I like it when I am in the middle; I am closer to the ball. The manager wants me to pass, to make assists, create chances, and I do more because I think the position is more central, and I don't ask all the time for the ball at my feet.
The midfield are like a chef, trying to prise open a stubborn oyster to get at the fleshy meat inside.
He has an awareness of what's happening around him on the edge of the box which is better than most players. As a kid he always had a knack of arriving in the penalty area just at the right time, but he's proving just as effective from outside the box because he's using his experience in the right way. It doesn't matter who I am thinking about bringing into my midfield, Paul Scholes will be included, as he would in any side in the world.
When you go to a World Cup, in midfield you need to have players who can score from distance, who can get in the box and obviously play-make.
Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.
I just say I'd like to be an attacking midfielder.
As a holding midfield player, you want movement and to play between the lines.
I try to have a picture when I receive the ball and know where everyone is. That's one of the most important things for a midfielder.
