Previous articles in this series:
The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder
The Central Midfield Triangle
The Center Backs
Just as we looked at the relationships and interactions of the three central midfielders we need to take a look at how the Linking Midfielder and Center Backs interact on the pitch.
On a professional level, when attacking, the Linking Midfielder will be asked to drop between the two center backs to form a back three. This allows the outside backs to move forward into the attack.
The other option, and the more common presentation in high school soccer, is for the Linking Midfielder to remain advanced of the Center Backs and push one or the other outside backs forward, but not usually both. We will explore that relationship once we have addressed the outside back positions.
Michael Bradley is a Linking Midfielder supreme. During the transitioning from defending to attack phase he is often found positioned advanced of the two center backs whose split is double of what it would normally be when defending. They from a triangle with the backs as the base and Bradley taking the point. He plays mainly the way he faces as the team seeks to find the pace and rhythm it wishes to possess and attack with.
At the moment a back (center or outside) wins possession of the ball it is absolutely critical that he has a safe outlet pass to make. Twenty years ago wing midfielders were taught to get their heels to the touch to provide that safe outlet pass. As the game has evolved we find that they safe outlet pass, especially for the center backs is often to a central midfielder and especially the Linking Midfielder who will likely be facing the center back.
It may sound dangerous and risky for the Linking Midfielder to utilize a drop pass in this situation but there is strategic value in doing so. First we must recognize that upon losing the ball the opponents will be seeking to re-establish their defending shape. This might entail pressing the ball carrier but will certainly involve getting numbers behind the ball. This short, short pattern executed between the backs and the Linking Midfielder slows their ability to press and also addresses the second reason for a short safe pass as a rule of thumb - we need to allow our midfielders and outside back(s) time to move into the attack. In this sense, the Linking Midfielder is the first target player in the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 systems of play.
Once possession is firmly established the Linking midfielder must play sideways on so that he can help advance the ball up the field with his distribution skills. With the four backs holding in a bowl shape while the attack develops the formation with resemble a 1-2-3-2-3 with the outside midfielders move forward and the Center Midfielder and Attacking Midfielder supporting both lines of three.
The center backs act as the support for the Linking Midfielder once he turns and the attack takes on a more aggressive nature. It is at the moment the team must transition attacking to defending or when neither team has secured possession of the ball that the Linking Midfielder slides back between the center backs. This is a delaying tactic to allow the outside backs time to recover into their defending position.
While the Linking Midfielder is playing as a center back, one of his fellow central midfield partners must fill his role as being a sweeper in front of the backs. This will usually fall to the Center Midfielder, but it could be the Attacking mid at times as well - whomever is closest to the position when the need arises.
We will stop here for now so we can define the characteristics of the outside backs and outside midfielders next. When next we discuss the tactical applications of the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 formations we will explore the versatility that allows this system of play to present itself as multiple formations and the value this presents in confusing opponents.
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Showing posts with label linking midfielder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label linking midfielder. Show all posts
Tuesday
Monday
The central midfield triangle in the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1 formations
Other articles in this series:
The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder
Having just completed the articles on the central midfield positions I thought it would be a good idea to look at the central midfield as a unit and how they compliment and interact with one another.
First and foremost must come a recognition there are three distinct and separate positions and roles that comprise the central midfield triangle. While it is true there must be some overlap in technical, tactical and physical characteristics it is also true there must be differences in the psychological approaches of each player manning these positions.
In a general sense the #6 Linking Midfielder is defensive oriented, disciplined, and a link between lines or positional unit groups. The #8 Center Midfielder is a versatile player that moves easily between defending and attacking postures. He must be a work horse. The #10 Attacking Midfielder is a creative attacking player. A great passer with the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates and himself.
If we look at this unit as a whole we will find they define the numerical designation of the formation. When played as a 1 - 2, the Linking midfielder is tasked with protecting the (center) backs and is a primary ball winner and distributor. He is able to make a few calculated runs into the attacking third during the course of a match, but this is not his primary function. In a similar sense he is there in support of the Center Midfielder and the Attacking Midfielder. He watches their backs allowing them to freely attack. He also is tasked with being a pivot player through which his team can switch the point of attack.
When deployed in as a 1-2 triangle, the Center Midfielder plays advanced of the Linking Midfielder but not necessarily along side of the Attacking Midfielder. It is more of a staggered alignment that provides an offset 1-1-1 look with the Attacking Midfielder being ball side and the Center Midfielder being weak side although these roles must be interchangeable.
When played as a 2-1, the Linking Midfielder and Center Midfielder play side by side as the base of the central midfielder triangle. This is a more defensive posture in a sense but can also be utilized in an aggressive counter attacking manner as it can serve to draw opposing defending players more forward thereby opening the space between them and their goalkeeper.
The 2-1 alignment is also often used by teams that look to press when they first lose the ball. It is a rule of thumb that a team has 7 seconds to aggressively press in an attempt to regain possession once they have lost the ball. During those 7 seconds immediate pressure be brought and support supplied in the forward passing lanes about the ball. This allows the remaining 7 defenders to track back and establish defensive shape behind the ball. During this transitional moment many teams prefer to establish as a 2-1 central triangle s it is more secure than playing a lone Linking Midfielder.
In the descriptions we can see the primary differences between playing in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation and a 1-4-1-4-1 formation are found in how the central midfield is set up. In particular the difference is found in where the Center Midfielder deploys. The shape of the formation is usually 4-2-3-1 when defending and 4-1-4-1 when attacking.
However, the basic 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 are extremely versatile formations. They are merely starting points for further mutations which we will begin exploring as we continue looking at the various positions in the formations. More on that as we look at the center back and outside back positions.
The Goalkeeper
The Linking Midfielder
The Center Midfielder
The Attacking Midfielder
Having just completed the articles on the central midfield positions I thought it would be a good idea to look at the central midfield as a unit and how they compliment and interact with one another.
First and foremost must come a recognition there are three distinct and separate positions and roles that comprise the central midfield triangle. While it is true there must be some overlap in technical, tactical and physical characteristics it is also true there must be differences in the psychological approaches of each player manning these positions.
In a general sense the #6 Linking Midfielder is defensive oriented, disciplined, and a link between lines or positional unit groups. The #8 Center Midfielder is a versatile player that moves easily between defending and attacking postures. He must be a work horse. The #10 Attacking Midfielder is a creative attacking player. A great passer with the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates and himself.
If we look at this unit as a whole we will find they define the numerical designation of the formation. When played as a 1 - 2, the Linking midfielder is tasked with protecting the (center) backs and is a primary ball winner and distributor. He is able to make a few calculated runs into the attacking third during the course of a match, but this is not his primary function. In a similar sense he is there in support of the Center Midfielder and the Attacking Midfielder. He watches their backs allowing them to freely attack. He also is tasked with being a pivot player through which his team can switch the point of attack.
When deployed in as a 1-2 triangle, the Center Midfielder plays advanced of the Linking Midfielder but not necessarily along side of the Attacking Midfielder. It is more of a staggered alignment that provides an offset 1-1-1 look with the Attacking Midfielder being ball side and the Center Midfielder being weak side although these roles must be interchangeable.
When played as a 2-1, the Linking Midfielder and Center Midfielder play side by side as the base of the central midfielder triangle. This is a more defensive posture in a sense but can also be utilized in an aggressive counter attacking manner as it can serve to draw opposing defending players more forward thereby opening the space between them and their goalkeeper.
The 2-1 alignment is also often used by teams that look to press when they first lose the ball. It is a rule of thumb that a team has 7 seconds to aggressively press in an attempt to regain possession once they have lost the ball. During those 7 seconds immediate pressure be brought and support supplied in the forward passing lanes about the ball. This allows the remaining 7 defenders to track back and establish defensive shape behind the ball. During this transitional moment many teams prefer to establish as a 2-1 central triangle s it is more secure than playing a lone Linking Midfielder.
In the descriptions we can see the primary differences between playing in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation and a 1-4-1-4-1 formation are found in how the central midfield is set up. In particular the difference is found in where the Center Midfielder deploys. The shape of the formation is usually 4-2-3-1 when defending and 4-1-4-1 when attacking.
However, the basic 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 are extremely versatile formations. They are merely starting points for further mutations which we will begin exploring as we continue looking at the various positions in the formations. More on that as we look at the center back and outside back positions.
Wednesday
Position #8 the CM in the 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-4-1-4-1
Thus far in this series we have looked at the Goalkeeper and the Linking Midfielder positions. Keeping with the theme of defining and determining a teams spine we will today look at the #8 position, the Center Midfielder.
The technical considerations for the center midfielder position are similar to those of the linking midfielder. There is a premium placed on playing with an economy and efficiency of touches. A high quality of touch is paramount to maintaining possession and helping to establish his teams rhythm and pace.
Tactically the center midfielder has a blended or dual role in that he must be able to play as both a Linking midfielder and an attacking midfielder - the # 10 position. He is in fact a linking player between the linking midfielder and the attacking midfielder. It is the positioning of this player that determines if a teams formation resembles a 1-4-2-3-1 or 1-4-1-4-1. Ideally, the team's formation will be flexible between the two formations throughout a match. Playing with 2 linking midfielders when defending and two attacking midfielders when in possession of the ball. The center midfielder must be a strong communicator and possess a high soccer IQ to be able to recognize which role his team needs him to fill at any given point in a match. A high level of quality decision making is a mandatory requirement for the position.
From a physical standpoint the linking midfielder must demonstrate both speed and quickness on and off the ball. He needs to possess strength on the ball and a willingness to challenge opponents in all three phases of the game. A blended balance of aggressiveness and discipline is essential.
If the linking midfielder is the hub of the team, it is the center midfielder who is the teams engine. He must a 360 degree player. This player must balance a disciplined approach on defense with being a risk taker on offense. There is a distinct need for this player to be able to cross lines both between the positional units of his team and those of opposing defenses. It is a unique psychological make up and proper consideration must be given to this trait in identifying the player to man this position.
The technical considerations for the center midfielder position are similar to those of the linking midfielder. There is a premium placed on playing with an economy and efficiency of touches. A high quality of touch is paramount to maintaining possession and helping to establish his teams rhythm and pace.
Tactically the center midfielder has a blended or dual role in that he must be able to play as both a Linking midfielder and an attacking midfielder - the # 10 position. He is in fact a linking player between the linking midfielder and the attacking midfielder. It is the positioning of this player that determines if a teams formation resembles a 1-4-2-3-1 or 1-4-1-4-1. Ideally, the team's formation will be flexible between the two formations throughout a match. Playing with 2 linking midfielders when defending and two attacking midfielders when in possession of the ball. The center midfielder must be a strong communicator and possess a high soccer IQ to be able to recognize which role his team needs him to fill at any given point in a match. A high level of quality decision making is a mandatory requirement for the position.
From a physical standpoint the linking midfielder must demonstrate both speed and quickness on and off the ball. He needs to possess strength on the ball and a willingness to challenge opponents in all three phases of the game. A blended balance of aggressiveness and discipline is essential.
If the linking midfielder is the hub of the team, it is the center midfielder who is the teams engine. He must a 360 degree player. This player must balance a disciplined approach on defense with being a risk taker on offense. There is a distinct need for this player to be able to cross lines both between the positional units of his team and those of opposing defenses. It is a unique psychological make up and proper consideration must be given to this trait in identifying the player to man this position.
Tuesday
Position #6 The Linking Midfielder in the 1-4-2-3-1 or 1-4-1-4-1
You will find two other articles on this site dealing with the #6 position. This is appropriate and fitting as in today's game this is arguably the most important position on the pitch. In the past the position has been described as a defensive midfielder or a holding midfielder. We have begun calling it the Linking Midfielder.
The Linking Midfielder must be technically proficient and capable of playing with an extreme economy and efficiency of touches. One or two touch play is often the norm. The quality of those touches is vitally important as the linking midfielder must be able to distribute the ball with great accuracy.
Tactically the linking midfielder is a screening player in front of the center backs when his team is without the ball. He should be the teams organizer and communicator. There must be a deep understanding of the different types of defending as they apply to each positional unit and when, where and how to apply or direct application of pressure on the ball.
In the transitional phase of moving from defending to attack it is critical that he possess an understanding of the teams system of play and be a 360 degree player.. He must be able and willing to properly prepare to play the ball at all times while actively seeking the ball. The linking midfielder must possess great game intelligence and a high quality of decision making ability. Creating and changing the rhythm or tempo of the game and understanding when it is necessary to do so are critical weapons for the linking midfielder's repertoire. Distribution or passing skills must be among the very best on the team.
From a physical standpoint the linking midfielder must demonstrate coordination with and without the ball. He should be agile and possess the ability to change pace effectively. He needs to possess strength on the ball and a willingness to challenge opponents in all three phases of the game.
It is the psychological aspects of the linking midfielder that really define the position. Because he is the hub of the team wheel, a 360 degree layer, he must be disciplined, responsible and very poised. The degree of calmness and confidence that he plays with will go a long ways to determining that of his team as well. He must be emotionally stable - never to high, never too low - and remain even keeled whether the game be tied or he finds his team winning or losing. Composure is of the utmost importance. With the goalkeeper, the linking mid is the teams authority on the pitch - an extension of the coach.
Putting it all together.
The primary responsibilities for the linking midfielder are to protect the center backs and to be a link between the backs and the attackers. In this sense he must be a pivot or 360 degree player. Establishing the teams pace and the games rhythm are critical elements of the linking midfielders responsibilities. This occurs on both sides of the ball and in all phases of the game.
Because the linking midfielder will remain centrally located on the pitch and within his teams shape a majority of time he must be able to play competently and confidently facing in any direction. Game intelligence and awareness are essential to his ability to communicate with teammates, organize team shape and direct both the defending and attacking play.
My team refers to the linking midfielder as the Michael Bradley role. Given Bradley's move to an attacking midfielder position in the World Cup this is a bit misleading now, but the idea remains the same. In defending the LM plays advanced of and between the center backs in a protective screening manner. In the attack he often plays between the center backs presenting a back three and allowing the outside defenders to move into the attack. However, he makes calculated and dangerous runs forward to become directly involved in the attacking phase via his distributions or shots on goal.
For more on the Linking Midfielder and his role in the modern game please see Position #6 the Holding or Defensive Midfielder and Evolution in Soccer - the Linking Midfielder.
The Linking Midfielder must be technically proficient and capable of playing with an extreme economy and efficiency of touches. One or two touch play is often the norm. The quality of those touches is vitally important as the linking midfielder must be able to distribute the ball with great accuracy.
Tactically the linking midfielder is a screening player in front of the center backs when his team is without the ball. He should be the teams organizer and communicator. There must be a deep understanding of the different types of defending as they apply to each positional unit and when, where and how to apply or direct application of pressure on the ball.
In the transitional phase of moving from defending to attack it is critical that he possess an understanding of the teams system of play and be a 360 degree player.. He must be able and willing to properly prepare to play the ball at all times while actively seeking the ball. The linking midfielder must possess great game intelligence and a high quality of decision making ability. Creating and changing the rhythm or tempo of the game and understanding when it is necessary to do so are critical weapons for the linking midfielder's repertoire. Distribution or passing skills must be among the very best on the team.
From a physical standpoint the linking midfielder must demonstrate coordination with and without the ball. He should be agile and possess the ability to change pace effectively. He needs to possess strength on the ball and a willingness to challenge opponents in all three phases of the game.
It is the psychological aspects of the linking midfielder that really define the position. Because he is the hub of the team wheel, a 360 degree layer, he must be disciplined, responsible and very poised. The degree of calmness and confidence that he plays with will go a long ways to determining that of his team as well. He must be emotionally stable - never to high, never too low - and remain even keeled whether the game be tied or he finds his team winning or losing. Composure is of the utmost importance. With the goalkeeper, the linking mid is the teams authority on the pitch - an extension of the coach.
Putting it all together.
The primary responsibilities for the linking midfielder are to protect the center backs and to be a link between the backs and the attackers. In this sense he must be a pivot or 360 degree player. Establishing the teams pace and the games rhythm are critical elements of the linking midfielders responsibilities. This occurs on both sides of the ball and in all phases of the game.
Because the linking midfielder will remain centrally located on the pitch and within his teams shape a majority of time he must be able to play competently and confidently facing in any direction. Game intelligence and awareness are essential to his ability to communicate with teammates, organize team shape and direct both the defending and attacking play.
My team refers to the linking midfielder as the Michael Bradley role. Given Bradley's move to an attacking midfielder position in the World Cup this is a bit misleading now, but the idea remains the same. In defending the LM plays advanced of and between the center backs in a protective screening manner. In the attack he often plays between the center backs presenting a back three and allowing the outside defenders to move into the attack. However, he makes calculated and dangerous runs forward to become directly involved in the attacking phase via his distributions or shots on goal.
For more on the Linking Midfielder and his role in the modern game please see Position #6 the Holding or Defensive Midfielder and Evolution in Soccer - the Linking Midfielder.
Wednesday
Evolution in Soccer - the Linking Mid
In camp settings I strive to impress upon players and coaches alike that soccer is a living breathing entity. As such, the game is constantly changing. The easiest way to depict this is to note how the diamond stopper / sweeper system has faded away with the advent of zonal defending concepts. Yet even as you read this the standard zonal systems are being solved - the game is further evolving.
Teams that played a zonal back four utilized the backs to execute changes of field and often did so with little pressure from opposing forwards. That is, until it was discovered that two, and at times one, opposing forward could disrupt this process. This especially holds true when the outside backs are played advanced in a bowl configuration.
In this regard we have witnessed a zonal back four and the then standard 4-4-2 formation devolve back to 4-3-3 and then evolve into hybrid 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations. Triangle, diamond and box midfields have once again become the norm. It is within the triangle and diamond midfields in particular that the Linking Midfielder role has been (re)established.
The term "linking midfielder" might be new to you but I hardly think I have coined a new descriptive term. This is a defensive mid or holding mid with a more specifically (and broader) role defined. In many ways it is the re-emergence of the Stopper role. Defensively the Linking Mid is charged with protecting the back line and the specifically the center backs. The attacking role for the Linking Mid is as the name infers - to link the back four with the midfielders and forwards. Distributing the ball, changing field and playing teammates in is a critical role for the position. So too is the ability to make foraging runs into the attack.
My teams often refer to this position as the Michael Bradley role. This is true when Bradley is deployed as the defensive or linking mid. He "sits" in an advanced position between the center backs and is used to split the afore mentioned opposing forward(s) who would otherwise disrupt the backs ability to move the ball laterally across the back. By doing so, the back line can continue to function in a forward bowl shape instead of being forced to withdraw the outside backs to provide the depth necessary to defeat the opposing forwards pressure. The linking mid creates a 5 vs 2 (or 3) situation in your favor.
In some ways delegating 5 players to defeat one, two or three might seem a waste of resources, but the linking mid allows the outside backs to come forward and that is the key to creating numbers up situations for your team to exploit in the attack.
This is the key to understanding how soccer evolves - Deployment of resources seeks to create numbers up advantages. The zonal four has had numerical advantages in defending for some time now. This created a real need to get more players forward into the attack. The solution has been to use outside backs to come forward. This can create even numbers for attacking and even give the attackers a man advantage dependent on the manner and timing of deploying the outside back.
The next phase of evolution? Given many teams are going to one traditional forward combining with a false nine I would suspect there could be a move to playing a back 3 instead of a back four. This is not a huge leap if we consider the current bowl configuration of back lines which might be better depicted as 2-3-4-1 or 2-4-3-1 formations. The strength remains down the spine of the pitch and I do not foresee that ever changing. The goals are located along the central spine after all.
Teams that played a zonal back four utilized the backs to execute changes of field and often did so with little pressure from opposing forwards. That is, until it was discovered that two, and at times one, opposing forward could disrupt this process. This especially holds true when the outside backs are played advanced in a bowl configuration.
In this regard we have witnessed a zonal back four and the then standard 4-4-2 formation devolve back to 4-3-3 and then evolve into hybrid 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formations. Triangle, diamond and box midfields have once again become the norm. It is within the triangle and diamond midfields in particular that the Linking Midfielder role has been (re)established.
The term "linking midfielder" might be new to you but I hardly think I have coined a new descriptive term. This is a defensive mid or holding mid with a more specifically (and broader) role defined. In many ways it is the re-emergence of the Stopper role. Defensively the Linking Mid is charged with protecting the back line and the specifically the center backs. The attacking role for the Linking Mid is as the name infers - to link the back four with the midfielders and forwards. Distributing the ball, changing field and playing teammates in is a critical role for the position. So too is the ability to make foraging runs into the attack.
My teams often refer to this position as the Michael Bradley role. This is true when Bradley is deployed as the defensive or linking mid. He "sits" in an advanced position between the center backs and is used to split the afore mentioned opposing forward(s) who would otherwise disrupt the backs ability to move the ball laterally across the back. By doing so, the back line can continue to function in a forward bowl shape instead of being forced to withdraw the outside backs to provide the depth necessary to defeat the opposing forwards pressure. The linking mid creates a 5 vs 2 (or 3) situation in your favor.
In some ways delegating 5 players to defeat one, two or three might seem a waste of resources, but the linking mid allows the outside backs to come forward and that is the key to creating numbers up situations for your team to exploit in the attack.
This is the key to understanding how soccer evolves - Deployment of resources seeks to create numbers up advantages. The zonal four has had numerical advantages in defending for some time now. This created a real need to get more players forward into the attack. The solution has been to use outside backs to come forward. This can create even numbers for attacking and even give the attackers a man advantage dependent on the manner and timing of deploying the outside back.
The next phase of evolution? Given many teams are going to one traditional forward combining with a false nine I would suspect there could be a move to playing a back 3 instead of a back four. This is not a huge leap if we consider the current bowl configuration of back lines which might be better depicted as 2-3-4-1 or 2-4-3-1 formations. The strength remains down the spine of the pitch and I do not foresee that ever changing. The goals are located along the central spine after all.
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