Attacking Midfielder

System

• In Possession: 4-3-3
• Out of Possession: 4-4-2 pressing as second striker
• Role Type: Playmaker, goal threat, and pressing trigger
• Identity Dynamic, high-IQ attacker who links play, creates overloads, breaks lines and drives the team forward with intelligence, aggression, and quality

Build Phase

• Links play between midfield and forward lines, operating between lines and in central pockets or half-spaces
• Constantly scans to paint pictures and anticipate play, must see the next 2–3 passes, also known as playing in future.
• Finds clever spaces between CBs and DM to receive on the back foot
• Connects closely with the 9, understands when to drop into pockets or allow 9 to drop while running beyond
• Receives under pressure confidently, first touch sets up forward play
• Switches between playmaker and penetrator depending on spacing and opposition block

Progression Phase

• Key creator in your system, must have ability to play disguised through balls, third-man passes, and slip balls between defenders
• Dribbles at speed to commit defenders and create space for teammates especially the 9
• Combines in tight spaces, often using one touch or double passes to release wide play- ers or interior midfielders
• Dribbling is not to entertain, but to create space and provoke defenders
• Works to create triangles and overloads in central zones or half-spaces
• Timing of forward runs into box when ball goes wide must arrive late to score or support
• Attacks diagonal spaces around the box from left or right, depending on overloads

Final Third Phase

quality

• Able to combine centrally or go 1v1 around the box
• Always forward-thinking,never plays square unless needed

Press Phase

• Must dictate rhythm in the final third, pass, dribble, shoot decisions made with clarity and
• Constant threat to goal, can arrive to finish, link play, or release wide runners
• Shoots with minimal backlift, off both feet if possible, edge-of-box shooting key
• Executes cutbacks, reverse passes, and final balls with quality, detail, and disguise
• Works as second striker in 4-4-2 press initiates high press in relation with 9
• Must read triggers, CBs receiving back to goal, poor touch, or wide passes
• Leads with aggression, angles, and intensity
• Presses to win the ball or force rushed long balls, a key part of your pressing structure
• Understands when to stay tight to 6 and when to press CB depending on press scheme

Compactness Phase

• Drops into midfield line when first line of press is broken transitions to 4-5-1 or compact midfield block
• Helps block access into central midfield, body shape must cut passing lanes
• Defends between the lines, understands how to delay and support without overcommit- ting
• Must stay switched on defensively,protect zone in front of the back line

Defensive Box Phase

• Supports second balls and cutbacks from wide
• Aggressive in duels, presses first touches, makes interceptions
• Doesn’t allow midfield runners or late edge-of-box attackers to go untracked

Immediate Break

• Drives into space with control and speed if ball lands to feet
• Links early with 9 or winger, sharp decision-making required
• Seeks killer pass or shot,must deliver end product in transition

Secure Build

• Offers short options to recycle play and shift opposition block

Counterpress Phase

• Reacts immediately after possession loss, sprints to pressure or block passing options
• Pressures aggressively with 9 to trap or win the ball high
• Body shape and angles must be intelligent,not just aggression, but calculation
• Aims to intercept or delay, buys time for midfield line to reset

Recovery Phase

• If press is bypassed, drops quickly into shape, often central or slightly to ball side
• Supports midfield press or blocks passing lane into 6
• Mentality - never gives up on transition, relentless pursuit of ball or cover

Technical Attributes

• Outstanding first touch, always prepares for next action
• Ball speed and timing on passes is critical, detail, weight, and disguise
• High-level dribbler, agile, sharp changes of direction, close control
• Two-footed preferred, must be comfortable playing both sides of pitch
• Elite through balls, must thread passes into tight spaces
• Shoots cleanly, quick releases, low and controlled
• Plays on the half-turn, always looking forward

Tactical Intelligence

• Constant scanning, 360 awareness
• Understands timing of movement to manipulate defenders
• Sees big picture and dictates tempo of attack
• Creates and uses space cleverly, often to bring others into play

Physical Attributes

• Agile, low centre of gravity helps in 1v1s and tight spaces
• Explosive over short distances, vital for pressing and dribbling
• Can maintain high-intensity efforts during press phases
• Dynamic, combines well-timed movements with bursts of power
• Understands roles of all attacking players, can connect, rotate, or vacate
• Adjusts role depending on phase, not fixed to one space or function
• Has vision and execution to unlock low blocks or spring counters
• Sharp acceleration, first 5 metres vital for separating from defenders
• Must be robust enough to withstand contact and keep going

Psychological Profile

• High confidence, wants the ball in all moments
• Creative mindset, makes things happen with purpose, not risk
• Vocal, encourages and connects with forwards and midfielders
• Competitive, fights in duels, presses hard, and never hides
• Resilient,bounces back from errors with energy
• Demands excellence,from self and others
• Mentality: No risk,just positive intent

Character and Leadership

• Sees themselves as a difference maker
• Demands the ball and drives the team forward
• Coaches on the pitch, communicates with wingers, 9, and 8s
• Leads from the front, in pressing, body language, and tempo
• Fiercely competitive, must want to win everything
• Brave, plays forward even under pressure
• Resilient, mentally tough, emotionally intelligent

What We Don't Want

• Passive pressing slow to close down or read triggers
• Doesn’t move between lines static, predictable positioning
• Avoids 1v1s or forward passes
• Doesn’t scan or check shoulders before receiving
• Lacks aggression in duels or transition moments
• Weak mentality drops after mistakes, disappears in big games
• Plays safe constantly lacks ambition to break lines
• Fails to track back or support recovery runs

Profile Summary

Our 10 is a high-level playmaker and second striker hybrid, intelligent, aggressive, and fearless

in possession. They combine closely with the 9, play between lines, and dictate tempo in the

final third. Dynamic and creative, they break lines through passing, dribbling, and combinations,

while also being a constant goal threat. Out of possession, they are the trigger in our high press

and defend from the front with intensity and tactical awareness. Technically sharp, tactically

elite, and mentally relentless, this player lives on the front foot and brings structure, chaos, and

quality to every phase of play.