--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Defensive midfield can be the one…" description: "\"Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.\" — Gareth Barry" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png" --- # Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier… ![“Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.” quote by Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png) > “Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.” [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Older players can excel defensively because experience and positioning outweigh physical decline. **In simple terms:** Experience can offset age in defense. Key Takeaway Leverage game intelligence over speed. Themes experience defense aging athletes tactics positioning Mood reflective pragmatic Type advice insight When to use this quote - coaching - player development - team selection - mentoring younger players Key Concepts football strategy career longevity Questions to Reflect On - How can veteran players adapt training to maintain fitness? - What tactical roles suit aging athletes? A Different Perspective Physical decline still limits overall mobility and stamina. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Defensive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defensive/) [Defensive Midfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defensive-midfield-644163/) [Easier Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easier-play-344667/) [Get](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/get/) [Midfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/midfield/) [Midfield Position](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/midfield-position-644164/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Position](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/position/) [Position Easier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/position-easier-4629462/) ## Related quotes > [In the defensive midfield position, the player needs to give balance to the team and try to control the game. That's exactly what I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nemanja-matic/in-the-defensive-midfield-position-the-player-needs-to-give-balance/) [Nemanja Matic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nemanja-matic/) > [I've played all over, to be honest. Centre-half, defensive midfield, attacking midfield.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-rodwell/i-ve-played-all-over-to-be-honest-centre-half-defensive-midfield/) [Jack Rodwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-rodwell/) > [I prefer to play in midfield, whether that is attacking midfield or defensive midfield.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/i-prefer-to-play-in-midfield-whether-that-is-attacking-midfield-or/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [That defensive midfield role is almost a specified position since Makelele made it famous.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darren-fletcher/that-defensive-midfield-role-is-almost-a-specified-position-since/) [Darren Fletcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darren-fletcher/) > [I just want to be able to be an attacking influence and have that effect further up the pitch; whether that's from an attacking…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/i-just-want-to-be-able-to-be-an-attacking-influence-and-have-that/) [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/) > [My favourite position is in the midfield. I think I can play to my strengths there. I can communicate with every player. I'm more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-kimmich/my-favourite-position-is-in-the-midfield-i-think-i-can-play-to-my/) [Joshua Kimmich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-kimmich/) > [My favorite position is in the center of the midfield, maybe the defensive midfield. I think I can play this position the best. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joshua-kimmich/my-favorite-position-is-in-the-center-of-the-midfield-maybe-the/) [Joshua Kimmich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-kimmich/) > [The manager might like it sometimes when I play up front because I can cause trouble for the defenders, but for me, my best…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/the-manager-might-like-it-sometimes-when-i-play-up-front-because-i/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [In the 1970s you would have had lots of black goalkeepers and defensive midfield players but never made it professionally because the perception was,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-barnes/in-the-1970s-you-would-have-had-lots-of-black-goalkeepers-and/) [John Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-barnes/) > [You cannot play the position Kroos plays in defensive midfield besides Luka Modric better than he does.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jupp-heynckes/you-cannot-play-the-position-kroos-plays-in-defensive-midfield/) [Jupp Heynckes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jupp-heynckes/) > [I used to say I preferred midfield because I enjoy trying to make goals, and scoring is a buzz.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/i-used-to-say-i-preferred-midfield-because-i-enjoy-trying-to-make/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [I think it's easier to play when you do have a balanced home. I think if I did have alcoholism in my personal life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/angelina-jolie/i-think-it-s-easier-to-play-when-you-do-have-a-balanced-home-i-think/) [Angelina Jolie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/angelina-jolie/) > [I think it's always easier to play parts that you have something concrete that you can relate to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hayley-atwell/i-think-it-s-always-easier-to-play-parts-that-you-have-something/) [Hayley Atwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hayley-atwell/) > [I wish I could speak Spanish, because it would be a lot easier to play more interesting roles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-alba/i-wish-i-could-speak-spanish-because-it-would-be-a-lot-easier-to-play/) [Jessica Alba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-alba/) > [If you can speak and understand music it's a lot easier to play along with people. You can show them parts and learn new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/all-american-rejects/if-you-can-speak-and-understand-music-it-s-a-lot-easier-to-play-along/) [All American Rejects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/all-american-rejects/) ## More by Gareth Barry > [Anything you're not in control of you can't be that comfortable with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/anything-you-re-not-in-control-of-you-can-t-be-that-comfortable-with/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [For me, Goodison is the toughest away ground to come to. I have experienced it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/for-me-goodison-is-the-toughest-away-ground-to-come-to-i-have/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [I used to say I preferred midfield because I enjoy trying to make goals, and scoring is a buzz.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/i-used-to-say-i-preferred-midfield-because-i-enjoy-trying-to-make/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [My upbringing wasn't overly comfortable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/my-upbringing-wasn-t-overly-comfortable/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [Confidence and momentum are huge in sport.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/confidence-and-momentum-are-huge-in-sport/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [I had my time in the England shirt and won a lot of caps.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/i-had-my-time-in-the-england-shirt-and-won-a-lot-of-caps/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [I have a massive fear of going stale and falling into a comfort zone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/i-have-a-massive-fear-of-going-stale-and-falling-into-a-comfort-zone/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [I treat the young boys as I wanted to be treated when I came through at Aston Villa.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/i-treat-the-young-boys-as-i-wanted-to-be-treated-when-i-came-through/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [That's one thing that's been aimed at me since I was 17: a lack of pace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/that-s-one-thing-that-s-been-aimed-at-me-since-i-was-17-a-lack-of-pace/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [Any great club needs the mentality to go on and achieve things - it is what clubs like United have.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/any-great-club-needs-the-mentality-to-go-on-and-achieve-things-it-is/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [The easy part, for me, is always playing my football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/the-easy-part-for-me-is-always-playing-my-football/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [As a younger player, I never really thought about where I should be on the field. It was just about doing a job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/as-a-younger-player-i-never-really-thought-about-where-i-should-be-on/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [It was Martin O'Neill who said, 'You're a central midfielder.' He put faith into players. He was very clever at getting into players' heads,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/it-was-martin-o-neill-who-said-you-re-a-central-midfielder-he-put/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [British managers tend to be a bit more hands off, let you express yourself in training.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/british-managers-tend-to-be-a-bit-more-hands-off-let-you-express/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) > [The England manager didn't think I was good enough, and as a professional, you have to take it. Sure, it was disappointing, but all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/the-england-manager-didn-t-think-i-was-good-enough-and-as-a/) [Gareth Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) [Explore all 92 Gareth Barry quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/) ## More Defensive quotes > [Most people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try to solve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-d-burns/most-people-do-surprisingly-poorly-when-dealing-with-a-relative-who/) [David D. Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-d-burns/) > [I have my meals delivered... you know what I like? Chicken and rice... But the problem with being a defensive lineman is, if we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hugh-douglas/i-have-my-meals-delivered-you-know-what-i-like-chicken-and-rice-but/) [Hugh Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hugh-douglas/) > [Before I signed for Liverpool, I was playing for Newcastle as a No. 10 - basically, I was always attacking. I didn't have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georginio-wijnaldum/before-i-signed-for-liverpool-i-was-playing-for-newcastle-as-a-no-10/) [Georginio Wijnaldum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georginio-wijnaldum/) > [Any time I'm healthy I feel like I'm the best defensive player in the NFL.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyrann-mathieu/any-time-i-m-healthy-i-feel-like-i-m-the-best-defensive-player-in-the/) [Tyrann Mathieu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyrann-mathieu/) > [“I need to ask, are you afraid of spiders?" Nicholas blinked, suddenly caught off guard, "Yes, I'm afraid of spiders." "Were you always?" "What…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-m-irwin/i-need-to-ask-are-you-afraid-of-spiders-nicholas-blinked-suddenly/) [Stephen M. Irwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-m-irwin/) > [You have to feel confident. If you don't, then you're going to be hesitant and defensive, and there'll be a lot of things working…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clint-eastwood/you-have-to-feel-confident-if-you-don-t-then-you-re-going-to-be/) [Clint Eastwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clint-eastwood/) > [I'm a coach who likes to have the ball, but what I really think is, 'How can you be in charge of the game?'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nuno-espirito-santo/i-m-a-coach-who-likes-to-have-the-ball-but-what-i-really-think-is-how/) [Nuno Espirito Santo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nuno-espirito-santo/) > [Iran has little capacity to deploy force. Its strategic doctrines are defensive, designed to deter invasion long enough for diplomacy to set it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/iran-has-little-capacity-to-deploy-force-its-strategic-doctrines-are/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [“To switch effectively from defense to social engagement strategies, the nervous system must do two things: (1) assess risk, and (2) if the environment…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-w-porges/to-switch-effectively-from-defense-to-social-engagement-strategies/) [Stephen W. Porges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-w-porges/) > [I've never just thought of myself as a defensive-only player.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/o-g-anunoby/i-ve-never-just-thought-of-myself-as-a-defensive-only-player/) [O. G. Anunoby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/o-g-anunoby/) > [The top coaches want wide strikers who cut inside. They want playmaking midfielders who can play between the lines as well as perform their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-carragher/the-top-coaches-want-wide-strikers-who-cut-inside-they-want/) [Jamie Carragher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-carragher/) > [“Defense mechanisms protect us. Fortresses isolate us. And far too often we begin with the former and end up constructing the latter.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-d-lounsbrough/defense-mechanisms-protect-us-fortresses-isolate-us-and-far-too-often/) [Craig D. Lounsbrough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-d-lounsbrough/) > [One of the turning points in the look of the Guardian is when we decided Logan Thackeray would be a Guardian as opposed to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeff-grubb/one-of-the-turning-points-in-the-look-of-the-guardian-is-when-we/) [Jeff Grubb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeff-grubb/) > [I'm a storyteller... I haves a God-given gift that I can share with you and perhaps entertain you and bring you along for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kurt-sutter/i-m-a-storyteller-i-haves-a-god-given-gift-that-i-can-share-with-you/) [Kurt Sutter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-sutter/) > [The beginning of everything is our defensive organisation. The clean sheet is always the first objective that we have in the game. Always.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nuno-espirito-santo/the-beginning-of-everything-is-our-defensive-organisation-the-clean/) [Nuno Espirito Santo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nuno-espirito-santo/) [Browse all 394 Defensive quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defensive/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gareth Barry" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-position-that-s-easier-to-play-as/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Defensive" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-position-that-s-easier-to-play-as/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cd/gareth-barry-7299_defensive_defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-positi_2979968.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Defensive midfield can be the one position that's easier to play as you get older.” — Gareth Barry", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Gareth Barry", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gareth-barry/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Defensive midfield can be the one...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-position-that-s-easier-to-play-as/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gareth-barry/defensive-midfield-can-be-the-one-position-that-s-easier-to-play-as/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```