The shine of the box-to-box midfielder is dimming as the football mindset shifts to a more positional and constructive one. Almost all teams try to win possession of the ball. They build attacks from the back line, thus players are required to have the ability to maintain possession of the ball. Whatever the position. Even a goalkeeper, is now judged by his ability to distribute the ball from behind.
Although dimmed, their existence does not disappear. The box-to-box midfielder is still an important role. Every top-notch team at domestic and international level has a capable box-to-box midfielder. The box-to-box midfielder is actually the most adaptive midfielder. If an injury hurricane hits a team, and it impacts depth, it is not uncommon for a box-to-box midfielder to be assigned to fill the void. One example is Granit Xhaka at Arsenal when they were coached by Unai Emery. Xhaka was once deployed as a left-back because both Arsenal left-backs were injured at the same time. Therefore, not just any player is willing and able to play the role of a box-to-box midfielder. Especially in today’s football era.
Ironically, the important role of the box-to-box midfielder is often marginalized by players who are diligently recorded on the scoreboard. It is difficult for a box-to-box midfielder to regularly score goals or provide assists because there are still many players who have a bigger portion in this matter. Therefore, the title of unsung hero feels very suitable to be pinned on them.
The box-to-box midfielder who previously had the impression of being an “all-rounder” has now become a “carrying midfielder”. The difference is subtle but the connotations change. This is because naturally, box-to-box midfielders do not have a particular specialization that stands out.
When defending, the audience will certainly highlight goalkeepers, defenders and defensive midfielders. Those who get the main task to prevent the opponent from scoring. It’s easier to watch and judge them in winning duels, clearances on the goal line or spectacular saves from the goalkeeper. On the other hand, the moment that the box-to-box midfielder can take advantage of to show off is when he manages to win with a tackle or intercept, then starts a counterattack. That too should bear fruit. Otherwise, everything will look normal.
Also when attacking, the crowd focuses more on a striker, winger and attacking midfielder. It’s easier to be amazed when we see Gareth Bale combing the left side quickly than N’Golo Kante’s action to grab the ball in front of the penalty box and then dribble the ball forward before it is handed over to Eden Hazard.
The single biggest stage for the box-to-box midfielder is the moment of transition. Good transition from defense to attack and vice versa. If you reflect on the previous moment, Kante’s name would be more important if after seizing the ball, dribbling and finishing it alone into a goal. He had so much to do. Seeing this situation, the condition for a box-to-box midfielder to get the title of hero is more than enough.
One of the unique facts about box-to-box midfielders is their loyalty. They tend to play for one club for a long time. Since its inception, the golden age, until now, not many box-to-box midfielders (great ones) quickly change clubs.
The first example comes from one of the greatest box-to-box midfielders of all time, Paul Scholes. During his career, Scholes only defended one club, namely Manchester United. Thanks to his presence, Man. United have always been at the top of the domestic league with eleven Premier League wins and two Champions League trophies.
After Scholes, there is Frank Lampard, who has been in the Chelsea uniform for more than 10 years. Then back to London Blue as a coach. For parts of Lampard’s career he has competed with Scholes but his popularity has remained sparkling. Lampard’s role at Chelsea was very important and contributed greatly to their success in winning two Premier League trophies, one Champions League title and the Europa League. Apart from Lampard, his rival and colleague Steven Gerrard has been a box-to-box midfielder for Liverpool for more than 15 years.
Now, Luka Modric is the best example. He became a mainstay of Tottenham Hotspur for four seasons before moving to Madrid from 2013 until now. While defending the Spurs, he did not get any major trophies. However, his impressive appearance with The Lillywhites attracted the attention of Real Madrid, which has become his home until now. With Real Madrid, he won three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies.
The loyalty they show is enough to prove that they are not only heroes on the field, but also heroes off the field. If you ask who is the best box-to-box midfielder at the moment, chances are that many will answer Luka Modric. In addition to five Champ League trophies, Modric also helped Real Madrid win three Spanish League titles, one Copa del Rey trophy, four Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and four Club World Cups. So it’s no wonder that until now, Modric has become one of Real Madrid’s key players.
At the age of 36, Modric is difficult to replace at Real Madrid. He and Toni Kroos were the two players who set up the game. When Casemiro left for England, many speculated that the trio of Modric, Kross, Casemiro had ended. But what is happening right now, Real Madrid is still relying on Modric and Kross and replacing Casemiro with Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni.
The highlight was the 2018 World Cup when he brought the Croatian national team to the final. At the tournament Modric served as captain. Of all the registered players, Modric is listed as the player with the most minutes played, namely 694 minutes. also scored two goals and one assist and has a ball possession percentage of 87 percent. In the seven matches he played, Modric won the title of man of the match three times. No wonder Modric was chosen as the best player in the 2018 World Cup.
He was also awarded the Ballon D’Or in 2018. This title is a “merchandise” that has not landed on a box-to-box midfielder for a long time. The last time a box-to-box midfielder won this title was in 1998 which was won by Zinedine Zidane. This proves that it takes 20 years to reward a box-to-box midfielder.
ASL
