Football

doesn't need to be that mobile if he's patrolling that area in front of the back four, and being the outlet for the defense, you're not asking him to spring down the wings or burst into the box, but hold and control the tempo of the game, and make sure we keep possession. Pirlo's not blessed with great pace but no one holds that against him (not making out that huddlestone is currently in Pirlo class, but he has similar attributes, whilst being twice the size)

Balls.
He needs to be able to react quickly in that position.