A grassroots football coaching publication

9v9 · Issue 03 · Chapter 3 · Position four of six

Central midfielder

Our connection and protection

6 · Central midfielder9v9 · 2-2-3-1
Starting positions for central midfielder in a 2-2-3-1. Positions are starting points, not fixed instructions.Nine-player 2-2-3-1 starting formation, highlighting 6 as central midfielder, with our team attacking upwards.GK453211689ROLE 6

Starting positions for central midfielder in a 2-2-3-1. Positions are starting points, not fixed instructions.

How We Play illustration based on reviewed guidance. Starting positions are not fixed.
Key
  • Us
  • Key space

Ask yourself

Who is protecting the middle?
✓ Coaching reviewed · 20 October 2026

Written by Niall Walsh, grassroots football coach and founder of How We Play. Coaching reviewed by David Wilson on 20 October 2026.

Your jobs

  1. Offer a central passing option without crowding teammates.
  2. Recognise when an advancing wing-back leaves space to defend.
  3. Help protect central passes when the team loses the ball.

Principles this position uses

  1. Principle 3Someone protects the middleWho is stopping the pass through?
  2. Principle 2Width with coverIf I go, who covers?