I AM… A MIDFIELDER

Part two (or three if you count the introduction…) of the ‘I AM’ series where we look at which boots would best suit your style of play.

The midfield is so often called the ‘engine room’ of a team. I believe there are three types/styles of midfielder; defensive, central and attacking. Here are a couple of examples of each:

Defensive (CDM): Hargreaves, Palacios, Mascherano – hard tackling, ball winners.

Central (CM): Carrick, Alonso, Jenas – silky smooth, brilliant passers.

Attacking (CAM): Lampard, Gerrard, Fabregas – creative game runners.

Each type/style have their own traits.

CDM’s will be looking to dominate the area just in front of the back four. Sliding into tackles and clearing the area of danger, they work hard to stop any advance from the opposition’s play makers and attackers. Sounds to me like a job for a pair of power boots. All three of the examples I gave have been known to wear the Nike power boot, the T90 Laser.

CM’s are not scared to put in a solid tackle. They are not shy of sticking one in the back of the net either. Their greatest strength however is their passing ability. They control the play, build from the back, arrange the attack, slow down the play and push up the tempo. They very often run the show – but from behind the curtain. What they need most is a good touch. Hence all three of my examples have chosen touch boots – albeit from three different brands.

Everyone wants to be a CAM: charge late into the box, exchange deft little one-two passes, slip one past the keeper – it’s the life! Lampard uses the Adidas AdiPure touch boots, Gerrard is an avid Predator user. Touch or power? Both are useful and needed. Perhaps Fabregas has it right. The all new Nike CTR360 is labeled an “all round” boot. The best of both worlds? Perhaps Nike have created the ultimate midfielder’s boot? We will have to wait and see…

For something different why not try Under Armour’s Dominate Pro boot.

Read part 1 here: