The phrase "to control the midfielders" means to manage or direct the actions and movements of the players who are positioned in the central area of the field during a soccer or football game. Full definition
# 40 million for a player who, if he stays injury free, could be controlling your midfield for the next decade seems like a bargain. (footballwhispers.com)
We can not control the midfield in many of the games that is the problem including the wingers. (justarsenal.com)
Our game is based around controlling the midfield and we were shocking in that respect. (justarsenal.com)