The two holding midfielders provide the defensive muscle needed to win midfield battles. Essien is a physically strong midfielder, who often plays in a central midfield role. He is a playmaker who usually plays in the centre of midfield. He is most played in the attacking midfield and winger roles. Halleiner SK as goalkeeper but soon switched into the midfield. He played in central defence rather than his favoured central midfield role. He can play in midfield and defence. He played as an attacking midfield player, known for his controlled passing and midfield authority. He primarily played in the centre of a three-man midfield and scored two goals. Corry Evans is capable of operating in defence or the centre of midfield. Arteta returned to his original deeper midfield role at Arsenal. Montolivo has been described as a versatile player capable of playing anywhere in the midfield. However, the drive stalled just after crossing midfield and Buffalo punted. At Barcelona, he has primarily played on either side of a three-man central midfield. At Ajax he played a number of positions, including central midfield and right wing.