#2 Stopping opposition number 10s
The hub of football creativity is just behind the most advanced player in a team – whether it be the striker dropping deep to creating chances, the number 10 drifting around elusively, or the wingers cutting in to shoot. Therefore, as the player that covers this area, a defensive midfielder needs to be one of the most intelligent players on the pitch, anticipating every move from the opposition with vital interceptions and crucial blocks.
Most instances of a creative team being stifled involves a stellar display from a defensive midfielder – whether it be Adrien Rabiot against Messi in PSG's 4-0 victory over Barca, a young Reece Oxford announcing himself to the world by marking Ozil out of the game or Mascherano's impeccable performances on the way to Argentina's 2014 WC final run.
The defenders, as with the goalkeeper, can only ensure that chances are not converted – it is up to the defensive midfielders to ensure that chances are not created in the first place.
