What characterizes a defensive midfielder?

What characterizes a defensive midfielder?

• A. A player who emphasizes scoring goals
• B. A player who primarily focuses on defense
• C. A player involved in set plays exclusively
• D. A player who stays close to the goalkeeper

Answer: (B)

A defensive midfielder is characterized by their primary focus on defense as one of their key responsibilities on the pitch. This player's role involves breaking up opposition attacks, providing cover for the back line, and often supporting both defense and midfield transitions. They are skilled in tackling, intercepting passes, and maintaining possession to disrupt the opposing team's flow. While they may also contribute to offensive plays, their main duty revolves around protecting the team's goal and facilitating play from a defensive standpoint. The other choices do not accurately describe the role of a defensive midfielder. For example, a player who emphasizes scoring goals would typically be more aligned with attacking positions rather than a defensive role. Involvement in set plays exclusively refers to a specific situation rather than a broad set of responsibilities expected from a defensive midfielder. Staying close to the goalkeeper might describe a goalkeeper’s role or a defender's position during certain situations, but it does not capture the essence of a defensive midfielder's engagement with the midfield and defensive gameplay.

A defensive midfielder is characterized by their primary focus on defense as one of their key responsibilities on the pitch. This player's role involves breaking up opposition attacks, providing cover for the back line, and often supporting both defense and midfield transitions. They are skilled in tackling, intercepting passes, and maintaining possession to disrupt the opposing team's flow. While they may also contribute to offensive plays, their main duty revolves around protecting the team's goal and facilitating play from a defensive standpoint.

The other choices do not accurately describe the role of a defensive midfielder. For example, a player who emphasizes scoring goals would typically be more aligned with attacking positions rather than a defensive role. Involvement in set plays exclusively refers to a specific situation rather than a broad set of responsibilities expected from a defensive midfielder. Staying close to the goalkeeper might describe a goalkeeper’s role or a defender's position during certain situations, but it does not capture the essence of a defensive midfielder's engagement with the midfield and defensive gameplay.