A midfielder controls the game. They connect defence and attack. They decide the speed of play. A good midfielder makes football look simple.

But this does not happen by chance. Great midfielders master a few core skills.These skills are learned with practice and patience.

Here are the top five skills every midfielder must work on.

1. Skill #1 – Scan The Pitch

As soon as you see the ball, you should already have a plan of action. This is called scanning. A good midfielder continually scans the pitch for teammates, opponents and possible areas of space all around them so they can make quick decisions and play more quickly because they are less likely to make mistakes and are able to remain calm under pressure.
Develop this habit every single day. There are three main points for scanning – scan right, scan left and scan behind you. You should scan the pitch at all times even while the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch. Scanning will always give you time. Time =Power in midfield.

Skill #2 – First Touch

Your first touch will dictate your next movement in a game; if your first touch is poor you will feel a lot of pressure; if your first touch is clean you will create time for yourself. When you receive a pass you should use both feet to control the ball as smoothly as possible while receiving the ball from both sides, with both feet and at different angles (forwards, sideways, and away from pressure). Practice receiving passes from all angles so you can become better at controlling your first touch.

Skill #3 . Passing Accuracy

The midfielder will make the most passes of any position on the field. These include, but are not limited to, short, long and one touch passes.

To be an effective passer on the field a player must not only have a powerful kick, but he must also know when to play safe, when to play forward and when to switch the play from one side to the other. Each time a player passes, they need to have a reason (purpose) in mind for that pass, rather than just passing the ball out of frustration.

Train in simple passing first for all players. You can then add motion, then pressure. Always look to make your teammates better with your passes.

Skill #4 . Ball Protection and Body Position

Protecting the Ball and Body Positioning

Midfielders come under instant stress as opponents close at a fast rate. Players need to understand how to protect the ball by properly positioning their bodies and maintaining balance. The player should keep their body between the ball and the opponent, use short touches while remaining low and strong with their body. A good body position is also important when attempting to create fouls by keeping possession of the ball or escaping small spaces, as it is vital for central midfielders to control the game while being constantly pressured from all directions at all times.

Skill# 5. Game Awareness and Decision Making

Football is a thinking game. Especially in midfield.You must read the game. Understand the situation. Make quick decisions.When to hold the ball. When to release it. When to move forward.When to stay back.This skill improves with experience. Watching matches helps.
Playing more helps even more. Learn from mistakes.Do not rush every action.

Smart decisions make an average player good. Good decisions make a good player great.

#Conclusion 

Midfielders are the heartbeat of the team.They work the hardest.They think the fastest.

If you want to grow as a midfielder, focus on these skills.Practice them daily.
Keep it simple.Football rewards consistency. Small improvements every day make a big difference.

Control the midfield. And you control the game.

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