The aim of this dissertation is the analysis and comparison of the midfielders’ roles in a soccer match during the 2018 World Championship in Russia. The method used is “case study”, with which we analysed and described the game of three players separately. Afterwards, we compared the player with each other and determined the differences in their way of playing. In 20 matches, we analysed N’golo Kante, Luka Modrić, and Kevin De Bruyn, who, in the beginning of the championship, played in the position of central midfielder or defensive midfielder.
The analysis showed that there are big differences in the style and the way each of the three midfielders plays, regardless of being in the same position. Between all three players, Modrić played the most minutes (694), had the most contact with the ball (1315), and had the most passes (505). Kante’s accuracy with regard to passes was 91.8%, making him the most accurate in this regard. The short pass, directed forwards, was the most frequent one for all three players. Differences became apparent when analysing passes made from the defensive and offensive half, and passes made into the penalty box. When analysing missed passes, it became clear that midfielders most when they were passing forward in the offensive half. Differences were noted with ground passes, air passes, and in the length of the missed passes. While Kante received the most passes from defensive player, Modrić and De Bruyne received most of them from midfielders. Modrič and De Bruyne passed the most to their midfielders. Kante, however, made most passes to the defenders. The three mentioned players gained the possession of the ball most frequently by intercepting a pass or via the opposing team’s missed passes. De Bruyne stands out with regard to gaining possession of the ball via 1v1s. Most frequently, they lost the possession of the ball by having a pass intercepted and missed passes. Most of the time, they stopped the opponents attack by taking possession of the ball. Differences were noticed when looking at attacks which were stopped with a foul and with clearing the ball. Upon analysing the quality of shots on target, it became clear that even professional soccer players have shortcomings in their shooting technique.
The modern midfielder helps his team’s defence, his passes are accurate (often even risky) and there to create opportunities for his team. The modern midfielder takes on the responsibility in key moment and is the leader of the team.
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