Do you play as a CDM or number 6? ⚽️👀 Want to take your game to the next level? Study players like Vitinha, Rodri and Elliot Anderson. They all have qualities that make them stand out in midfield. Here are 3 key areas to work on if you want to become a complete defensive midfielder. ⚽ 1. Progress the play Your job isn’t just to win the ball — it’s to help your team move from defence into attack. Practise linking together a pass, a shoulder check, a back-foot receive and a turn before playing forward again. Keep your passes firm and low, use different turns to escape pressure, and always scan before receiving. Scan → Receive → Turn → Play forward. 🛡️ 2. Master screening One of your biggest defensive responsibilities is stopping passes into the opposition’s attacking midfielder or striker dropping into the space. Don’t stand so close that the opponent refuses to play the pass, but don’t stand so far away that you can’t intercept it. Position yourself to tempt the pass, read the passer’s body shape and be ready to step in when the ball travels. The key is knowing when to hold your position and when to attack the passing lane. 🏃 3. Drive forward with the ball When you receive and there’s space ahead, be confident enough to carry the ball through midfield. Scan early, recognise the space and take bigger touches to accelerate into it. Keep your head up so you can spot a forward pass, play through to an attacker or take another touch past an approaching defender. Don’t force the dribble if the space isn’t there — recognise when to pass, turn or retain possession. 🎯 The key? Progress the play. Screen intelligently. Drive into space. A great number 6 doesn’t just protect the defence — they control the transition from defence to attack. Get on the pitch and practise! 💪 #CDM #Number6 #DefensiveMidfielder #FootballTraining #FootballCoaching - @the_jwl