Following on from the first of our short series, where we talked about the FM abbreviations and roles of goalkeepers and defenders, we are back to look at the Defensive Midfield abbreviations and how their roles work.
Here is a guide to the Defensive Midfield abbreviations, roles and some examples of players ideal for the roles:
DM (Defensive Midfielder, can use defend and support duties)
The Defensive Midfielder’s role is to protect your backline by closing the opposition down quickly while helping the more creative players in front of them.
One of the key jobs for Defensive Midfielders is to retain the ball while other parts of the team get back into their tactical shape.
Example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJG26vxwFcM
Manchester City’s Spanish international Rodri is maybe the perfect example of how a Defensive Midfielder operates. He patrols in front of the backline and prevents the opposition from breaking through to the defensive line.
DLP (Deep Lying Playmaker, can be used in defend and support duties)
The Deep Lying Playmaker’s job is to operate in the space between the backline and midfield, picking the ball up from their goalkeeper or defenders and initiating attacks.
In the Support Duty, the DLP will be more proactive when it comes to bringing the ball forward and be more expansive with his passing.
Example
One of the best examples of a Deep Lying Playmaker is Arsenal and England’s Declan Rice. Although he can be used in various roles, he is more than just a midfield destroyer.
He can play, receive the ball from the players behind him and initiate attacks. His technical and passing abilities make him the ideal DLP.
BWM (Ball Winning Midfielder, can be used on defend and support duties)
As his title suggests, the Ball Winning Midfielder’s primary job is to win the ball back from the opposition in the middle of the pitch. He is more of a midfield destroyer than the Defensive Midfielder.
If a BWM is set to support, he will aim to win the ball back higher up the pitch, which could create scoring opportunities.
Example
Manuel Ugarte is a good example of the BWM, as the Uruguayan international is a player that loves to press and harry opposition players for possession of the ball.
He is brave, focused and good in the tackle, all attributes that have likely helped him secure a recent move to PSG.
A (Anchor, can only be used on defend duty)
The anchor simply has the abbreviation of ‘A’. The game states that the role is rather harshly what used to be referred to as the ‘Water carrier’ a phrase coined about French legend Didier Deschamps.
He is a player who wins the ball back like the BWM but keeps it simple by laying the ball off to their more creative teammates. He doesn’t progress too far up the pitch.
Example
Leicester City’s Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi is an ideal player to fit the role, as he has the physical attributes to do the job. However, he is also capable of playing in other defensive midfield roles.
HB (Half Back, can only be used on defend duty)
The Half Back is a hybrid role between a proactive sweeper and a Defensive Midfielder. The HB drops deeper than a standard Defensive Midfielder when in possession of the ball.
He is an outlet to recycle the ball and is a player that offers protection against a counter-attack.
Example
It can be difficult to find a player to fit the Half Back. However, one player that fits the role is Liverpool and Brazil’s Fabinho, who offers that protection and will recycle possession.
RGA (Regista, can only be used on support duty)
The Regista is similar to the Deep Lying Playmaker, who is best playing in a team that is possession-based.
They can dictate play from a deep position when given the right freedom. The Regista can be a dynamic, if unpredictable creative outlet.
Example
One play who I have used in the past in the position is Newcastle and Italy star Sandro Tonali. Although, like many players, he can play in other positions, he can excel in the position, as he has good all-around attributes.
RPM (Roaming Playmaker, can only be used in the support duty)
The Roaming Playmaker can be the engine of the team, as he drives the team forward from deep positions. However, he will also cover the defence. They are the player that gives his teammates passing options. He has to be physically strong in order to maintain great intensity, as well as a high level of technical ability.
The RPM tries to move the ball forward quickly while keeping up with the play. In attack, he could often be seen on the edge of the opposition penalty box, looking for a killer pass or an opportunity to score.
Example
New Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is a player built for this role. He is physically adept and extremely technically gifted. Such are his attributes the England star can play anywhere in midfield or even in a more advanced role as a number ten.
VOL (Segundo Volante, can be used on support or attack)
The Segundo Volante is usually best used alongside an Anchor and is a primarily defensive role.
They are different to a Ball Winning Midfielder, as they often run with the ball or arrive with a late run into the opposition box like a box-to-box Central Midfielder.
Example
One player who epitomises the role is Newcastle’s Brazilian international Bruno Guimaraes. The former Lyon star has the attributes to play any defensive midfield role. His passing ability and physicality make him a good Segundo Volante, though.
