Converting to a DM - how to develop ball control + decisionmaking

I've played defense all my life, but I believe my true calling (when fit enough) is to play the holding midfield role. Defensively, I'm solid when comes to tackling, anticipation, interceptions, 1v1s, etc. Technically, I can pass or shoot the ball well with either foot and I've been getting in shape recently.

However, whenever I get the ball from the defense, I freeze, in that I don't know what to do/how to dribble in a way that the ball keeps cycling through the team. I often times play negative passes to defenders that are already under pressure. How can I improve this? I think if I could do these two things well (control the ball well, and decide where to move/pass next better), I'd be really great DM.

Thanks in advance.