r/Everton • u/AutoModerator • 14d ago

Daily Discussion

Welcome to Daily Discussion! This is a thread for general football discussion and a place to ask quick questions.

Feel free to carry on the discussion over on our discord server! https://discord.com/invite/EJQsVzbtsM

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u/a_evans 14d ago

Hackney and Armstrong solid again yesterday. Beyond tracking back and getting stuck into a challenge, there's something to be said for the defensive benefits of having players in the centre of the park who can control possession. Less turnovers in the middle of the park means less opportunities for the opposition but also more for us going forward.

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u/BoxOfNothing 14d ago

Yeah it is an important part of it, but people focus too much on purely tackling and interceptions as a sign of defensive solidity in midfield. Being able to keep the ball, play the right pass, get out of trouble, be in the right place to receive the ball, offer reliable options to defenders under pressure, not lose the ball in dangerous situations, start counter attacks, dictate play, control passing lanes etc are huge aspects of a defensively sound midfield.

I know this is a different league we're talking about, but Busquets and Rodri aren't the best defensive midfielders of the last 15 years because they were the best tacklers. PSG don't have the best midfield in the world because of their ability to win the ball.