Positionally, Pirlo seems to play as a defensive midfielder, but he's far from a defensive midfielder in what he provides on the field.

What type of midfielder was Pirlo?

Considered one of the best deep-lying playmakers ever, Pirlo was renowned for his vision, ball control, technique, creativity, passing, and free kick ability. Pirlo began his club career in 1995 as an attacking midfielder with hometown club Brescia, winning the Serie B in 1997.

Was Andrea Pirlo a CDM?

The best defensive midfielder today has to be Andrea Pirlo. He didn't have the best of seasons at Milan but even if he's not at his best, he's is always involved in the game. He is one of the finest passers in the World and perhaps, one of the best set-piece takers as well.