A midfielder who drops deep to collect the ball and dictates play from in front of the defense with passing range and vision. The difference between this and a holding midfielder is intent: the holder destroys, the playmaker creates. Pirlo, Xabi Alonso, Busquets. Also called a 'regista' if you want to sound like you watch Serie A.
"He's dropped between the centre-backs to collect it and pinged a sixty-yard ball to the opposite wing. The deep-lying playmaker at work."