  • Holding midfielders
  • Box to box midfielders
  • Deep lying playmakers

What is the difference between central midfielders, defensive midfielders, and attacking midfielders?

All of these center midfielders play in the center of the midfield but they each have slightly different roles. Defensive midfielders defend more, attacking midfielders attack more, and center midfielders provide more balance.

Who is the most recent central midfielder to win the ballon d’or?

The most recent midfielder to win the ballon d’or is Rodri from Spain in 2024.