Position by Position: Jade Moore (Defensive Midfielder)

A two-page instalment of the SK Player Guides position series, in which England and Reading midfielder Jade Moore breaks down the defensive midfielder’s role with Jazz Hervin. Moore explains the dual purpose of breaking up opposition play while starting attacks, stressing that she never wants to tackle or intercept without her side retaining the ball, and that reading play gives a half-second advantage. In possession she judges whether a counter is on, breaking lines with her first pass or recycling play, checking how high or deep the opposition defence sits to choose between an aerial ball in behind and a pass into feet. Out of possession she positions herself between opposition midfield and forward lines to double up, shields the striker when her team attacks, and describes the relentless, unselfish mindset the role demands, illustrated by England’s Euro 2017 plan for opposing number tens.