Protectors Of The Backline: Exploring The 3 Different Archetypes Of Defensive Midfielders

In modern football, the defensive midfielders role has evolved into one of the most tactically pivotal positions on the pitch.

Whether protecting the backline, orchestrating attacks, or helping their team advance, defensive midfielders encompass a range of archetypes, each bringing a unique style of play.

This tactical analysis delves into the different archetypes of defensive midfielders, highlighting their distinct roles and how they operate within various tactical systems.

We’ll also use statistics and player radar charts to provide deeper insights into their contributions on the pitch.

From the combative Destroyers, like Aurélien Tchouaméni, who excel at winning duels and breaking up attacks, to the intelligent Anchors, such as Rodri, who dictate the tempo and manage the game’s flow, and the tireless Space-Eaters, like Declan Rice, who use their athleticism to cover ground and aid in transitions, ensuring balance in both defence and attack.

By examining these archetypes through this scout report, we can better understand which types of players fit into what tactics and systems and what makes them thrive as elite midfielders today.

3 Different Types of Midfielders

Weve decided to focus on three types of midfield profiles: the Destroyer, the Anchor, and the Space-Eater.

When analyzing midfielders, it’s crucial to recognize that players can often overlap between two profiles or even embody elements of all three.

The best-holding midfielders in history typically possess two of these archetypes, as it is very rare for someone to embody all three.

Destroyer midfielders are the most traditional archetype, dating back to the early days of the game.

Teams sought players who were duel-winners—fearless, aggressive, and capable of winning the ball back.

From the early 2000s to now, teams have adapted by incorporating an Anchor into their system to improve the progress of the build-up phase.

With more tactical evolution in modern football, teams now look for Space-Eaters—athletic players who excel at zonal marking out of possession, often paired with another archetype to provide balance.

On a broader scale, defensive midfielders can be classified into two sections: those who are good in possession and those effective out of possession.

For instance, teams like Manchester City, who dominate possession, use an Anchor archetype like Rodri.

To balance him out, they pair him with a defensive midfielder who excels out of possession, such as Kovacic, Akanji, or John Stones.

When looking at a team with a Destroyer, think of Real Madrid from 2015 to 2021, where Casemiro started week in and week out.

To complement him, Madrid used Toni Kroos as the Anchor and Luka Modric, who could also function as a Space-Eater.

This created the perfect midfield balance required for their success.

Destroyer Midfielders

Destroyers are ball-winners who guard the backline, often confused with space-eaters due to some similarities.

They have less mobility than space-eaters and excel purely at regaining possession. They are often paired with quarterbacks, while space-eaters are typically paired with anchors.

These are your Casemiros, Manuel Ugarte, Aurélien Tchouaméni—players who can provide defensive coverage and win the ball back in duels before the opposition moves into its attacking phase.

These are players who cover short distances out of possession. You can task them with man-marking key players on the opposing team and expect them to shut that player down.

Anchor Midfielders

These midfielders provide crucial tactical support by defining the pace and tempo of the game, not only through short passes but also with precise long-range distribution when needed.

Their deep understanding of the game allows them to dictate play, controlling how both their team and the opposition move.

Whether its maintaining possession or launching attacks, they are pivotal in shaping the teams overall strategy.

Players like Busquets, Rodri, Kroos, and Pirlo excel in this role, acting as the central hub through which their team builds play and manages the match from deep positions.

Space Eater Midfielders

Shuttlers are a rare profile of defensive midfielders with incredible athleticism and ball-winning ability, often referred to as Space Eaters.

They cover vast ground and are a valuable asset to the team during transitions, making them highly sought after by elite teams.

These players excel at zonal marking and can take on box-to-box roles.

These are your Rices, Onanas, and Kantés—players capable of covering long distances out of possession.

Rodri Scouting Report

Looking at Rodri’s radar map, it’s clear that he embodies the Anchor archetype.

Due to his exceptional passing abilities, he plays a pivotal role in every phase of the pitch.

He ranks highly across passing metrics, even reaching the 94th percentile for goal contributions as a defensive midfielder.

However, his defensive duels are where he falls short, preventing him from being the complete midfielder who ticks all archetype boxes.

Later in this analysis, we will discuss how Manchester City accommodates this aspect of his game.

Rodri Radar Map At Manchester City

For reference, take a look at Rodri’s progressive pass map—not just his regular pass map, but his progressive one.

When analyzing many players progressive pass maps, you may notice an overload of passes on one side of the pitch, where they feel most comfortable.

However, Rodri’s progressive passing covers the entire pitch, showing no weaknesses when it comes to playing forward.

His ability to consistently move the ball into advanced areas from all over the fie