Patrick Vieira contributed to his team 's offensive with his runs from midfield .
Usually deployed as a defensive , central , or box-to-box midfielder , he was a competent tackler , and a tactically intelligent midfielder , gifted with good ball skills , distribution , and vision , which enabled him to start attacking plays in midfield after winning back possession ; he also excelled in the air , and was known for his surging forward runs from midfield , which enabled him to contribute to his team 's offensive play .
Patrick Vieira