5 reasons why the defensive midfielder is the most important player on the pitch

#5 Providing an outlet to others in possession

Busquets has had a great impact on the Barcelona and Spain team

Most big teams in the world prefer to play the ball out from the back these days. Although they may not exactly be proponents of Tiki-Taka, there is a clear preference to keep the ball on the ground and play fast incisive football. There is also the realisation that playing out from the back invites the opposing team to press, and this, in turn, distorts their defensive shape and leaves them vulnerable.

For such teams, the presence of a defensive midfielder is invaluable. Players like Sergio Busquets for Barcelona, and Joe Allen during his Swansea days, demonstrate this role. The sight of Busquets dropping deep to receive a pass in a tight area, and then pull off a skilful turn to beat an attacker and set his team on the move, has become very familiar over the years. In the words of Vicente Del Bosque, “You watch the game, you don't see Busquets. You watch Busquets, you see the whole game.”

Perhaps that description suits the general role of a defensive midfielder as well – someone whose performance dictates the passage of a whole game; yet whose name you might not find in many fantasy football teams.