The right winger wears the number 7 jersey and is responsible for attacking down the right flank. Right Winger Positionĭavid Beckham - Right Winger - English former football player They are responsible for linking the defense and attack and are often the key to a team's success. They are often the most technically gifted players on the team and are expected to create chances for the forward players by passing the ball forward and making runs into the box. The central midfielder wears the number 8 jersey and is responsible for controlling the flow of the game. Central Midfielder PositionĪndrea Pirlo - Center Midfielder - Italian football player They are essential in modern soccer, as they contribute to both defense and attack. Defensive midfielders also provide support to the attack by distributing the ball to the forward players. They are expected to break up opposing attacks by intercepting passes and making tackles. They wear the number 6 jersey and are often the first line of defense. The defensive midfielder is responsible for protecting the backline of the defense. Positioning: The ability to position oneself correctly to make interceptions and blocks.Ĭasemiro - Defensive Midfielder - Brazilian football player Heading: The ability to win headers and clear the ball out of danger. Marking: The ability to stay tight to opposing players and prevent them from receiving the ball. Tackling: The ability to make clean tackles to win the ball back from the opposing team. The following are critical skill sets for defenders: Defenders Critical Skill Setĭefenders are responsible for protecting the team's goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring. They play a crucial role in keeping the team's defense solid and difficult to break down. Center backs also organize the defense and communicate with the other players on the field. They are often the tallest and strongest players on the team and are expected to win aerial duels and clear the ball out of danger.
They wear the number 4 or 5 jersey and are responsible for defending the central areas of the field. The center-back is the backbone of the defense. Virgil van Dijk - Center Back - Dutch football player The left-back is an essential player in modern soccer, as they contribute to both the defense and attack. They also support the attack by overlapping the left winger and providing crosses into the box. They wear the number 3 jersey and are responsible for defending the left side of the field, stopping opposing players from making runs down the flank and crossing the ball into the box. The left-back is similar to the right-back, but plays on the opposite side of the field. Paolo Maldini - Left Back - Italian Footballer The right-back is a crucial player in modern soccer, as they contribute to both the defense and attack. They must also support the attack by overlapping the right winger and providing crosses into the box. They wear the number 2 jersey and are tasked with stopping opposing players from making runs down the right flank and crossing the ball into the box. The right-back, also known as the fullback, is responsible for defending the right side of the field. Positioning: The ability to position oneself correctly to make saves and block shots.Ĭommunication: The ability to communicate effectively with the rest of the team to organize the defense.Ĭafu - Right Back - Brazilian former football player Shot stopping: The ability to make saves and prevent the opposing team from scoring.ĭistribution: The ability to distribute the ball quickly and accurately to teammates to start counterattacks. The following are critical skill sets for goalkeepers: The goalkeeper is the last line of defense for the team and requires a unique set of skills to be successful. They also act as the team's last line of defense, communicating with the other players to organize the defense and ensure that the team remains cohesive.
They must be agile and quick to react, as they face shots from the opposing team. The goalkeeper wears the number 1 jersey and is the only player on the field allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. They are responsible for guarding the goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring. Goalkeeping is one of the most critical positions on the field. Gianluigi Buffon - Goalkeeper - Italian football player In this article, we will take a closer look at each position and number, and what they bring to the team. To be successful in soccer, it's essential to understand the different positions and numbers on the field, as each player has a specific role to play in the game.