Blaise Matuidi Player Review
Pros
Strong Physical Presence
At 5.11, Matuidi feels powerful and steady in physical duels. He’s hard to push off the ball and holds his ground well against stronger opponents. His aggression and balance make him a dependable presence in defensive transitions.
Perfect Defensive Work Rate
With a medium attacking and high defensive work rate, Matuidi focuses primarily on defending. He positions himself intelligently, tracks runners effectively, and maintains strong coverage in front of the backline.
Tackling
His tackling ability is excellent. Both standing and sliding tackles are well-timed and precise, allowing him to dispossess attackers cleanly. He rarely commits fouls, showing great composure and awareness while winning the ball.
Man Marking
Matuidi’s marking is very effective. He sticks close to opponents, cutting passing lanes and shutting down attacking plays early. His anticipation helps him track key attackers and prevent them from turning or creating space.
Interceptions
One of his strongest areas. Matuidi’s reading of the game helps him intercept through balls and short passes frequently. His reaction speed and awareness allow him to break down counters before they become dangerous.
Passing and Build-Up Play
He’s solid in possession and supports transitions effectively. His short passing is clean and accurate, while his ball control helps him maintain composure under pressure. Though not a playmaker, he’s dependable in circulating the ball.
Left-Footed Finishing
Matuidi’s strong left foot produces reliable finishes from close or mid-range. He can score from second balls or late runs into the box, adding an occasional attacking spark.
Versatility
He can fill in as a left-back when needed, thanks to his defensive awareness and stamina. Although his pace isn’t elite, his positioning helps him perform decently in that role.
Cons
3* Weak Foot
This is his main weakness. His weaker foot limits his passing and finishing accuracy, especially under pressure or in tight spaces.
Lack of Traits
Matuidi has no key traits, which slightly reduces his individuality compared to other elite CDMs.
Average Pace for a LB
As a CDM, his pace feels solid, but when played as a LB, it’s only decent. He can struggle against extremely fast wingers.
Conclusion
Blaise Matuidi is a rock-solid defensive midfielder known for his tackling, marking, and interception ability. His physicality, awareness, and defensive work rate make him a reliable wall in midfield. Although his weak foot and lack of traits limit his versatility in attack, he remains one of the most consistent CDMs for pure defensive strength and stability.
Rating 9.2/10