Mastering the Midfield: My Uncle Bench Story and Tips for Young Players

From a young age, I was always drawn to the beautiful game. I spent countless hours honing my skills, dreaming of one day gracing the biggest stages. A pivotal figure in my journey, one who played a crucial role in my development, wasn’t a famous coach or a world-renowned player – it was my uncle, the man I affectionately called “Uncle Bench.”

Now, you might be picturing a seasoned football veteran, someone with years of professional experience under their belt. But that wasn’t Uncle Bench. He never played professionally, never even made it past his local team. However, his love for the sport was infectious, and his understanding of the game, particularly the midfield, was remarkable.

It was on a weathered bench overlooking our neighborhood pitch where he would share his wisdom. Hour after hour, we would dissect matches, analyze tactics, and discuss the finer points of midfield play. He instilled in me the importance of spatial awareness, of anticipating the flow of the game, and of making intelligent decisions under pressure.

The Importance of Spatial Awareness for Midfielders

“Frenkie,” he’d say, his eyes twinkling with passion, “a midfielder is the conductor of the orchestra. You dictate the tempo, control the rhythm, and orchestrate the attacks.” He emphasized the need to be constantly aware of my surroundings, to know where my teammates and opponents were at all times. This “sixth sense,” as he called it, was crucial for receiving the ball in tight spaces, for knowing when to make a forward run, and for dictating the pace of the game.

He’d often use the analogy of a chessboard. “Every move you make has consequences, Frenkie. Think two, three steps ahead. Anticipate where the space will be, where your opponents will be, and how your movement can unlock their defense.”

The Art of Passing: More Than Just a Connection

Uncle Bench was adamant that a pass was more than just a way to get the ball from one player to another. It was a tool to manipulate the opposition, to create space, and to dictate the flow of the game. He’d spend hours teaching me different passing techniques, emphasizing the importance of weight, spin, and timing.

“A well-placed pass,” he’d say, “can be more dangerous than a shot. It can cut through defenses, create scoring opportunities, and break the spirit of your opponents.” He instilled in me the belief that possession, when used intelligently and purposefully, was the key to unlocking any defense.

Becoming a Leader in the Midfield

As I progressed through the ranks, Uncle Bench’s teachings stayed with me. His emphasis on vision, awareness, and composure were instrumental in shaping me into the midfielder I am today. He taught me that a true midfield maestro isn’t just technically gifted but also possesses the tactical acumen and leadership qualities to dictate the flow of a match.

Frenkie de Jong inspiring young footballers

It’s on the grand stages of Camp Nou and international tournaments that I try to embody his teachings, to play with the same passion and intelligence that he instilled in me from a young age.

Uncle Bench may never have played professional football, but his impact on my career, on my understanding of the beautiful game, has been immeasurable. And that, I believe, is a testament to the power of passion, knowledge, and the unwavering belief in a young boy’s dream.