--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I prefer defensive midfielder because I…" description: "\"I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you.\" — Marouane Fellaini" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c3/marouane-fellaini-5877_defensive_i-prefer-defensive-midfielder-because-i_2839504.png" --- # I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I… ![“I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you.” quote by Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c3/marouane-fellaini-5877_defensive_i-prefer-defensive-midfielder-because-i_2839504.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c3/marouane-fellaini-5877_defensive_i-prefer-defensive-midfielder-because-i_2839504.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c3/marouane-fellaini-5877_defensive_i-prefer-defensive-midfielder-because-i_2839504.png) > “I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you.” [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Explaining his preference for defensive midfield, emphasizing clarity of role and the need to anticipate play. **In simple terms:** Prefers defensive midfield for clear responsibilities. Key Takeaway Embrace defined roles. Themes teamwork strategy role clarity anticipation Mood strategic pragmatic Type analytical inspirational When to use this quote - football matches - training sessions - game analysis Key Concepts tactical discipline spatial awareness Questions to Reflect On - How does role clarity improve team dynamics? - When should you adapt beyond your primary role? A Different Perspective Defensive roles may limit creative expression. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Job](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/job/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) ## Related quotes > [There were loads of managers who said, 'You have to concentrate on being a winger because you have more potential there.' But I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georginio-wijnaldum/there-were-loads-of-managers-who-said-you-have-to-concentrate-on/) [Georginio Wijnaldum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georginio-wijnaldum/) > [I can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break up play. Or I can play a little more forward.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/i-can-be-the-only-defensive-midfielder-and-try-and-break-up-play-or-i/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [I'm not really a defensive midfielder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-wilshere/i-m-not-really-a-defensive-midfielder/) [Jack Wilshere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-wilshere/) > [When I first got to Lyon, my coach at the time, Nicolas Quinault, was very keen for me to play as a defensive midfielder,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wendie-renard/when-i-first-got-to-lyon-my-coach-at-the-time-nicolas-quinault-was/) [Wendie Renard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wendie-renard/) > [I have already worked Dunga. He helped me at Internacional, making me a more defensive midfielder. But I can play as a first or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fred/i-have-already-worked-dunga-he-helped-me-at-internacional-making-me-a/) [Fred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fred/) > [When I arrived at Benfica I'd been playing like a No. 10 in the team, but the first thing the coach did was tell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nemanja-matic/when-i-arrived-at-benfica-i-d-been-playing-like-a-no-10-in-the-team/) [Nemanja Matic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nemanja-matic/) > [On a tactical level the defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation is just about the most demanding position there is.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/on-a-tactical-level-the-defensive-midfielder-in-a-4-3-3-formation-is/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Defensive midfielder is my position and I have to be focused on that role.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nemanja-matic/defensive-midfielder-is-my-position-and-i-have-to-be-focused-on-that/) [Nemanja Matic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nemanja-matic/) > [In my country, they used to call players who play in my position a defensive midfielder, but it is not defensive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernandinho/in-my-country-they-used-to-call-players-who-play-in-my-position-a/) [Fernandinho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fernandinho/) > [Sometimes I look at myself and ask, 'What is my best position?' But I think it's a defensive midfielder; that's the best one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/sometimes-i-look-at-myself-and-ask-what-is-my-best-position-but-i/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [Everyone knows where I play, as a defensive midfielder, more or less the same, so in the last six or seven years I play…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nemanja-matic/everyone-knows-where-i-play-as-a-defensive-midfielder-more-or-less/) [Nemanja Matic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nemanja-matic/) > [All players rolled into one: from defensive midfielder to attacking midfielder to attacker. I want to take the qualities from everyone. I'd like to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-pogba/all-players-rolled-into-one-from-defensive-midfielder-to-attacking/) [Paul Pogba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-pogba/) > [Most people see me as a defensive midfielder but with my intelligence and how I read the game, if we're near the end of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-partey/most-people-see-me-as-a-defensive-midfielder-but-with-my-intelligence/) [Thomas Partey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-partey/) > [I don't think Sergio Busquets is the best defensive midfielder in the world but for Barcelona he is the perfect player because of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eidur-gudjohnsen/i-don-t-think-sergio-busquets-is-the-best-defensive-midfielder-in-the/) [Eidur Gudjohnsen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eidur-gudjohnsen/) > [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/) ## More by Marouane Fellaini > [You learn a lot from quality players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/you-learn-a-lot-from-quality-players/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [When I was about 16, I started to believe I could play professionally. I worked hard and focused more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/when-i-was-about-16-i-started-to-believe-i-could-play-professionally/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [Some people say there is a beauty about defending. Beauty is nice, but the most important thing is success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/some-people-say-there-is-a-beauty-about-defending-beauty-is-nice-but/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [If you want to win the game, you have to be aggressive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/if-you-want-to-win-the-game-you-have-to-be-aggressive/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [During my first season at Manchester, the team was not performing, and I was the scapegoat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/during-my-first-season-at-manchester-the-team-was-not-performing-and/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [My dad was an ex-player, so he knew what he was saying. When we talk about football, he knows what he's talking about. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/my-dad-was-an-ex-player-so-he-knew-what-he-was-saying-when-we-talk/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [In the past, I played No. 10 and No. 9 sometimes when I had to help the team. I can play there and help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/in-the-past-i-played-no-10-and-no-9-sometimes-when-i-had-to-help-the/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [I will play defensively, but if I can help the team further forward, then I will do that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/i-will-play-defensively-but-if-i-can-help-the-team-further-forward/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [Winning the FA Cup was a very big moment. You play for Manchester United to win trophies and play in games like that, so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/winning-the-fa-cup-was-a-very-big-moment-you-play-for-manchester/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [It is difficult to play with your back to goal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/it-is-difficult-to-play-with-your-back-to-goal/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [£25million or £30m or £20m - whether you are expensive or not, players are just players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/25million-or-30m-or-20m-whether-you-are-expensive-or-not-players-are/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [My mum and dad did everything for me. They supported me, gave me a lot of advice. That support is everything. It gives you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/my-mum-and-dad-did-everything-for-me-they-supported-me-gave-me-a-lot/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [When you are playing, you are always happy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/when-you-are-playing-you-are-always-happy/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [Normally, I play in midfield where I'm challenging the players and trying to take the ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/normally-i-play-in-midfield-where-i-m-challenging-the-players-and/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [When I feel that people trust me, I'm prepared to do everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/when-i-feel-that-people-trust-me-i-m-prepared-to-do-everything/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) [Explore all 100 Marouane Fellaini quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) ## 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 ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. 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