Defensive midfielder in soccer
A defensive midfielder is a soccer player who stays in front of the defenders, to protect them and to link them with the rest of the team.
It suits patient players who like to pass, look around a lot and are happy to stay behind the ball while others attack.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Where the defensive midfielder stands
In the middle of the field, just in front of the center backs. Coaches also call this player the holding midfielder or the holder.
With the ball
- Shows for a pass from the defenders and turns the play forward.
- Moves the ball from one side to the other when a side is crowded.
- Stays behind the ball as the safe pass back when an attack gets stuck.
Without the ball
- Guards the space in front of the center backs, so nobody can receive there and turn.
- Slows down a counterattack until teammates recover.
- Picks up a forward who drops deep, so the center back can stay in line.
Three habits to practise
Scan before the ball comes
Look over both shoulders before you receive. Then you know whether you can turn.
Stay when others go
When a fullback or midfielder runs forward, hold your place in the middle.
Play it simple
One or two touches, then pass. The holder keeps the team’s passing going.
Shirt number: 6
The defensive midfielder is often called the 6. In some countries the same job wears 4. The numbers are a coaching custom from the days when starters wore 1 to 11. Players today can wear any number.
In 7v7, 9v9 and futsal
In 7v7 no player has this job full time: the middle midfielder of a 2-3-1 protects the middle when the ball is lost. In 9v9 the 3-1-3-1 has one holding midfielder, and the central attacking midfielder runs back to help.
Formations with a defensive midfielder
Questions about the defensive midfielder
What does a number 6 do in soccer?
The 6 is the defensive midfielder. The 6 protects the space in front of the defense and takes the ball from the defenders to start attacks.
What is a holding midfielder?
Another name for the defensive midfielder. The player holds a place in front of the defenders instead of running forward with the attack.
What is a double pivot?
Two holding midfielders playing side by side, as in a 4-2-3-1. One can step forward while the other stays.
Lessons for this position
- 3-1-3-1: Help the Single Holder (9v9 lesson)Three-one-three-one has one holder behind three attacking midfielders and a striker. When the ball is lost, the central attacking midfielder can help that single holder.
- Back Four + Six: Pass On the Dropping Forward (11v11 lesson)When their striker drops, your six takes them so the center backs hold the line. If the six is busy, a center back steps out with cover.
- Leave Someone to Help (11v11 lesson)Joining an attack is a team decision. Check who will cover the space you leave.
- Lost It? Protect the Middle (7v7 lesson)After losing the ball, protect a route to goal; approach when a teammate can cover.
Player cards
The card binder keeps all midfielders in one group. These are midfielders of every kind.
Other positions
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.