Mastering the Chicky Chocolate of Midfield Play

As a professional footballer, I often get asked about the secret sauce to dictating the tempo in midfield. While there’s no magic potion, the key lies in mastering what I call the “Chicky Chocolate” of the game – a delicate balance of flair and grit that keeps the ball moving and the opponent guessing.

Frenkie de Jong controlling the midfield

Think of it like this: you don’t want to be a one-trick pony, only capable of Hollywood passes that rarely find their target. That’s the “chocolate” part – tempting but ultimately not substantial. Equally, you can’t just be a workhorse, winning the ball back but lacking the vision to launch an effective attack. That’s the “chicky” part – all hustle but no creativity.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Precision and Vision

The beauty of the “chicky chocolate” approach lies in its versatility. It’s about being comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, knowing when to release it quickly with a crisp pass, and when to unleash a defense-splitting through ball. It’s about recognizing your teammates’ movements, anticipating their runs, and delivering the ball exactly where it needs to be, when they need it.

Frenkie de Jong making a precise pass

The Importance of Game Intelligence

“Chicky chocolate” isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about game intelligence. It’s about reading the play, understanding your opponents’ weaknesses, and exploiting them. It’s about knowing when to slow the game down, maintain possession, and frustrate the opposition, and when to inject a burst of pace and catch them off guard.

Training Your “Chicky Chocolate” Muscles

Mastering this balance takes dedication and practice. Incorporate drills that focus on close control, quick passing, and receiving the ball under pressure. Work on your vision by practicing long and short passes, focusing on accuracy and weight.

Frenkie de Jong training with teammates

The Reward: Dictating the Flow

The true reward of mastering the “chicky chocolate” style? Dictating the flow of the game. You become the puppet master, controlling the tempo, creating chances, and ultimately, leading your team to victory. It’s about finding that perfect blend of flair and grit, and using it to orchestrate beautiful football.