In modern football, scores of teams have adopted a brand of high-octane, high-press football. Many sides now press their opponents high up the pitch, aiming to regain possession, or at the very least disrupt attacking sequences as close to their opponents’ goal as possible.
More and more, press-resistant footballers are in greater demand. Their combination of attributes makes them perfect for inviting pressure and either muscling their way out of it, or finding a way out with a pass.
This means most press-resistant players are good dribblers and have a good appreciation of space. Defensive midfielders in particular are manifesting this more and more across Europe’s top five leagues.
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