Formations and roles · Analysis
Striker: the number 9 whose first job is to score
A striker, the number 9, is the most advanced player and main goalscorer. Target man, poacher, complete forward, false nine, second striker, and what xG says.
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Positions
Formations and roles · Analysis
Winger: the wide attacker who beats the full-back
A winger attacks from the flank: beats the full-back, crosses or cuts inside to shoot. Classic and inverted wingers, the inside forward and famous examples.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Attacking midfielder: the 10 who plays between the lines
An attacking midfielder (CAM, the 10) plays between the lines and creates chances. Trequartista, enganche, why the classic 10 declined and where it plays now.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Box-to-box midfielder: the 8 who defends one box and attacks the other
A box-to-box midfielder, the 8, tackles near his own box and arrives in the other. What the role asks for, in a two or a three, famous examples, mezzala.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Full-back: the wide defender who also has to attack
A full-back defends the flank and joins the attack: overlaps, underlaps, crosses and inverting into midfield. Types, famous examples, full-back vs wing-back.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Centre-back: the defender who guards the middle and starts the build-up
A centre-back defends the middle of the pitch in front of goal: duels, headers, covering and, more and more, passing. Pairs, back threes, types and history.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Defensive midfielder: the 6 who screens the defence and starts the play
A defensive midfielder (CDM, the 6) screens the back four, wins the ball back and keeps it moving. Its three types, famous examples and how to spot one.
Formations and roles · Analysis
Football positions: every role on the pitch, its number and what it does
Football has eleven positions in four groups. What each one does with and without the ball, what shirt numbers 1 to 11 mean, and why a 6 differs by country.