Ĭrossing, threading through passes, and even cutting inside for a more central attack are essential skills. Since the wings are usually the most open areas on the field, left backs must be efficient and productive when given time and space. In modern soccer, their offensive duties can be just as important as their defensive role. Then they must defend the back past and track late runners into the penalty box, as they're often the backline’s final hope of preventing a team from scoring from a deep cross. Today, a left back must control the entire flank going forward and backward.ĭefensively, their main priority is to win the individual battle with their opposite winger. We can no longer say that a left back’s primary role is to defend wide areas. Once a position that was largely overlooked, left backs are now celebrated for their influence in attack and defense. Attacking in tandem with the right midfielder.In a four-player backline, the right back must be able to manage offensive and defensive responsibilities, which requires elite stamina and strong positional awareness. Especially in possession-based teams, where they can take advantage of the space away from congested areas. Right backs are usually heavily involved in build-up play. They should also have well-rounded skills on the ball, enabling them to beat a defender, play a cross-field pass, and whip in a cross from the wing. They must have the stamina to compete in 1v1 duels over 90 minutes, week in, week out. Right backs are typically positionally sound, fast, and tenacious. In addition to marshaling the wings as part of the backline, a right back must push forward and combine with the winger to create goalscoring opportunities. Nowadays, coaches rely on them to make an impact both on offense and defense. The importance of having a technically gifted, well-rounded right back has grown more and more important in recent years. Being in the right position (often outside the box).They're used almost as an extra defender in both the defensive and attacking phases of play, which is hugely beneficial for any team. Leaving the penalty area to intercept over-the-top passes or loose balls However, the sweeper-keeper is also tasked with two other key duties:ī. The majority of their most important responsibilities take place in and around the penalty box - stopping shots, catching crosses, and making clearances. įirstly, a sweeper-keeper’s primary function is the same as any other’s: Once deemed an unconventional goalkeeping approach, the sweeper-keeper is now one of the staple soccer position in the modern game. Notable Sweeper Keepers: Ederson, Manuel Neuer, Alisson Becker, and Hugo Lloris. Today, sweeper keepers are essential as teams play with higher defensive lines and play mainly possession-based soccer. Īs the game continues to develop, so too does the role of a goalkeeper. The average professional keeper stands about 6’2”, which is several inches taller than the average outfielder. While there are exceptions, most goalies are tall with long limbs. Goalkeepers must have cat-like reflexes, fast instincts, agility, and dexterity to stop shots from all distances and angles. They’re not only the last line of defense, but also key contributors to build-up play and a passing outlet against a high press. Especially in the modern game when many goalies are required to be skilled with the ball at their feet. While that’s their core responsibility, the role is far more complicated. Stop the ball from hitting the back of the net. On paper, the goalkeeper's role might seem simple: In the aftermath, the idea was cast aside by English football’s governing body, but after various reported instances of sides wearing them for the next decade or so, it was decided that all players should wear numbered shirts in 1939.Notable Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Buffon, and David De Gea. The man that much of this is ultimately down to is legendary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman, who pioneered the idea of numbered strips in a match with Sheffield Wednesday back in 1928. Naturally, to fully understand it, we need to take a few steps back. 10 for Arsenal.Īs supporters, we know these numbers are a bit peculiar, but why does something so trivial irritate us? Where does this seemingly inherent instinct emerge from? And why is it such a big deal anyway? 5 for Everton, or the uncomfortable feeling that festered when William Gallas wore No. It’s the reflex that niggles at us when we see Samuel Eto’o donning No. There are some players that don’t look quite right in their shirt numbers.Įtched into our soccer consciousnesses are intangible, requisite criteria when it comes to the number a player should have emblazoned on the back of his jersey.
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