The Role and Responsibilities of a Midfielder in Soccer

An undergraduate student at Florida State University, Madison Leigh Gerhard is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. Madison Leigh Gerhard graduated from Colts Neck High School in New Jersey and previously attended Peddie School, where she played midfield on the school's varsity girls soccer team.

Midfielder is one of four primary positions in soccer, with the others being goalkeeper, defender, and striker. Each of these positions, save for goalkeeper, has sub-positions with different responsibilities. Those playing the middle of the field generally see more action in a game than strikers or defenders. Their roles, meanwhile, can be either defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or wide midfielder. Players in the latter position contribute offensively and provide defensive support on the flanks of the field.

The other three midfield positions are self-explanatory. A defensive midfielder, commonly referred to as a holding midfielder, plays in front of defenders and is primarily tasked with intercepting opposition passes and keeping the ball out of their zone. Central midfielders are the most involved in the action, as they have to support defensive and offensive actions. As a result of these requirements, they should be skilled passers and ball handlers. Attacking midfielders, often the most skilled playmakers on a team, are tasked with driving the offense and creating scoring opportunities for strikers.