The Role of a Mezzala in Soccer: Positioning and Responsibilities Explained

Vince Massara

A mezzala is a position in soccer that has gained more popularity in recent years, particularly in modern football. It is a central midfield role where the player operates in the wide areas of the pitch. The mezzala is a versatile player that can contribute to both defense and attack.

The mezzala is often referred to as the half-winger or the inside midfielder. They are responsible for creating chances and providing support to the forwards. The role requires the player to have a good sense of positioning, excellent passing ability, and the stamina to cover a lot of ground on the pitch. The mezzala is also known for making late runs into the box, which can create confusion for the opposition defenders.

One of the key attributes of a mezzala is their ability to link up play between the midfield and the attack. They are responsible for making penetrating runs and providing the forwards with the necessary support to score goals. The mezzala is also expected to contribute to the defensive aspect of the game, by tracking back and closing down opposition attacks. Overall, the mezzala is an essential role in modern football that requires a player to have a unique set of skills to be successful.

What is a Mezzala?

A mezzala is a central midfielder who plays in a wide position on the pitch. The term “mezzala” comes from the Italian word “mezze ali,” which means “half-wings.” The role of a mezzala has evolved over time and has become an important part of modern soccer tactics.

Definition

The mezzala is a midfielder who plays in a wide position on the pitch, usually in a midfield three or diamond formation. The mezzala is responsible for providing width to the team’s attack and creating opportunities for the forwards. They are also expected to contribute defensively and help the team maintain possession of the ball.

The mezzala is often compared to the traditional number 8 midfielder, but with a greater emphasis on attacking play. The mezzala is expected to make runs into the opposition’s penalty area and create scoring opportunities for the team.

History

The mezzala position has its roots in Italian soccer, where it was first used in the 1960s. The position was popularized by AC Milan in the 1980s, where players like Giuseppe Giannini and Carlo Ancelotti played in the mezzala role.

Since then, the mezzala role has become an important part of modern soccer tactics. Many top teams, including Manchester City and Barcelona, use the mezzala role in their midfield.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Provides width to the team’s attackMay leave the team vulnerable defensively
Creates scoring opportunities for the teamRequires a player with a high work rate and stamina
Helps the team maintain possession of the ballMay require additional defensive support from other midfielders

The mezzala position is a versatile role that can be adapted to suit different styles of play. It requires a player with a high level of technical ability and tactical awareness, as well as a willingness to work hard for the team.

Overall, the mezzala role is an important part of modern soccer tactics and has become an essential component of many top teams’ midfield setups.

The Role of a Mezzala in Soccer

Offensive Duties

A mezzala is a central midfielder who plays in the widest positions on the pitch in the middle of the park. They combine the role of a central midfielder and a winger, creating through the inside channels via vertical passing and making forward runs, both beyond the attackers towards goal and into wider positions on the outside of the forwards. They are responsible for driving the team forward with penetrative running and passing.

Mezzalas are usually the right or left central midfielders in a midfield three. Their role is to move to provide width for teams that lack them or to move wide as a mechanic to move opponents out of position to create space. They start the game as central midfielders and are in that sort of area enough of the time to classify them as such.

Mezzalas are expected to link up with the forwards and contribute to the attacking phase of play. They are expected to create chances for the forwards and score goals themselves. They often move into the final third of the pitch to create chances and provide an additional attacking threat.

Defensive Duties

Mezzalas are not only responsible for the attacking phase of play but also contribute to the defensive phase. They are expected to press and win the ball back when the team loses possession. They are also expected to track back and defend when the opposition is attacking.

Mezzalas often work in tandem with the defensive midfielder to provide cover when the full-backs move forward. They are expected to make tackles and interceptions when the opposition is attacking and help the team regain possession.

Tactical Advantages

The mezzala position offers several tactical advantages. By playing in the widest positions on the pitch, they provide width to the team’s attack. This allows the team to stretch the opposition’s defence and create more space in the middle of the pitch.

Mezzalas also provide an additional attacking threat. They are often able to create chances for the forwards and score goals themselves. This puts pressure on the opposition’s defence and creates more opportunities for the team to score.

Offensive DutiesDefensive DutiesTactical Advantages
Creating through the inside channels via vertical passing and making forward runsPressing and winning the ball back when the team loses possessionProviding width to the team’s attack
Making forward runs beyond the attackers towards goal and into wider positions on the outside of the forwardsTracking back and defending when the opposition is attackingProviding an additional attacking threat
Linking up with the forwards and contributing to the attacking phase of playWorking in tandem with the defensive midfielder to provide cover when the full-backs move forwardPutting pressure on the opposition’s defence and creating more opportunities for the team to score

According to Coaches’ Voice, “The mezzala can play a key role in driving the team forward with penetrative running and passing. They create through the inside channels via vertical passing and making forward runs, both beyond the attackers towards goal and into wider positions on the outside of the forwards.”

Additionally, Squawka states that “The mezzala is a central player that likes to drift wide and get involved in the attacking play. They are responsible for linking the midfield and attack and can be a key player in the final third.”

Overall, the mezzala position is a crucial role in modern football. They provide width to the team’s attack, create chances for the forwards, and contribute to the defensive phase of play. Their versatility and tactical advantages make them an important asset to any team.

How to Play as a Mezzala

A mezzala is a versatile midfielder who can contribute both offensively and defensively. To play as a mezzala, a player needs to have a particular set of skills and attributes and undergo specific training and practice. Here are some tips on how to play as a mezzala:

Skills and Attributes

To excel as a mezzala, a player needs to have excellent passing, dribbling, decision-making, and first touch skills. These skills allow the player to create opportunities for their team, carry the ball forward, and make quick decisions under pressure. Additionally, a mezzala needs to have good stamina, speed, and agility to cover a lot of ground on the field and make runs into the box.

According to Squawka, some of the best mezzalas in the world include Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, and Luka Modric. These players possess the necessary skills and attributes to play the position at the highest level.

Training and Practice Tips

Training and practice are essential for any soccer player, and mezzalas are no exception. Here are some tips for training and practicing as a mezzala:

Training/Practice TipsDescription
Improve Passing AccuracyPractice passing drills to improve accuracy and speed of passes. A mezzala needs to be able to make quick, accurate passes to create opportunities for their team.
Develop Dribbling SkillsPractice dribbling drills to improve ball control and the ability to beat defenders. A mezzala needs to be able to carry the ball forward and beat defenders to create scoring opportunities.
Work on Decision-MakingPractice decision-making drills to improve the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. A mezzala needs to be able to make split-second decisions to create opportunities for their team.
Improve Stamina and SpeedWork on improving stamina and speed through conditioning drills and exercises. A mezzala needs to be able to cover a lot of ground on the field and make runs into the box.

According to Coaches’ Voice, “The mezzala is a position that requires a lot of work and creativity, but it can be a very rewarding role for players who have the necessary skills and attributes.” By following these training and practice tips, a player can improve their skills and become an effective mezzala on the field.

Famous Mezzalas in Soccer

Over the years, many great players have played the mezzala role, contributing to their teams’ success. Here are some of the most famous mezzalas in soccer:

NameTeam(s)Notable Achievements
Andres IniestaBarcelona, Vissel Kobe8 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League titles, 2 European Championships, 1 World Cup
Kevin De BruyneManchester City4 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 1 PFA Player of the Year
Paul PogbaJuventus, Manchester United4 Serie A titles, 1 Europa League title, 1 World Cup
Angel Di MariaReal Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United1 La Liga title, 1 Champions League title, 2 Ligue 1 titles, 1 Copa America

Andres Iniesta is perhaps the most famous mezzala of all time. He played a key role in Barcelona’s success during the 2000s and 2010s, helping the team win numerous La Liga titles and Champions League trophies. Iniesta was known for his exceptional ball control, vision, and passing ability, which made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Kevin De Bruyne is another world-class mezzala, known for his ability to create chances and score goals from midfield. He has been a key player for Manchester City in recent years, helping the team win multiple Premier League titles and other domestic trophies. De Bruyne’s passing range, dribbling skills, and long-range shooting ability make him a versatile and dangerous player in any game.

Paul Pogba is a mezzala who has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Juventus and Manchester United. He is known for his physicality, technical ability, and creative flair, which make him a formidable opponent for any team. Pogba has won numerous trophies throughout his career, including four Serie A titles and a World Cup with France in 2018.

Angel Di Maria is another mezzala who has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He has won multiple domestic titles with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, and has also helped Argentina win the Copa America. Di Maria is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals from midfield.

Conclusion

The mezzala role is an important position in modern soccer, especially in formations that prioritize attacking play. Mezzalas are versatile midfielders who can contribute to both the attack and defense of their team. Their primary responsibility is to provide width and creativity in the midfield, making them a crucial component of any team’s attacking strategy.

Mezzalas are known for their ability to create chances and score goals. They are often tasked with making runs into the opposition’s box, taking shots from distance, and providing key passes to their teammates. Mezzalas are also expected to contribute defensively, helping to win back possession and break up opposition attacks.

Some of the best mezzalas in the game today include Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, and Luka Modric. These players excel at both attacking and defensive play, and are key components of their respective teams’ success.

Key Characteristics of a Mezzala
Provides width in midfield
Contributes to both attack and defense
Creative and versatile
Capable of scoring goals and creating chances
Helps to win back possession and break up opposition attacks

Overall, the mezzala role is an essential part of modern soccer tactics. Teams that utilize mezzalas effectively can create more chances and score more goals, while also maintaining a strong defensive presence in the midfield. With the right player in the role, the mezzala can be a game-changing force on the pitch.