Table of Contents
- What is a box-t0-box midfielder in soccer?
- Why use a box-to-box midfielder?
- Are there any disadvantages to playing with a box-to-box midfielder?
- What attributes does a box-to-box midfielder need?
- Who are the best box-to-box midfielders in soccer?
- Recap: The role of box-to-box midfielders in soccer
One of the most crucial positions within any soccer team is in the center of the midfield. You will often hear that midfield battles can be won and lost, and typically, the team that wins the midfield battle, wins the game.
As such, many coaches deploy a box-to-box midfielder in the engine room to help takeover the midfield. But what exactly is a box-to-box midfielder? What attributes does this position require? And who are some of the best box-to-box midfielders in soccer? Let’s take a look.
What is a box-t0-box midfielder in soccer?
In soccer, a box-to-box midfielder is a central midfielder who is required to be active in both attacking and defending. This position requires a high level of fitness, as the midfielder needs to get up and down the pitch throughout the game.
This position gets its name from the fact that the midfielder quite literally spends most of the game running from one penalty box to the other, engaging in attacking and defensive duties in between the respective penalty areas.
Many box-to-box midfielders are combative and extremely hard working, proving to be valuable assets for their team. Let’s take a closer look at why you might decide to use this position when you set up your team’s tactics.
Why use a box-to-box midfielder?
A box-to-box midfielder is a great option because it gives your team excellent energy. The midfielder turns up everywhere on the soccer field and actively participates in attacking and defending.
When deployed effectively, the box-to-box midfielder is required to act like the beating heart of a team. They are tasked with winning the ball back for their team, before passing it to more creative players, like the deep lying-playmaker or trequartista.
Utilizing a player in this type of role can be hugely advantageous to your team, as the best box-to-box midfielders actually do the job of more than one player! Given the fine margins in soccer matches, you don’t need us to tell you how valuable this can be!
Are there any disadvantages to playing with a box-to-box midfielder?
Perhaps the biggest drawback of using a box-to-box midfielder is that the role naturally offers a fair amount of creative license. Box-to-box midfielders appear all over the field, from your own penalty area to the far corners of the attacking third.
While this can be a good thing, it can also be disruptive if you’re trying to contain the opposition with a defensive shape or tactical approach (parking the bus is a good example of this). If you’re looking to be more defensively rigid, utilizing an anchorman in the center of the field might be a better option.
Another potential issue with a box-to-box midfielder is fitness levels. Not every player is up to the physicality of the role and it can be extremely difficult for some players to keep up the required levels of intensity for ninety minutes.
Therefore, you need to think carefully about which player to deploy in this position, bearing in mind the following attributes.
What attributes does a box-to-box midfielder need?
One of the most important attributes for a box-to-box midfielder is fitness. They need to be extremely fit to get up and down the field for most of the match, and they also need to possess an excellent work rate.
If a player doesn’t possess these attributes in abundance, they will really struggle to play as a box-to-box midfielder effectively.
Additionally, it helps if the player has all the other attributes that you would expect a central midfielder to have, such as passing and vision, for instance. As they’re often combative, it’s also a good idea to use a box-to-box midfielder who is strong in the tackle.
Finally, a box-to-box midfielder who is a good finisher can be an excellent asset to your team. When they arrive late in the eighteen-yard box, good finishers are likely to take their chances, helping your team score more goals in the process.
Who are the best box-to-box midfielders in soccer?
If you’re looking for a brilliant example of a box-to-box midfielder in soccer, look no further than Newcastle United’s Joelinton. Although he took a while to find his feet in the English Premier League, the Brazilian international is now a key member of Eddie Howe’s team.
He’s extremely strong, combative, and hard working, and gets between both boxes with ease. He’s also a decent finisher, though this is the part of his game that he could certainly improve.
Another great EPL example is Aston Villa’s John McGinn. The Scotsman is a superb box-to-box midfielder, playing a crucial role in Villa’s attack and defense. He poses a serious goal threat and often scores spectacular goals for club and country.
If you’re keen to deploy a box-to-box midfielder, you can model the role on these two talented EPL midfielders!
Recap: The role of box-to-box midfielders in soccer
Using a box-to-box midfielder in the center of midfield can be extremely effective. Blessed with work rate, strength, and good fitness levels, box-to-box midfielders get up and down the soccer field effortlessly and play a crucial role in both attacking and defending.
So, if you’re keen to win the midfield battle, using a talented box-to-box midfielder is a good way of going about it.
Do you know a mezzala from a regista? Check out more of our articles that explain some of the specialist midfield roles you can use on the soccer field.