How to Play Attacking Midfielder

Playing as an attacking midfielder (also known as central attacking midfielder or the #10) is an exciting and rewarding role in soccer.

It requires a combination of technical skills, tactical awareness, agility, creativity, and natural determination. The quality of this position can be the difference between winning and losing soccer matches.

As an attacking midfielder, your role is to create scoring chances for the forwards, help move the ball upfield, provide defensive coverage in the midfield, and even score goals yourself when the opportunity arises.

In this article, we’ll address how to play attacking midfielder effectively and what skills you’ll need for success.

Different Attacking Midfielder Roles

Depending on the natural abilities and team’s needs, an attacking midfielder may take on a variety of roles in soccer.

A Superior Playmaker

In modern soccer, this is the most common role for an attacking midfielder. As the name implies, the superior playmaker is the team’s creative engine.

They play in an accessible position in the opponent’s middle third and create scoring opportunities by linking the midfield and the attack.

The playmaker makes things happen on the field. They are making creative decisions quickly and with purpose.

Shadow Striker

The shadow striker is when there are two strikers lined up vertically (one in front) from each other. It can also be the attacking midfielder lined up behind the lone striker.

The most common formation in soccer is the 4-4-2 (Magic Rectangle), although when teams are in the offensive stages of play, it often changes to a 4-4-1-1.

In such a setup, the shadow striker would be playing off the primary center forward’s shoulder, taking advantage of layoffs, or forcing the opposition’s defenders into a tricky spot to provide room for the striker or midfielders.

This can be an ideal formation if the team needs a goal, has an aggressive player as a Striker and the attacking midfielder can also create his or her own scoring opportunities.

False “10”

While technically playing in the central attacking midfield position, a ‘False 10’ usually goes out to the wings (or a specific wing) to whip in crosses or just to draw a defensive midfielder out of position and free up space for others to run into.

If the side is playing with wingers, the False 10’s position on the wings also aids in crowding the flanks since the full-back, winger, and central midfielder ought to be more than enough to overwhelm the opposition.

A False 10 can also be considered a “central winger”.

What Skills You Need To Improve

To become a successful attacking midfielder, you need to focus on honing specific skills:

1. Provide width down the sidelines – when running forward, you should look to provide space on either side and try to get behind the opposition’s defensive line. This opens up passing lanes for teammates that can create scoring chances.
2. Move into creative positions – to unlock defenses; you should look to move into pockets of space between defenders where possible. This may be between two midfielders or behind a full-back. If done correctly, this can confuse opponents, leading to opportunities on goal.
3. Support attackers with crosses and passes – players should look to support attackers by providing precise through-balls and crosses. This can create counter-attacks and more chances for scoring opportunities.
4. Move the ball quickly – swift passing is key to success as an attacking midfielder. Playing quick passes between teammates can help break down defenses and open up scoring opportunities in dangerous pitch areas.
5. Show good defensive awareness – not only should you be looking to attack, but also provide defensive cover when defending transition play. Good positioning will limit opponents’ ability to counter-attack effectively, giving your team a better chance of keeping possession and creating opportunities for a goal.
6. Move in tight spaces – Quickness is an advantage among attacking midfielders as they need to play in tight spaces. An experienced player will continue to look back over their shoulder and see passing opportunities before they even get the ball.
7. Always be communicating – this is often overlooked but a central attacking midfielder should always be communicating. They are in a position to see the field from all angles. Players can communicate when opponents are near the ball, when to pass it back or when to counter.

The All-Time Greatest Attacking Midfielders

Attacking midfielders often rank among the most lauded and naturally talented players on the field. The names on this list are some big names.

• Lionel Messi: Also playing as a forward, Messi needs no introduction. Messi is at an elite status among soccer player and fans. His creative technique, sideline-to-sideline vision and finishing abilities make him perfect attacking midfielder.
• Diego Maradona: What else do we need to say? Arguably the best soccer player in sports history, fans adored him for his technical brilliance, artistic flair, wild dribbling, sharp finishing, and all-around charisma.
• Alfredo Di Stefano: A former player for Real Madrid, is revered as one of the game’s all-time greats. The third-highest goalscorer in league history for Real Madrid, an attacking midfielder best known for his technical skill and scoring capabilities.
• Bobby Charlton: Played a crucial role in England’s historic World Cup victory in 1966 and was a key player for both his country and his team, Manchester United, in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
• Zinedine Zidane: One of the greatest attacking midfielders in history, Zidane is renowned for his grace, vision, technique, ball handling, and passing skills.
• Johan Cruyff: One of the greatest European players of all-time, Cruyff put Barcelona on the map by winning a UCL and (4) La Liga titles. In his celebrated career as a player, he went on to win the Ballon d’Or three times, in 1971, 1973 and 1974.

Are You Ready to Play an Attacking Midfielder Role?

I hope this helps you understand what goes into playing the attacking midfielder position. This player is truly the driver of the team’s engine. If a team can dominate the middle of the field, they are able to counter and provide more scoring opportunities.

When a player couples game IQ with speed, they are able to accelerate in this position.

This role isn’t for the faint of heart as it will require a lot of running but it does provide players with great development to play other positions.