--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I can be the only defensive midfielder…" description: "\"I can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break up play. Or I can play a little more forward.\" — Sergio Busquets" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/031/sergio-busquets-5324_defensive_i-can-be-the-only-defensive-midfielder-a_242856.png" --- # I can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break… ![“I can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break up play. Or I can play a little more forward.” quote by Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/031/sergio-busquets-5324_defensive_i-can-be-the-only-defensive-midfielder-a_242856.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/031/sergio-busquets-5324_defensive_i-can-be-the-only-defensive-midfielder-a_242856.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/031/sergio-busquets-5324_defensive_i-can-be-the-only-defensive-midfielder-a_242856.png) > “I can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break up play. Or I can play a little more forward.” [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A player can choose a defensive role or push forward to support attack, weighing risk and reward. **In simple terms:** Choose between defense and offense. Key Takeaway Adapt your position based on team needs. Themes tactics versatility football teamwork decision‑making Mood analytical pragmatic Type sports strategy When to use this quote - game planning - training drills - in‑game adjustments Key Concepts role flexibility spatial awareness risk assessment Questions to Reflect On - When should you shift roles during a match? - How does your decision affect teammates? A Different Perspective Over‑emphasis on one role may limit team dynamics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) ## Related quotes > [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/) > [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/) > [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 prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/i-prefer-defensive-midfielder-because-i-know-my-job-when-i-play-there/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [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/) > [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/) > [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/) > [“Dad laughs. “You want to take a break? Go play with them?” The problem is I’m sixteen, almost seventeen, and I don’t want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hannah-moskowitz/dad-laughs-you-want-to-take-a-break-go-play-with-them-the-problem-is/) [Hannah Moskowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hannah-moskowitz/) > [Usually, I play the bad guy, so it's been a pleasant break to play a good guy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mariana-klaveno/usually-i-play-the-bad-guy-so-it-s-been-a-pleasant-break-to-play-a/) [Mariana Klaveno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mariana-klaveno/) > [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/) > [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/) > [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/) > [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/) > [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/) ## More by Sergio Busquets > [If I lose the ball I cause the team a problem. I am here to provide solutions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/if-i-lose-the-ball-i-cause-the-team-a-problem-i-am-here-to-provide/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [When a team plays you by pressing so high, if you do not take advantage, they grow in their field, with their atmosphere and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/when-a-team-plays-you-by-pressing-so-high-if-you-do-not-take/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Modric is spectacular, but Messi has no comparison with Luka or anyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/modric-is-spectacular-but-messi-has-no-comparison-with-luka-or-anyone/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [I'm a team player who needs to work a lot and sacrifice myself for the success of the group.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/i-m-a-team-player-who-needs-to-work-a-lot-and-sacrifice-myself-for/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [People who don't like football don't appreciate my game, but I like it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/people-who-don-t-like-football-don-t-appreciate-my-game-but-i-like-it/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Every manager is different in one way or another, but what stays the same is coaching Barcelona players - players who want the ball,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/every-manager-is-different-in-one-way-or-another-but-what-stays-the/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [If you want to play showy football and be noticed then mine isn't the position to pick.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/if-you-want-to-play-showy-football-and-be-noticed-then-mine-isn-t-the/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Neymar has the capability to be a leader in the absence of Leo. He's one of those players who can make the team feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/neymar-has-the-capability-to-be-a-leader-in-the-absence-of-leo-he-s/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [I genuinely enjoy watching the full-back run up the pitch and going across to fill in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/i-genuinely-enjoy-watching-the-full-back-run-up-the-pitch-and-going/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [You need to know exactly where to be on the pitch at all times.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/you-need-to-know-exactly-where-to-be-on-the-pitch-at-all-times/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Stadiums are full, pitches are good, the press is different, people are different, the football culture is different. Everyone talks highly of England and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/stadiums-are-full-pitches-are-good-the-press-is-different-people-are/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [I admire the Premier League for the quality and style of football.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/i-admire-the-premier-league-for-the-quality-and-style-of-football/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [You don't lose because of one play.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/you-don-t-lose-because-of-one-play/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [Truth to be told, yes, it does feel very strange to be in the Spain setup without Xavi. Ever since I broke through for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/truth-to-be-told-yes-it-does-feel-very-strange-to-be-in-the-spain/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) > [As kids we'd be forever shooting at dad and I started as a striker, but I eventually became a pivote, the position I like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sergio-busquets/as-kids-we-d-be-forever-shooting-at-dad-and-i-started-as-a-striker/) [Sergio Busquets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) [Explore all 101 Sergio Busquets quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sergio-busquets/) ## 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 can be the only defensive midfielder and try and break up play. 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