Midlane Aatrox is good for keeping an enemy AP carry shut down. His constant heal and almost 100% resistance to poke makes him an excellent pick for midlane. A combination of CC with Blades of Torment and Dark Flight, along with Dark Flights utility as a gap closing ability, makes him a great counterpick to champions who rely on sitting behind the farm and poking. (E.G. Xerath, Nidalee, Swain, Syndra, Zed) Aatrox can quickly burst down and out-sustain many other midlane champions. With Massacre allowing for significantly increased attack range, Aatrox is a formidable lane opponent.

When coming into the teamfight phase, Aatrox provides heavy CC and sustained damage, and an amazing ability to focus the enemy carrie(s)