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Becoming the complete Premier League midfielder is arguably one of the biggest challenges in football because it’s a target that requires players to have a unique blend of technical skills, tactical intelligence, physical prowess and mental resilience. Manchester City’s Rodri exemplifies what it takes to be one of the best, and here’s how it’s made possible.

Master the Art of Ball Retention

Retaining the ball against the opposition’s press and being able to operate under pressure is crucial to becoming a complete midfielder. Rodri is a master of this, and he’s one of the reasons why City are always heavy favourites in the world of football odds betting. To do it like Rodri, developing and improving your first touch, spatial awareness, and decision-making under pressure will be key. Rondos are the ideal drill because of the high pressure they provide.

Develop Tactical Intelligence

Understanding the game from a tactical standpoint is a weapon in the bag of all complete Premier League midfielders. In the past, players such as N’Golo Kante and Fabinho displayed this trait because they were able to read the game, anticipate opponents’ next moves, and get blocks and interceptions in. Studying game footage, that of the likes of Kante and Fabinho, as well as analysing opponents, will help with this.

Be Physically Dominant

The English top flight is a physically demanding league, and it’s important for midfielders to win this specific battle. Battles can be in the air, on the ground, or simply being able to get around the pitch. The gym is going to be a big help here because it’s possible to build strength and endurance and then apply that to game settings in training drills against physical opponents.

Excel in Passing and Distribution

Midfielders are often the link between defence and attack, so it’s a non-negotiable to be excellent at passing the ball. Short passing and long passing are just as important as each other, with precision and timing dictating how good a pass truly is. Therefore, practising all types of passes in a range of scenarios can only be a good thing.

Contribute Defensively and Offensively

Some midfielders stand out for their defensive abilities, while others excel offensively. But a complete midfielder can do both. Rodri is seen as a defensive-minded midfielder, but how many times has he had an impact in the final third, scoring crucial goals for City along the way? He’s effective in all areas of the pitch, which is why working on all aspects rather than prioritising one over the other is the way to go.

Mental Toughness and Leadership

The mental side of being a midfielder in the most demanding league in the world can often get overlooked. However, without being mentally tough and being able to stand out as a leader, something will always be lacking. In tough times, these midfielders lead by example and are often the catalyst for something great to happen. Jordan Henderson, as captain of Liverpool in their title-winning season, displayed these skills in abundance.