The CDM

The summer transfer market was again busy, and the 'CDM' position was the focus for some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, not only that, it saw a new British transfer record smashed. 

With Chelsea splashing £115m on Caicedo from Brighton and £53m on Romeo Lavia from Southampton, whilst Liverpool brought in Alexis Mac Allister for £35m and Declan Rice moved from West Ham to Arsenal for £105m. We thought we'd share exactly what a CDM actually is!

So, what Is A CDM?

CDM is an abbreviation for Central Defensive Midfielder and is positioned in the central area of midfield, typically in front of the team's defensive backline.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a CDM?

Their primary role is to provide defensive support and act as a shield for the team's backline. They are responsible for breaking up the opponent's attack, intercepting passes, tackling, and winning ball possession.

In addition, when in possession, they are often used to link the defensive unit to the attacking one.

What are the characteristics of a CDM?

A CDM often has excellent defensive skills, such as good positioning, strong tackling ability and ability to read the game well.

They also play a crucial role in distributing the ball to more attacking players once they regain possession, helping the team to transition from defence to attack, and therefore require good awareness, passing and receiving skills.

CDM Examples 

Some excellent examples of a central defensive midfielder are Declan Rice, Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Casimiro, N'golo Kante, and Claude Makelele.

CDM Practice

Download this session plan focused on intercepting, one of the critical skills of a top-quality central defensive midfielder. Click the image below.

Intercepting Session Plan
The CDM
What Is A CDM?
Resources
MiMentor coach development mentor Sarah McQuade outlines the Mentoring Soccer Coaches Diploma, launched in collaboration with United Soccer Coaches.
James Clarke-Reed is a Football Performance Data and Technology Expert who has worked at both Southampton Football Club and Brighton & Hove Albion as a performance analyst.

He talked to the MiMentor for the Coaches Coffee Club about match analyses and observation.
Video
The former England talks to MiMentor about the differences between being an assistant manager and becoming the leader of a club as manager.
Video
Download the free goal-setting template, which comes from our Individual Player Development course.
Document
Anthony Limbrick, manager of Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints, joined our coach experts Ross Embleton and Jamie Godbold to talk about his thoughts and experiences on his coaching journey in the professional game.
What Is Breaking The Lines?
Understanding how to harness feelings of anxiety can make all the difference in helping your team succeed.
What is a growth mindset and how can it help you and your players reach your potential? Check out our guide for coaches.
Articulate
What makes a good football coach? It’s a question that most coaches have been asked on their journey and will also often ask themselves when reflecting on their performances and what they can do better.