How To Coach Midfield Movement & Develop Players Like Rodri - Tactical Theory

A team’s chances of success in modern football rely heavily on the qualities of their holding midfielder.

Especially in the build-up phase, the ‘6’ becomes a de facto quarterback whose movements and decisions impact every other player.

Technique, movement and tactical understanding are the core attributes that determine the calibre of these playmakers.

This tactical theory will analyze the movements and traits of one of the highest-performing holding midfielders at last year's Euros and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

Rodri will be used in this analysis to highlight the traits that make him one of the best players in his specific position.

The analysis will use examples from last year's European Championship and show how the UEFA Champions League winner is as instrumental to his country as he has been for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

This tactical analysis will suggest how coaches can develop and/or improve their holding midfield player's tactics and technique through example practice exercises.

Rodri’s timing and body shape

In this example, Rodri proves the effectiveness of simple movements and, importantly, the timing of those movements when progressing the ball.

As Rodri’s midfield partner passed the ball backwards to his left centre-back, the four-time Premier League winner stayed away from the ball, almost looking disinterested in partaking in the play.

Just as the centre-back was about to receive the ball, Rodri burst away from his marker to show for the ball.

By waiting until the last second, Rodri made himself impossible to pick up and created the five yards of space he required to receive the ball.

Rodri, aware of his surroundings and having created enough separation from the nearest defender, knows he can then open up.

Importantly, he does this as the ball is travelling to him.

His previous closed body orientation triggered the nearest opposition player to press him as the ball was passed.

His open body allows him to see his next pass and play first time around the onrushing pressing player.

Although, in this example, he does not receive it, Rodri made himself available for a bounce pass (on the now) blindside side of the pressing player.

In this example, when receiving from his goalkeeper, Rodri’s simplicity of movement and original positioning, coupled with his awareness obtained through constant scanning, allows the midfielder to let the ball roll across him.

With his back to the nearest pressing player, his initial body orientation allows him to keep the ball on his safe side.

He can cleanly advance the ball 20 yards higher up the pitch without even touching it.

At this point, while on the move, he plays the ball into the path of Lamine Yamal, and within two passes, Spain is attacking the opposition's backline.

Standing still to receive