HowTo: Defend in Midfield

Here is a video for all the players who have aspirations to play anywhere in the middle of the park (#6 or #8) or any players wanting to be better at defending

This is Darren Fletcher. He plays for Manchester United and is what could be called an unsung hero.

Watch this 2 minute clip of him and this teammates defend as a team. It's from the BBC Match of the Day program.

Check out how Darren and his teammates communicate (talk, point, give encouragement) and work with each other to mark and defend.


In this first shot - look how the #6 is protecting the back four by acting as a screen while watching the players to his right.  He isn't concerned with chasing the play, only preventing the other team from creating a scoring opportunity. [Also notice how far back the #11 is tucked back helping to defend ;)]

Next as the #7 applies pressure, he is man-marking the opponents #10, denying him space.

The central midfielder: Individual Task When Opponent in Possession

• primary task is to eliminate player
• be able to defend zone and position
• be strong in 1:1 duel
1. attack on the ball! intercept
2. keep player in front
3. come in front of the player to defend
4. good defensive header
5. backing, and pinch in
• be explosive! fast
• preventive coaching  /  communication
• able to play 1:1, without backing
• strong, defensive header
• be able to lock down against 2 strikers
• delay opponent as long as necessary
• with 2 strikers, know how to play on 10
• with 3 strikers, play positional
• deal with emerging attackers by good positioning

Effort, Attitude & Commitment. One Club! One Love!