Sports Pundit

Deep

​Thiago Alcantara
​Thiago Alcantara

A deep is a football term that describes a player’s position. It is called when a player is playing closer to his or her own goal than usual. This happens commonly when fast-attacking players approach the goal. The defensive team in this occasion must drop deep to help the goalie defend the goal.

For offensive or attacking players like the midfielders who position themselves deep, they are often termed as, “deep-lying playmaker” or “deep-lying forward”. These players are said to be the best of their kind and need top-notch skills to perform their roles.

The Deep-Lying Playmaker

The deep-lying playmaker is usually a holding midfielder who comes with excellent dribbling and passing skills. When this player is control of the ball, he or she may do more complex or longer passes compared to other holding players. This player also sets the pace of his or her team’s play, create plays through short exchanges and retain possession. He or she may also be the one to give out a long pass to the winger or the center forward.

A deep-lying playmaker is known in many names. In Italy, this player is known as the regista. This role has developed from the center half-back position using the metodo system of Vittoriui Pozzo. In Brazil on the other hand, a deep-lying playmaker is known as the, “meia-armador”.

In summary, the deep-lying player is basically responsible for making the ball move forward, while occasionally doing long passes to change attack angles.

Top 5 Deep-Lying Playmakers

Some of the best football players can be excellent deep-lying playmakers. Among the top are Jorginho, Marco Verrati and Thiago Alcantara as well as Toni Kroos and Sergio Busquets.

Top five is Jorginho. He plays for Italy and Chelsea and is considered a metronomic and majestic deep-lying player since he moves the ball smoothly and passes it with finesse.

Fourth and third on the list is Marco Verrati and Thiago Alcantara. Verrati is an Italian midfielder who was always pursued by Barcelona because of his skills. He can literally do everything, but some of his best skills are ball distribution and defense. Alcantara on the other hand plays with Bayren Munich and Spain and is considered the best footballer in this list. What makes him even more appealing is that he is a sensational midfielder.

Toni Kroos of Real Madrid and Germany occupies the second spot. He is best known for his remarkable passing skills and defending techniques. These passing skills have always been praised by sports football fans, players and experts.

Top spot is occupied by Sergio Busquets. He plays with Spain and Barcelona and is considered as a genius when it comes to understanding positioning and tempo. He is the perfect deep-lying playmaker.