Defensive midfield has become one of the most important positions in football over the last decade. At one time, these grafters were deployed with few fans and pundits really knowing why they were picked week in, week out. However, without a solid defensive midfielder deployed to break up play and protect the defence, a team’s spine looks incredibly weak.

The best teams in football have defensive midfielders who are vital for their teams to succeed. Real Madrid’s Casemiro, Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante are three of the top defensive midfielders in the game today.

What key attributes should aspiring defensive midfielders possess to be successful in football?

Defensive skills

It sounds a bit redundant, but good defensive midfielders need strong defensive skills. This includes having the ability to pressure opponents, make sliding and standing tackles, and to intercept passes when they are made.

Conditioning

Want to be successful as the defensive cog in midfield? Great, but if your conditioning isn’t good enough you won’t be playing in the central role for long. Defensive midfielders must be able to cover the ground between the two touchlines and the 18-yard boxes. They must also be able to mark an attacker closely, catch up with attackers when they break down field, and able to win the ball and pass it out to an attacker. Defensive midfielders must also support the attack by making good runs when the team is in possession.

Anticipation

Defensive midfielders also need to be able to read a game, so they can predict passes and moves before they happen. Players need to fill in the gaps and have tactical awareness of where to be on the pitch.

If you can work on these three key attributes, you can have success as a defensive midfielder. It is an important position, and one that most teams deploy in the modern game.