Here’s a quiz: Which were the two most expensive transfers in the world this summer? You may be tempted to name strikers and playmakers. They are the ones who make the sports news and newspaper covers, who are praised on social media, who lift the Ballon d’Or – the prize for the world’s best player – year after year. But the answer is Declan Rice and Moisés Caicedo, two defensive midfielders. Last year it was Enzo Fernández, central midfield. In total, they cost around NOK four billion. They are among the 10 most expensive players in history. They scored five league goals between them last season. But in today’s market it is not goals that are worth the most. More important than Haaland Just ask Liverpool. The Reds threw around NOK 1.4 billion after Caicedo this summer in a desperate search for “their” defensive midfield. He went to Chelsea, who just as easily took the Reds’ second choice, Roméo Lavia, for another 700 million. Most top teams now have such a “six”, as the role just in front of the defense is called, such as Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and Yves Bissouma (Tottenham). Last year, Manchester United put NOK 800 million on the table for Casemiro. Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Rice. Last weekend he had to leave with an injury at half-time against Tottenham, and it was only 10 minutes before his replacement, Jorginho, lost the ball and Spurs equalised. Manchester City have won all six of their league games with Rodri in the team, but last weekend he was sent off. On Wednesday they met Newcastle in the league cup without him – and lost. OUT: Rodri (number three from the left) was sent off against Nottingham Forest. Photo: PHIL NOBLE / Reuters No wonder coach Pep Guardiola was furious at the red card. For City, Rodri is even more important than Erling Braut Haaland. Many can score goals. Nobody in City does what Rodri does. And that is playing good passes in dangerous areas under pressure. Bottom teams play like top teams This sounds simple, but it is one of the most important qualities in the way top football has become. Before, coaches looked for other skills in midfielders. Several teams were deep in the field, and the intensity was lower, which gave the midfield more time with the ball. If they were pressed in their own half, they liked to shovel the ball up, so that they did not lose it in front of their own goal. They were often fighting cocks and workhorses. But in 2009, Guardiola’s Barcelona won it all by playing from behind and standing tall. Then Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund ravaged by pressing all over the pitch. This duo has inspired many. Today, half the Premier League wants to play out from behind and press high, even newly promoted Burnley. This creates one particular situation that repeats itself all the time. When teams roll passes across their own box with opponents chasing after them, the risk is high. Often the ball is played up to the defensive midfielder, who gets it turned the wrong way with at least one opponent behind him. Teams that press high attack such players with the same appetite as a lion out on the savanna who spots a limping buffalo. If the defensive midfielder is that good, he hits a support pass and his team is still under pressure. If he is bad, he loses the ball, and the opponent gets a great chance. If he is very good, he hits the ball forward to a teammate, and his team gets a great chance. Gladiators Because when teams stand tall, and you hit the ball past the pressure, you are rewarded with big spaces. But of course this is an art. Players like Rodri and Rice must see the possible pass before receiving the ball. They have to hit it right, under pressure, with little time left. And they must by all means not lose the ball. INTENSE MATCH: Moisés Caicedo was brought into Chelsea’s midfield this summer. Here in a duel with Luton’s Marvelous Nakamba. Photo: ANDREW BOYERS / Reuters This quality has become so important that an English term has appeared to describe central midfielders: “Press resistant”, i.e. an ability to hold onto the ball under strong pressure, whether via shielding, twists or quick games. Teams can play out from behind without such a player. They can use the full-backs as playmakers, which Liverpool did for a while with Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. They can move full-backs centrally, which Guardiola started with, and which several have copied. But everyone wants a good defensive midfielder, the cog that keeps the collective machinery going. In addition, these midfield anchors should preferably protect the defence. They must win difficult duels and ensure that the distance between defense and midfield is correct. They must be strong, cunning and technical. Gladiators and conductors. And the few that are, are worth their weight in gold. Everyone wants a Busquets This is not a new type of player. Guardiola and Arteta were defensive playmakers themselves, and few football connoisseurs forget the skills of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso. But they pretty much only played for top teams. Now more and more teams want to play Guardiola football, even those in the middle of the table. Everyone wants their own Busquets. The more teams that stand tall, the more popular the players who can hit the ball past the pressure become. KEY PLAYER: As well as being crucial to the balance of the team, Rodri has also proved to be a frequent goalscorer for Manchester City. Here from the goal against Røde Stjerne. Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF / Reuters So if City want a worthy backup for Rodri, they will probably have to pay dearly. Liverpool are still looking for a “six” in the top class, and when Casemiro gets too old, United will have to go shopping again. Whoever has a young and talented midfield anchor can start a lucrative auction. These are the new key players. Before, teams were built around the “ten”, the attacking magician à la Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, who opened defenses with one brilliant pass. Now it is the defensive midfielders who hit the redemptive passes, only deeper in the pitch, past the pressure. It might not look as fancy. It is unlikely to end up among the highlights of the evening. But for more and more teams, this is how matches are won and lost.
ttn-69
Today’s key players are not who you think – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
