The CDM soccer position is considered a “steel shield” in front of the defense, helping the team maintain a balance between attack and defense. From recovering the ball, blocking opponents, to launching attacks, CDM always contributes to shaping the game situation. 777PUB will explore with you the special role and duties of CDM and review the most outstanding faces today. If you love soccer and want to understand more about the central defensive midfielder position, don’t miss the content below.
What is the CDM soccer position?
CDM (Central Defensive Midfielder) is a central defensive midfielder position in soccer, usually playing right above the defense. This is a “steel shield” that helps the team block from afar and maintain a balance between attack and defense.
CDM players in football not only take on the task of intercepting, recovering the ball, and breaking up dangerous attacks, but also play an important role in distributing the ball, opening up counter-attack opportunities for teammates.
CDM soccer position in tactical diagrams
Depending on the playing system, the CDM position in football has many different ways of operating. Regardless of the diagram, they still play the role of “anchor” to keep the midfield safe and support the whole team.
- 4-3-3 diagram: CDM drops deep, covering for two CMs.
- 4-2-3-1 diagram: Two CDMs play in pairs, sharing the defense and recovering the ball.
- 4-4-2 diagram: CDM is more flexible, both intercepting and launching attacks.
Required skills of a CDM soccer position
To fulfill the role well, a CDM in football needs to possess special skills. Not only relying on physique, this player must also have tactical thinking and calmness.
- Physical strength 12km/90 minutes: Continuously move to support attack and defense.
- Contest rate from 60% or more: Recover the ball, prevent counter-attacks.
- Read the match 2-3 beats in advance: Choose a position to cover the gap.
- Pass accurately from 85% or more: Keep the rhythm, limit the risk of losing the ball.
- Stay calm in the last 30m: Avoid making dangerous fouls near the goal.
The main task of the CDM soccer position
Besides the overall role, the task of the CDM in soccer is more specific and detailed. These are the direct tasks that the player in this position must complete in each match.
Recovering and Clearing the Ball – Stopping the Opponent’s Build-Up
CDMs need to proactively stop the opposition’s attacks from the start. This way, they help to reduce the risk of the opposition attacking into dangerous areas.
Intercepting the opposition’s passing lanes.
Minimising the number of approaches to the penalty area.
Recovering the ball quickly to re-establish the game.
Marking and reducing pressure on the defence behind
The CDM player in football is tasked with keeping a close eye on the opposition’s key attackers, protecting the defence. This close marking reduces pressure on the defenders and centre-backs.
Keeping a close eye on the opposition’s attacking midfielder or “conductor”.
Maintain a successful close-down rate of more than 60% to limit the space available to play.
Reducing pressure on the defence
Ball distribution, long passes to open up counter-attack opportunities
The CDM position in football needs to pass the ball accurately, connecting attacks quickly after recovering the ball. These long passes help create dangerous counter-attack opportunities.
Keep the rhythm of the match with a pass accuracy rate of more than 85%.
Use accurate long passes to counter-attack.
Regulate the tempo of the match.
Support and cover defense
When necessary, the CDM player in football will drop back to support, cover defense to avoid gaps. This helps the formation not to break when the opponent has unexpected attacks.
Drop back to support defense when the defenders move up.
Cover teammates in time.
Move flexibly, prevent surprise attacks.
