A midfielder is a soccer player whose main job is to play in the middle section of the field, between the defenders who guard the goal and the forwards who try to score. Midfielders are sometimes called the engine of the team because they do so much: they help defend when the other team has the ball, then quickly switch to helping their team attack and score.

Picture a soccer field divided into three zones: defense near your own goal, midfield in the center, and attack near the opponent's goal. Midfielders spend most of their time in that middle zone, but they're constantly running up and down the field. They need excellent stamina because they cover more ground than any other position. A midfielder might sprint back to help stop an opponent's attack, then race forward moments later to pass the ball to a teammate who can score.

Different types of midfielders have different roles. Some focus more on defense, breaking up the other team's plays. Others are creative playmakers who set up scoring chances with clever passes. The best midfielders read the game like a chess match, always thinking several moves ahead and connecting their teammates with precise passes.