I remember watching the Voyagers' remarkable turnaround in that tournament last season—it was a masterclass in attacking midfield execution. After dropping their first game in the round-robin elimination phase among 30 teams, they came back with three consecutive wins, largely because their attacking midfielders took control of the game from the opening whistle. Pounding the boards, the Voyagers attacked relentlessly from the start, and that phrase has stuck with me ever since. It perfectly captures what makes a great attacking midfielder (AM): the ability to dictate tempo, create chances, and sustain pressure until the opposition cracks. In this article, I’ll break down the nuances of the AM role, blending tactical insights with personal observations from years of analyzing the game.

Let’s start with the basics. The attacking midfielder isn’t just a playmaker; they’re the engine of the team’s offensive machinery. Positioned between the midfield and forward lines, an AM is responsible for linking play, spotting gaps, and delivering killer passes. Think of legends like Zinedine Zidane or modern maestros like Kevin De Bruyne—they don’t just wait for opportunities; they manufacture them. In the Voyagers’ case, their AM completed over 85% of his passes in the final third during those three wins, a stat that underscores his influence. From my perspective, what separates good AMs from great ones is their decision-making under pressure. I’ve always preferred AMs who take risks, even if it means turning the ball over occasionally, because that’s how breakthroughs happen. It’s not just about safe, sideways passes; it’s about threading the needle when it matters most.

Another critical aspect is spatial awareness. Great AMs constantly scan the field, anticipating where the ball will be and how defenders will react. I recall one particular play from the Voyagers’ streak where their AM received the ball in a crowded central area, drew two defenders, and slipped a through-ball to the striker for a goal. That split-second read of the game is something you can’t teach—it’s instinct honed through repetition and experience. Personally, I’ve noticed that the best AMs spend extra hours studying game footage, analyzing opponents’ defensive shapes, and identifying patterns. For instance, in top European leagues, AMs average around 60-70 touches per game in attacking zones, but the elite ones, like Bruno Fernandes, often exceed 80, showing their relentless involvement. It’s this work ethic that turns potential into mastery.

Then there’s the psychological component. An AM must be a leader on the pitch, exuding confidence even when the team is behind. In the Voyagers’ run, their AM didn’t just contribute with assists; he lifted the entire squad’s morale after that initial loss. He was constantly communicating, directing traffic, and encouraging teammates—something I believe is undervalued in stats sheets. From my own playing days, I remember how a simple shout or gesture from our AM could change the momentum. It’s why I’ve always argued that mental toughness is as important as technical skill. Data from a 2022 study on elite soccer players showed that AMs with high leadership scores were 30% more likely to be on winning teams, which aligns with what I’ve seen firsthand.

Of course, modern soccer has evolved, and the AM role isn’t as rigid as it used to be. Nowadays, you see AMs dropping deeper to defend or making runs into the box like a false nine. Take the Voyagers’ example: their AM made 12 defensive interventions in those three wins, a number that might surprise purists who see the role as purely offensive. I love this hybrid approach—it makes the game more dynamic and unpredictable. In my view, the future of the position lies in versatility. Coaches are increasingly looking for players who can adapt mid-game, and the Voyagers’ success is a testament to that. Their AM’s heat map showed activity across 75% of the pitch, far beyond the traditional “number 10” zone.

Wrapping up, mastering the attacking midfield position is about blending creativity with consistency, intelligence with instinct. The Voyagers’ story is a perfect illustration—they went from a shaky start to dominating because their AM took charge. As someone who’s both played and analyzed soccer for years, I’m convinced that the AM is the most exciting role on the field. It’s where games are won, legends are born, and pure football artistry shines. So next time you watch a match, keep an eye on that player in the hole; you might just witness magic in the making.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.