CONTEST ENTRY: Favourite Role in Football: CDM

Many football lovers claim that it was Brazilian legend Pelé who popularized the phrase 'o jogo bonito' (Portuguese for 'the beautiful game'). Indeed this game is beautiful, that connects people far and wide with the fabric of selflessness, brotherhood and unity.

The game of football is undoubtedly the most watched sports across the globe. There are many roles that make football teams successful. From the Owners, to the CEO, to the Manager, the coaches, the players, the media representatives, the hospitality partners, the sponsors etc. all play their part. How can you not mention the kitman. He makes sure the players go with a fresh skin into every match.

Among all of them, my favourite role in football is that of the Central Defensive Midfielder (CDM). Now the question is.. why do I say so?

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Reason of Preference:

Well a CDM is currently the most rare breed of footballers available. There might be many who play in this position, but you won't find a lot who can adapt to this specific position quickly and learn the tricks of the trade effectively. Players who are either Centre Backs (CBs) or Central Midfielders (CMs) are gradually developed into playing in such a role. Those who find their tune in this position, become a manager's delight because of their versatility. A CDM does all the dirty job on the pitch and makes sure his team comes out on top at the end of the 90 minutes.

In the 21st century, particularly in the last decade, we have seen a significant emergence of this position in club football. Since quality players in this position are hard to find, so the available few are able to garner lot of attention. They earn good sums of money as wages. Moreover, the clubs selling such a player does pretty good business in the transfer season.

Talking about CDMs, Wilfred Ndidi, N'golo Kante, Declan Rice, Rodri, Fernandino, Fred, Pierre Emile Hojbjerg are some of the most notable names in the Premier League. Besides, Sergio Busquets, Marcelo Brozovic, Leandro Paredes, Joshua Kimmich and Casemiro are some of the other renowned CDMs in football.

Goals for first year in job:

As a CDM, my first and foremost duty would be to translate the coach's philosophy on the pitch. It is necessary to make sure the team has a good overall defensive record. It is also important to establish a good connection with the club's fanbase and stay loyal to the club. As a team player, I would make sure I play with passion that is visible on the pitch and fight for the club until the blow of the whistle.

A CDM has to shield the goalkeeper and the defenders from the opposition's attacking moves. Also he needs to ease the pressure off the back four by playing the ball around. He connects the defence with the attack by exchanging passes and thereby initiates his teams's builds up play.

A CDM needs to intercept opposition passes and acquire ball possession. When it comes to attack, most goals are manufactured at the feet of the defensive midfielder. His farsighted approach helps to locate his team's offensive players in the opposition's half or even inside their box and then reach his teammate with a beautiful floating ball or delicate chip.

Someone I look up to:

As an ardent Manchester United fan, I look up to the Irishman Roy Keane during his time as a United player. His no-nonsense attitude of approach to football is what I like most. His classy tackles, one-on-one takeons with opposition attack were mind-blowing to watch.

"People say 'go with the flow' but do you know what goes with the flow? Dead fish."--Roy Keane.
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"Aggression is what I do. I go to war. You don't play football with a reasonable state of mind."--Roy Keane
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"Pounding every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt as if it were an honour to be associated with this player." -- Sir Alex Ferguson on Keane vs Juve, UCL S/F '99
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"Roy Keane's like a shark. He has those eyes. You don't know if he is going to buy you a drink or eat you." -- Ian Holloway
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That's all I could think about a Central Defensive Midfielder -- my favourite role in football.

Meanwhile, you guys stay blessed and Steem On.
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CC: @njaywan, @worldoffootball

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