How To Coach Midfield Movement & Develop Players Like Rodri – Tactical Theory

A team’s chances of success in modern football rely heavily on the qualities of their holding midfielder.

Especially in the build-up phase, the ‘6’ becomes a de facto quarterback whose movements and decisions impact every other player.

Technique, movement and tactical understanding are the core attributes that determine the calibre of these playmakers.

This tactical theory will analyze the movements and traits of one of the highest-performing holding midfielders at last years Euros and 2024 Ballon dOr winner.

Rodri will be used in this analysis to highlight the traits that make him one of the best players in his specific position.

The analysis will use examples from last years European Championship and show how the UEFA Champions League winner is as instrumental to his country as he has been for Pep Guardiolas Manchester City.

This tactical analysis will suggest how coaches can develop and/or improve their holding midfield players tactics and technique through example practice exercises.

Rodri’s timing and body shape

In this example, Rodri proves the effectiveness of simple movements and, importantly, the timing of those movements when progressing the ball.

As Rodri’s midfield partner passed the ball backwards to his left centre-back, the four-time Premier League winner stayed away from the ball, almost looking disinterested in partaking in the play.

Just as the centre-back wa