 Despite playing as a deep @-@ lying midfielder , Carrick does not rely on pace , physical attributes and tackling like a typical ball @-@ winning midfielder . Instead , his reading of the game helps him anticipate any attacking threats from the opposition team , most of the time by covering space and making interceptions . His distribution of the ball , creativity , and range of passing , which are among the best in comparison to other midfielders in Europe , add to his importance in dictating the tempo of the game , as well as initiating team attacks . 
