Defender (association football)

{{Short description|Association football position}} {{Use British English|date=August 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}} [[File:Leah Williamson Arsenal Ladies Vs Liverpool (19482185928).jpg|thumb|England captain Leah Williamson (left) defends for Arsenal.]] In the sport of association football, a '''defender''' is an outfield player whose primary role is to stop attacks during the game and prevent the opposition from scoring.

Defenders fall into four main categories: centre-backs, full-backs, sweepers, and wing-backs. The centre-back and full-back positions are most common in modern formations. The sweeper and wing-back roles are more specialised, often limited to certain formations dependent on the manager's style of play and tactics.

==Centre-back== [[File:John Terry Didier Drogba'14.JPG|left|thumb|Centre-back John Terry (right) closely marks centre-forward Didier Drogba.|234x234px]]

The centre-back (also known as a central defender or centre-half, as the modern role of the centre-back arose from the centre-half position) defends in the area directly in front of the goal and tries to prevent opposing players, particularly centre-forwards, from scoring. Centre-backs accomplish this by blocking shots, tackling, intercepting passes, contesting headers and marking forwards to discourage the opposing team from passing to them. Centre-backs are often tall and positioned for their ability to win duels in the air. In the modern game, most teams employ two or three centre-backs in front of the goalkeeper. The 4–2–3–1, 4–3–3, and 4–4–2 formations all use two centre-backs.

[[File:Association football 4-4-2 formation.svg|160px|thumb|right|The common 4–4–2 formation uses two centre-backs.]]

In possession of the ball, centre-backs are generally expected to make long and pinpoint passes to their teammates, or to kick unaimed long balls down the field. For example, a clearance is a long unaimed kick intended to move the ball as far as possible from the defender's goal. Due to the many skills centre-backs are required to possess in the modern game, many successful contemporary central-defensive partnerships have involved pairing a more physical defender with a defender who is quicker, more comfortable in possession and capable of playing the ball out from the back; examples of such pairings have included Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique for Barcelona and Spain, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho with Chelsea, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane or Pepe with Real Madrid, Diego Godín and José María Giménez with Atlético Madrid and Uruguay, Virgil van Dijk with Liverpool, Nemanja Vidić and Rio Ferdinand with Manchester United, or Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli with Juventus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/jan/19/nemanja-vidic-footballer-of-year|title=Judges have a blindspot when destroyers like Vidic play a blinder|work=The Guardian|last1=Bagchi|first1=Rob|date=19 January 2011|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=15 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015121355/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/jan/19/nemanja-vidic-footballer-of-year|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/13/giorgio-chiellini-italy-euro-2016|title=Giorgio Chiellini: 'I have a strong temperament but off the pitch I am more serene'|work=The Guardian|last1=Bandini|first1=Nicky|date=13 June 2016|access-date=2 February 2017|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726183427/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/13/giorgio-chiellini-italy-euro-2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under normal circumstances, centre-backs are unlikely to score goals. However, when their team takes a corner kick or other set pieces, centre-backs may move forward to the opponents' penalty area; if the ball is passed in the air towards a crowd of players near the goal, then the heading ability of a centre-back is useful when trying to score. In this case, other defenders or midfielders will temporarily move into the centre-back positions.

There are two main defensive strategies used by defensive lines: the zonal defence, where each centre-back covers a specific area of the pitch; and man-to-man marking, where each centre-back has the job of tracking a particular opposition player. In the now obsolete man–to–man marking systems such as ''catenaccio'', as well as the ''zona mista'' strategy that later arose from it, there were often at least two types of centre-backs who played alongside one another: at least one man–to–man marking centre-back, known as the ''stopper'', and a free defender, which was usually known as the ''sweeper'', or ''libero'', whose tasks included sweeping up balls for teammates and also initiating attacks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-what-they-do-2579-786 |title=Soccer positions explained: names, numbers and what they do |publisher=bundesliga.com |access-date=15 May 2021 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228222507/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-what-they-do-2579-786 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Sweeper (''libero'')== [[File:Association football 5-3-2 sweeper formation.svg|160px|thumb|right|The 5–3–2 formation with a sweeper]] The sweeper (or ''libero'') is a more versatile centre-half who "sweeps up" the ball if an opponent manages to breach the defensive line.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/football/rules/newsid_3636000/3636899.stm |title=BBC Sports Academy |date=4 June 2004 |access-date=12 September 2017 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315023338/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/football/rules/newsid_3636000/3636899.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://outsideoftheboot.com/2012/08/29/evolution-of-the-sweeper/ |title=Evolution of the Sweeper |date=29 August 2012 |access-date=3 November 2013 |archive-date=24 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824214642/http://outsideoftheboot.com/2012/08/29/evolution-of-the-sweeper/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This position is deemed more fluid than that of the other defenders who man-mark their designated opponents. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as ''libero'', which is Italian for "free".<ref name="dizionario">{{cite web|url=http://dizionari.repubblica.it/Italiano/B/battitore.php|title=DIZIONARIO DI ITALIANO DALLA A ALLA Z: Battitore|work=La Repubblica|language=it|access-date=21 April 2016|archive-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430113214/http://dizionari.repubblica.it/Italiano/B/battitore.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Damele">{{cite book|last1=Damele|first1=Fulvio|title=Calcio da manuale|date=1998|publisher=Demetra|pages=104}}</ref>

Austrian manager Karl Rappan is thought to be a pioneer of this role, when he incorporated it into his ''catenaccio'' or ''verrou'' (also "doorbolt/chain" in French) system with Swiss club Servette during the 1930s, deciding to move one player from midfield to a position behind the defensive line, as a "last man" who would protect the back-line and start attacks again.<ref name="L’evoluzione del libero">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.it/calcio/levoluzione-del-libero-da-picchi-a-baresi_sto4809423/story.shtml |title=L'evoluzione del libero: da Picchi a Baresi |publisher=Eurosport |language=it |last1=Fontana |first1=Mattia |date=7 July 2015 |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926003108/https://www.eurosport.it/calcio/levoluzione-del-libero-da-picchi-a-baresi_sto4809423/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mogiel.net/EC/intertoto-history/background.php |title=Background on the Intertoto Cup |last=Elbech |first=Søren Florin |publisher=Mogiel.net (Pawel Mogielnicki) |access-date=14 May 2012 |archive-date=10 February 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020210130955/http://www.mogiel.net/EC/intertoto-history/background.php |url-status=live }}</ref> As coach of Switzerland in the 1930s and 1940s, Rappan played a defensive sweeper called the ''verrouilleur'', positioned just ahead of the goalkeeper.<ref>Andy Gray with Jim Drewett. Flat Back Four: The Tactical Game. Macmillan Publishers Ltd, London, 1998.</ref>

During his time with Soviet club Krylya Sovetov Kuybyshev in the 1940s, Aleksandr Abramov also used a position similar to a sweeper in his defensive tactic known as the ''Volzhskaya Zashchepka'', or the "Volga clip". Unlike the ''verrou'', his system was not as flexible and was a development of the WM rather than the 2–3–5, but it also featured one of the half-backs dropping deep; this allowed the defensive centre-half to sweep in behind the full-backs.<ref name="pyramid">{{cite book |last1=Wilson |first1=Jonathan |title=Inverting The Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics |date=2009 |publisher=Orion |location=London |isbn=978-1-56858-963-3 |pages=159–65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l0dXDwAAQBAJ&q=rappan+four+defenders+verrou&pg=PA160 |access-date=25 May 2020 }}</ref>

In Italy, the ''libero'' position was popularised by Nereo Rocco's and Helenio Herrera's use of ''catenaccio''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/what-nereo-rocco-would-say-about-ac-milan-and-the-azzurri-88731 |title=What Nereo Rocco would say about AC Milan and the Azzurri |publisher=Calciomercato |date=21 November 2017 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=21 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121151406/https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/what-nereo-rocco-would-say-about-ac-milan-and-the-azzurri-88731 |url-status=live }}</ref> The current Italian term for this position, ''libero'', which is thought to have been coined by Gianni Brera, originated from the original Italian description for this role ''libero da impegni di marcatura'' (''i.e.'', "free from man-marking tasks");<ref name="dizionario"/><ref name="Damele"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/calcio-la-storia-del-calcio_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/ |title=La Storia del Calcio: Il calcio dalle origini a oggi |publisher=Treccani: Enciclopedia dello Sport (2002) |language=it |last1=Bortolotti |first1=Adalberto |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=29 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129214730/http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/calcio-la-storia-del-calcio_%28Enciclopedia-dello-Sport%29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it was also known as the "battitore libero" ("free hitter", in Italian, i.e. a player who was given the freedom to intervene after their teammates, if a player had got past the defence, to clear the ball away).<ref name="pyramid"/><ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.treccani.it/vocabolario/battitore/ |title=battitóre |publisher=Treccani |language=it |access-date=18 May 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617140903/http://www.treccani.it/vocabolario/battitore/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=L'Analisi Linguistica e Letteraria 2011-2 |journal=L'Analisi Linguistica e Letteraria: Pubblicazione Semestrale |date=2011 |publisher=Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore |issn=1122-1917 |page=232 |isbn=9788867808625 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pLv4CQAAQBAJ&q=%22battitore+libero%22+intervenire&pg=PA232 |access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Falco |first1=Giorgio |title=Sottofondo italiano |date=2015 |publisher=Laterza Solaris |location=Bari |isbn=9788858120750 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AnmODAAAQBAJ&q=%22battitore+libero%22+intervenire&pg=PT5 |access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Veronell |first1=Maurizio |title=Caratteri, mentalità e dialettica dei sistemi di gioco nel calcio italiano |date=21 December 2016 |publisher=GDS |location=Milan |isbn=9788867825752 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j1nNDQAAQBAJ&q=%22battitore+libero%22+intervenire&pg=PT113 |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=5 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905131609/https://books.google.com/books?id=j1nNDQAAQBAJ&q=%22battitore+libero%22+intervenire&pg=PT113#v=snippet&q=%22battitore%20libero%22%20intervenire&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> In Italian football, the ''libero'' was usually assigned the number six shirt.<ref name="L’evoluzione del libero"/>

One of the first predecessors of the ''libero'' role in Italy was used in the so–called "''vianema''" system, a predecessor to ''catenaccio'', which was used by Salernitana during the 1940s. The system originated from an idea that one of the club's players – Antonio Valese – posed to his manager Giuseppe Viani. Viani altered the English WM system – known as the ''sistema'' in Italy – by having his centre-half-back retreat into the defensive line to act as an additional defender and mark an opposing centre-forward, instead leaving his full-back (which, at the time, was similar to the modern centre-back role) free to function as what was essentially a sweeper, creating a 1–3–3–3 formation; he occasionally also used a defender in the centre-forward role, and wearing the number nine shirt, to track back and mark the opposing forwards, thus freeing up the full-backs from their marking duties. Andrea Schianchi of {{lang|it|La Gazzetta dello Sport}} notes that this modification was designed to help smaller teams in Italy, as the man–to–man system often put players directly against one another, favouring the larger and wealthier teams with stronger individual players.<ref name="Nereo Rocco, l'inventore del catenaccio che diventò Paròn d'Europa">{{cite web|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/02-11-2014/nereo-rocco-inventore-catenaccio-che-divento-paron-d-europa-milan-90920157724.shtml|title=Nereo Rocco, l'inventore del catenaccio che diventò Paròn d'Europa|work=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|author1=Andrea Schianchi|date=2 November 2014|access-date=5 November 2015|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425104515/https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/02-11-2014/nereo-rocco-inventore-catenaccio-che-divento-paron-d-europa-milan-90920157724.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=storiedicalcio.altervista.org>{{cite web|url=http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/rocco.html|title=Nereo Rocco|publisher=Storie di Calcio|language=it|access-date=5 November 2015|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915230950/http://www.storiedicalcio.altervista.org/rocco.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://contropiede.ilgiornale.it/gipo-viani-linventore-del-vianema-che-amava-il-vizio-e-scopri-rivera/ |title=Gipo Viani, l'inventore del "Vianema" che amava il vizio e scoprì Rivera |work=Il Giornale |language=it |last1=Damiani |first1=Lorenzo |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817120517/http://contropiede.ilgiornale.it/gipo-viani-linventore-del-vianema-che-amava-il-vizio-e-scopri-rivera/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mondopallone.it/2013/04/08/piccola-storia-della-tattica-la-nascita-del-catenaccio-il-vianema-e-nereo-rocco-linter-di-foni-e-di-herrera-iv-parte/ |title=Piccola Storia della Tattica: la nascita del catenaccio, il Vianema e Nereo Rocco, l'Inter di Foni e di Herrera (IV parte) |publisher=www.mondopallone.it |language=it |last1=Chichierchia |first1=Paolo |date=8 April 2013 |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820024914/http://www.mondopallone.it/2013/04/08/piccola-storia-della-tattica-la-nascita-del-catenaccio-il-vianema-e-nereo-rocco-linter-di-foni-e-di-herrera-iv-parte/ |archive-date=20 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Italy, the ''libero'' is also thought to have evolved from the centre-half-back role in the English WM system, or sistema, which was known as the ''centromediano metodista'' role in Italian football jargon, due to its association with the ''metodo'' system; in the ''metodo'' system, however, the "metodista" was given both defensive and creative duties, functioning as both a ball–winner and deep-lying playmaker. Juventus manager Felice Borel used Carlo Parola in the centre-half role, as a player who would drop back into the defence to mark opposing forwards, but also start attacks after winning back possession, in a similar manner to the sweeper, which led to the development of this specialised position.<ref name="volo">{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/post-scriptum-parola.shtml|title=Il volo di Bonucci e la classifica degli 8 migliori difensori italiani di sempre|publisher={{Lang|it|Il Corriere della Sera}}|language=it|author1=Mario Sconcerti|date=23 November 2016|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=7 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307124337/https://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/post-scriptum-parola.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.goal.com/it/news/2/serie-a/2010/03/15/1833664/cera-una-volta-il-football-parola-e-quella-rovesciata |title=C'era una volta il Football – Parola e quella rovesciata IMMORTALE |publisher=Goal.com |last1=Giusto |first1=Antonio |language=it |date=15 March 2010 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711064314/https://www.goal.com/it/news/2/serie-a/2010/03/15/1833664/cera-una-volta-il-football-parola-e-quella-rovesciata |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://vivoperlei.calciomercato.com/articolo/la-parola-a-quella-rovesciata |title=Blog: La "Parola" a quella rovesciata: chi era costui? |publisher=calciomercato.com |language=it |date=10 April 2020 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415000949/https://vivoperlei.calciomercato.com/articolo/la-parola-a-quella-rovesciata |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ilpalloneracconta">{{cite web |url=http://ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.com/2007/09/carlo-parola.html |title=Carlo PAROLA |publisher=ilpalloneracconta |language=it |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307124335/http://ilpalloneracconta.blogspot.com/2007/09/carlo-parola.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ritiri e regista">{{cite news |url=https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/mezzo-secolo-senza-vittorio-pozzo-mitico-discusso-ct-che-cambio-calcio-italiano/ritiri-regista.shtml |title=Mezzo secolo senza Vittorio Pozzo, il mitico (e discusso) c.t. che cambiò il calcio italiano: Ritiri e regista |work={{Lang|it|Il Corriere della Sera}} |language=it |last1=Radogna |first1=Fiorenzo |page=8 |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=15 April 2020 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826002709/https://www.corriere.it/sport/cards/mezzo-secolo-senza-vittorio-pozzo-mitico-discusso-ct-che-cambio-calcio-italiano/ritiri-regista.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Indeed, Herrera's ''catenaccio'' strategy with his ''Grande Inter'' side saw him withdraw a player from his team's midfield and instead deploy them further-back in defence as a sweeper.<ref name="Profilo: Helenio Herrera">{{cite web |url=https://it.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0231-0e94dc2f87d8-92b9107d1dd6-1000--profilo-helenio-herrera/ |title=Profilo: Helenio Herrera |publisher=UEFA |language=it |date=4 September 2016 |access-date=22 May 2020 |archive-date=31 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031091355/https://it.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0231-0e94dc2f87d8-92b9107d1dd6-1000--profilo-helenio-herrera/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Prior to Viani, Ottavio Barbieri is also thought by some pundits to have introduced the sweeper role to Italian football during his time as Genoa's manager. Like Viani, he was influenced by Rappan's ''verrou'', and made several alterations to the English WM system or "sistema", which led to his system being described as ''mezzosistema''. His system used a man-marking back-line, with three man-marking defenders and a full-back who was described as a ''terzino volante'' (or ''vagante'', as noted at the time by former footballer and ''Gazzetta dello Sport'' journalist Renzo De Vecchi); the latter position was essentially a ''libero'', which was later also used by Viani in his ''vianema'' system, and Rocco in his ''catenaccio'' system.<ref name="Storie di schemi: l’evoluzione della tattica">{{cite web |url=https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/storie-di-schemi.html |title=Storie di schemi: l'evoluzione della tattica |date=24 December 2015 |publisher=Storie di Calcio |language=it |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204094350/https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/storie-di-schemi.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/genoa-top-11-all-time.html |title=Genoa: Top 11 All Time |date=9 August 2017 |publisher=Storie di Calcio |language=it |access-date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625220526/https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/genoa-top-11-all-time.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>cbcsports.com [http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1962.html 1962 Chile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618100013/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1962.html |date=18 June 2006 }}</ref><ref>fifa.com [https://web.archive.org/web/20070701212342/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/matchreport/newsid=512172.html Intercontinental Cup 1969]</ref>

Though sweepers may be expected to build counter-attacking moves, and as such require better ball control and passing ability than typical centre-backs, their talents are often confined to the defensive realm. For example, the ''catenaccio'' system of play, used in Italian football in the 1960s, often employed a predominantly defensive sweeper who mainly "roamed" around the back line; according to Schianchi, Ivano Blason is considered to be the first true ''libero'' in Italy, who – under manager Alfredo Foni with Inter and subsequently Nereo Rocco with Padova – would serve as the last man in his team, positioned deep behind the defensive line, and clearing balls away from the penalty area. Armando Picchi was subsequently also a leading exponent of the more traditional variant of this role in Helenio Herrera's ''Grande Inter'' side of the 1960s.<ref name="pyramid"/><ref name="Nereo Rocco, l'inventore del catenaccio che diventò Paròn d'Europa"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inter.it/it/societa/storia2005-2.html |title=La leggenda della Grande Inter |trans-title=The legend of the Grande Inter |publisher=Inter.it|language=it|access-date=10 September 2014 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019213304/http://www.inter.it/it/societa/storia2005-2.html|archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/terzo-picchi.shtml|title=Il volo di Bonucci e la classifica degli 8 migliori difensori italiani di sempre|publisher={{Lang|it|Il Corriere della Sera}}|language=it|author1=Mario Sconcerti|date=23 November 2016|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=15 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015121408/https://www.corriere.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2016-2017/cards/volo-bonucci-classifica-8-migliori-difensori-italiani-sempre/terzo-picchi.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimouomo.com/catenaccio-storia-origini/ |title=Breve storia del catenaccio |publisher=Ultimo Uomo |language=it |last1=Aquè |first1=Federico |date=25 March 2020 |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=31 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131112745/https://www.ultimouomo.com/catenaccio-storia-origini/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The more modern ''libero'' possesses the defensive qualities of the typical ''libero'' while being able to expose the opposition during counterattacks by carrying or playing the ball out from the back.<ref name="Positions guide: Sweeper"/> Some sweepers move forward into midfield, and distribute the ball up-field, while others intercept passes and get the ball off the opposition without needing to hurl themselves into tackles. If the sweeper does move up the field to distribute the ball, they will need to make a speedy recovery and run back into their position. In modern football, its usage has been fairly restricted, with few clubs in the biggest leagues using the position.

[[File:Van der Sar - Oct 2010 - kicking.jpg|thumb|Edwin van der Sar, pictured playing for Manchester United during the 2010–11 season, is considered to be one of the pioneers of the ''sweeper-keeper'' role.]] The modern example of this position is most commonly believed to have been pioneered by Franz Beckenbauer, and subsequently Gaetano Scirea, Morten Olsen and Elías Figueroa, although they were not the first players to play this position. Aside from the aforementioned Blason and Picchi, earlier proponents also included Alexandru Apolzan, Velibor Vasović, and Ján Popluhár.<ref name="Positions guide: Sweeper"/><ref name="sweeper supreme"/><ref name="Beckenbauer Biography"/><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/may/02/the-question-great-teams-end Rotting fruit, dying flowers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217200956/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/may/02/the-question-great-teams-end |date=17 December 2019 }} ''The Guardian''</ref><ref>[http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2011/03/07/2383228/czechoslovakia-world-cup-hero-jan-popluhar-dies-aged-75 Czechoslovakia World Cup Hero Jan Popluhar Dies Aged 75] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011160643/http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2011/03/07/2383228/czechoslovakia-world-cup-hero-jan-popluhar-dies-aged-75 |date=11 October 2019 }} Goal.com</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/dream-teams-ajax-1641667.html?action=gallery&ino=3 VELIBOR VASOVIC] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229021445/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/dream-teams-ajax-1641667.html?action=gallery&ino=3 |date=29 December 2019 }} ''The Independent''</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://outsideoftheboot.com/2012/08/29/evolution-of-the-sweeper/|title=Evolution of the Sweeper|date=29 August 2012|publisher=Outsideoftheboot.com|access-date=3 November 2013|archive-date=24 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824214642/http://outsideoftheboot.com/2012/08/29/evolution-of-the-sweeper/|url-status=live}}</ref> Giorgio Mastropasqua was known for revolutionising the role of the ''libero'' in Italy during the 1970s; under his Ternana manager Corrado Viciani, he served as one of the first modern exponents of the position in the country, due to his unique technical characteristics, namely a player who was not only tasked with defending and protecting the back-line, but also advancing out of the defence into midfield and starting attacking plays with their passing after winning back the ball.<ref name="tuttojuve">{{cite web |url=https://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-giorgio-mastropasqua-429219 |title=Gli eroi in bianconero: Giorgio MASTROPASQUA |publisher=Tutto Juve |language=it |last1=Bedeschi |first1=Stefano |date=14 July 2018 |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417183535/https://www.tuttojuve.com/gli-eroi-bianconeri/gli-eroi-in-bianconero-giorgio-mastropasqua-429219 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/gioco-corto-la-ternana-corrado-viciani.html |title=Gioco Corto: la Ternana di Corrado Viciani |date=31 May 2017 |publisher=Storie di Calcio |language=it |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731134704/https://storiedicalcio.altervista.org/blog/gioco-corto-la-ternana-corrado-viciani.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Other defenders who have been described as sweepers include Bobby Moore, Daniel Passarella, Franco Baresi, Ronald Koeman, Fernando Hierro, Matthias Sammer, and Aldair, due to their ball skills, vision, and long passing ability.<ref name="Positions guide: Sweeper">{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/rules_and_equipment/4197172.stm|title=BBC Football – Positions guide: Sweeper|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2005|access-date=5 January 2008|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524214729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/rules_and_equipment/4197172.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sweeper supreme">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/news/newsid=2435573/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109225240/http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/news/newsid=2435573/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 January 2015|title=Remembering Scirea, Juve's sweeper supreme|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Beckenbauer Biography">{{cite web|url=http://www.biography.com/people/franz-beckenbauer-21292377#professional-career|title=Franz Beckenbauer Biography|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=21 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121204149/https://www.biography.com/people/franz-beckenbauer-21292377#professional-career|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="BARESI (II)">{{cite web|title=Franchino (detto Franco) BARESI (II)|url=http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Baresi.html|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=12 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512161807/http://www.magliarossonera.it/protagonisti/Gioc-Baresi.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Though it is rarely used in modern football, it remains a highly respected and demanding position.

Recent and successful uses of the sweeper include by Otto Rehhagel, Greece's manager, during UEFA Euro 2004. Rehhagel utilised Traianos Dellas as Greece's sweeper to great success, as Greece became European champions.<ref name="corriereRehhagel">{{cite web |url=http://www.corriere.it/speciali/2004/Sport/europei/tosatti/tosatti05072004.shtml |last1=Tosatti |first1=Giorgio |title=La Grecia nel mito del calcio. Con il catenaccio |date=5 July 2004 |publisher=Corriere della Sera |language=it |trans-title=Greece in the football legends. With Catenaccio |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107053235/https://www.corriere.it/speciali/2004/Sport/europei/tosatti/tosatti05072004.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/greece/players_to_watch/default.stm |title=Traianos Dellas |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2004 |access-date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106061945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/greece/players_to_watch/default.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/03/sports/euro-2004-the-stylish-portuguese-face-greeks-dark-art-of-defense.html |title=EURO 2004: The stylish Portuguese face Greeks' dark art of defense |work=The New York Times |last1=Hughes |first1=Rob |date=3 July 2004 |access-date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107053235/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/03/sports/euro-2004-the-stylish-portuguese-face-greeks-dark-art-of-defense.html |url-status=live }}</ref> For Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, Brazilian international Lúcio adopted the sweeper role too, but was also not afraid to travel long distances with the ball, often ending up in the opposition's final third.

Although this position has become largely obsolete in modern football formations, due to the use of zonal marking and the offside trap, certain players such as Daniele De Rossi,<ref name="Daniele De Rossi and the strange story of the Libero">{{cite web|url=http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2012/06/daniele-de-rossi-and-the-strange-story-of-the-libero/|title=Daniele De Rossi and the strange story of the Libero|date=13 June 2012|publisher=forzaitalianfootball|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115160306/https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2012/06/daniele-de-rossi-and-the-strange-story-of-the-libero/|url-status=live}}</ref> Leonardo Bonucci, Javi Martínez and David Luiz have played a similar role as a ball-playing central defender in a 3–5–2 or 3–4–3 formation; in addition to their defensive skills, their technique and ball-playing ability allowed them to advance into midfield after winning back possession, and function as a secondary playmaker for their teams.<ref name="Daniele De Rossi and the strange story of the Libero"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lalaziosiamonoi.it/l-angolo-tattico/l-angolo-tattico-di-juventus-lazio-due-gol-subiti-su-due-lanci-di-bonucci-il-simbolo-di-una-notte-da-horror-37036|title=L'ANGOLO TATTICO di Juventus-Lazio – Due gol subiti su due lanci di Bonucci: il simbolo di una notte da horror|language=it|access-date=5 January 2015|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004214047/https://www.lalaziosiamonoi.it/l-angolo-tattico/l-angolo-tattico-di-juventus-lazio-due-gol-subiti-su-due-lanci-di-bonucci-il-simbolo-di-una-notte-da-horror-37036|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some goalkeepers, who are comfortable leaving their goalmouth to intercept and clear through balls, and who generally participate more in play, such as Jorge Campos, René Higuita, Manuel Neuer, Edwin van der Sar, Fabien Barthez, Hugo Lloris, Marc-André ter Stegen, Alisson Becker and Ederson, among others, have been referred to as sweeper-keepers.<ref>Tim Vickery (10 February 2010). [https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/timvickery/2010/02/the_legacy_of_rene_higuita.html "The Legacy of Rene Higuita"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920162221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/legacy/timvickery/2010/02/the_legacy_of_rene_higuita.html |date=20 September 2014 }}. BBC. Retrieved 11 June 2014</ref><ref name="more than a sweeper">{{cite news | title = Manuel Neuer cleans up by being more than a sweeper | url = http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/manuel-neuer-cleans-up-by-being-more-than-a-sweeper-1.1858556 | newspaper = The Irish Times | access-date = 11 July 2014 | date = 8 July 2014 | first = Ken | last = Early | archive-date = 13 July 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190713095721/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/manuel-neuer-cleans-up-by-being-more-than-a-sweeper-1.1858556 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Jonathan|title=Tottenham's Hugo Lloris is Premier League's supreme sweeper-keeper|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/13/tottenham-hugo-lloris-premier-league-sweeper-keeper|access-date=11 May 2017|work=The Guardian|date=13 February 2014|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143930/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/13/tottenham-hugo-lloris-premier-league-sweeper-keeper|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Full-back== {{Redirect|Right back||Right Back (disambiguation){{!}}Right Back}} [[File:3-2-2-3 formation.svg|thumb|upright|120px|WM formation of the 1920s showing three fullbacks, all in fairly central positions]]

The full-backs (the left-back and the right-back) locate the holding wide positions and up until the 1950s, the full-backs would traditionally stay in defence at all times, except on set-pieces. There is one full-back on each side of the field except in defences with fewer than four players, where there may be no full-backs and instead only centre-backs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://accurapid.com/journal/44soccer.htm |title=Football is Coming Home to Die-Hard Translators |work=Article on the Translation Journal |date=1 April 2008 |access-date=14 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327175724/http://accurapid.com/journal/44soccer.htm |archive-date=27 March 2008}}</ref>

{{anchor|OldFB}}{{anchor|Right full-back}}In the early decades of football under the 2–3–5 formation, the two full-backs had essentially the same role as modern centre-backs in that they were the last line of defence and usually covered opposing forwards in the middle of the field.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamUnif/UnifNosNames.html |title=England's Uniforms — Shirt Numbers and Names |website=Englandfootballonline.com |access-date=22 November 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730082148/http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamUnif/UnifNosNames.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The later 3–2–5 style (also known as the WM formation) involved a third dedicated defender, causing the left and right full-backs to occupy wider positions.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/nov/15/newsstory.sport8 |title=Knowledge Unlimited: What a refreshing tactic |date=15 November 2000 |access-date=22 November 2018 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=Sean |last=Ingle |archive-date=18 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018010500/http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,1563,398055,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later, the adoption of 4–2–4 with another central defender<ref name="fifa424">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/development/index/0,1219,16310,00.html?articleid=16310# |title=The 4–2–4 system takes Brazil to two World Cup victories |date=11 September 2000 |access-date=22 November 2018|publisher=FIFA |first=Walter |last=Lutz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109164350/http://www.fifa.com/en/development/index/0%2C1219%2C16310%2C00.html%3Farticleid%3D16310 |archive-date=9 January 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref> led the wide defenders to play even further over to counteract the opposing wingers, and also provide support offensively to complement their own wingers on the flanks. Brazil of the 1950s is often regarded as pioneering this style of play, with Djalma Santos and Nílton Santos viewed by many as the first modern wing-backs. Over time, the full-back position became increasingly specialised for dynamic players who could not only defend, but also had pace and crossing ability to fulfil this role, as opposed to the central defenders who remained fairly static and commonly relied on strength, height and positioning. [[File:2013 friendly match, Persepolis Legends v AC Milan Glorie (38).jpg|thumb|Paolo Maldini marking a player during a friendly match.]] In the modern game, full-backs have taken on a more attacking role than was the case traditionally, often overlapping with wingers down the flank, or more recently, playing "inverted", cutting into the middle of the pitch with the ball and shooting or passing to the strikers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fleet-of-foot full-backs carry key to effective attacking |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jun/06/sport.comment1 |access-date=11 December 2008 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Pleat |date=6 June 2007 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120020/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jun/06/sport.comment1 |url-status=live }} David Pleat explains in a ''Guardian'' article how full-backs aid football teams when attacking.</ref> Wingerless formations, such as the diamond 4–4–2 formation, demand the full-back to cover considerable ground up and down the flank. Some of the responsibilities of modern full-backs include:

* Provide a physical obstruction to opposition attacking players by shepherding them towards an area where they exert less influence. They may manoeuvre in a fashion that causes the opponent to cut in towards the centre-back or defensive midfielder with their weaker foot, where they are likely to be dispossessed. Otherwise, jockeying and smart positioning may simply pin back a winger in an area where they are less likely to exert influence. * Making off-the-ball runs into spaces down the channels and supplying crosses into the opposing penalty box. * Throw-ins are often assigned to full-backs. * Marking wingers and other attacking players. Full-backs generally do not commit to challenges in their opponents' half. However, they aim to quickly dispossess attacking players who have already breached the defensive line with a sliding tackle from the side. Markers must, however, avoid keeping too tight on opponents or risk disrupting the defensive organisation.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Gunners can avoid being pulled apart by Brazilian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/18/arsenal |access-date=11 December 2008 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Pleat |date=18 February 2008 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120439/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/18/arsenal |url-status=live }} David Pleat explains the team effort in marking an attacking player stationed in the outside-wing position.</ref> * Maintaining tactical discipline by ensuring other teammates do not overrun the defensive line and inadvertently play an opponent onside. * Providing a passing option down the flank; for instance, by creating opportunities for sequences like one-two passing moves. * In wingerless formations, full-backs need to cover the roles of both wingers and full-backs, although defensive work may be shared with one of the central midfielders. * Additionally, attacking full-backs help to pin both opposition full-backs and wingers deeper in their own half with aggressive attacking intent. Their presence in attack also forces the opposition to withdraw players from central midfield, which the team can seize to its advantage.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Larsson swung the tie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/18/championsleague200506.championsleague |access-date=11 December 2008 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Pleat |date=18 May 2006 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120830/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/may/18/championsleague200506.championsleague |url-status=live }} David Pleat explains how the introductions of Barcelona full-back Juliano Belletti and striker Henrik Larsson in the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final improved Barcelona's presence in wide areas. Belletti eventually scored the winning goal for the final.</ref>

Due to the physical and technical demands of their playing position, successful full-backs need a wide range of attributes, which make them suited for adaptation to other roles on the pitch. Many of the game's utility players, who can play in multiple positions on the pitch, are natural full-backs. Two rather prominent examples are former A.C. Milan left-back Paolo Maldini and the former PSG full-back Sergio Ramos, who have played on the flanks as full-backs and in central defence throughout their career. In the modern game, full-backs often chip in a fair share of assists with their runs down the flank when the team is on a counter-attack like Leighton Baines and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The more common attributes of full-backs, however, include:

* Pace and stamina to handle the demands of covering large distances up and down the flank and outrunning opponents. * A healthy work rate and team responsibility. * Marking and tackling abilities and a sense of anticipation. * Good off-the-ball ability to create attacking opportunities for their team by running into empty channels. * Dribbling ability. Many of the game's eminent attacking full-backs are excellent dribblers in their own right and occasionally deputise as attacking wingers. * Player intelligence. As is common for defenders, full-backs need to decide during the flow of play whether to stick close to a winger or maintain a suitable distance. Full-backs that stay too close to attacking players are vulnerable to being pulled out of position and leaving a gap in the defence. A quick passing movement like a pair of one-two passes will leave the channel behind the defending full-back open. This vulnerability is a reason why wingers considered to be dangerous are double-marked by both the full-back and the winger. This allows the full-back to focus on holding their defensive line.<ref>{{cite news |title=City countered by visitors' Petrov defence |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/31/newsstory.liverpool |access-date=11 December 2008 |work=The Guardian |location=London |first=David |last=Pleat |date=31 December 2007 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120927/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/dec/31/newsstory.liverpool |url-status=live }} David Pleat discusses the tactical implications of full-backs and other defenders marking wingers in a ''Guardian'' match analysis.</ref>

Full-backs rarely score goals, as they often have to stay back to cover for the centre-backs during corner kicks and free kicks, when the centre backs usually go forward to attempt to score from headers. That said, full-backs can sometimes score during counterattacks by running in from the wings, often involving one-two passing moves with midfield players.

=== Inverted full-backs === An '''inverted full-back''' is a defender who, instead of remaining in a wide position, moves into central midfield areas when their team has possession.<ref name="CoachesVoice">{{cite web |title=Inverted full-backs: football tactics explained |url=https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/inverted-full-backs-guardiola-cancelo-trent-alexander-arnold-lahm-football-tactics/ |website=Coaches' Voice |date=19 October 2022 |access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="Wilson2018">{{Cite book | last = Wilson | first = Jonathan | title = The Barcelona Legacy: Guardiola, Mourinho and the Fight For Football's Soul | publisher = Bonnier Books | year = 2018 | isbn = 9781911600718 | id = wrVgDwAAQBAJ }}</ref> This tactical movement creates an extra body in midfield to overload the central zones.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo">{{cite web |last1=Lacey‑Hatton |first1=Jack |title=The inverted full-back: football tactics explained |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/the-inverted-full-back-football-tactics-explained |work=FourFourTwo |date=13 February 2025 |access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> The origin of the tactic is often traced to Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona team, who “pioneered the use of full-backs in central roles”,<ref name="JobsInFootball">{{cite web |title=The Inverted Fullback: A Tactical Analysis |url=https://jobsinfootball.com/blog/inverted-fullback/ |work=Jobs in Football |date=14 July 2023 |access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> but it was Pep Guardiola who popularized it at Bayern Munich and Manchester City.<ref name="TFAinverted">{{cite web |last=Raj |title=How Pep Guardiola Uses Inverted Full‑Backs At Manchester City |url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/analysis/tactical-theory-inverted-full-backs-tactical-analysis-tactics |publisher=Total Football Analysis |date=10 July 2025 |access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> Under Guardiola, players like Philipp Lahm and David Alaba were regularly asked to tuck inside in buildup play.<ref name="FourFourTwo" /> João Cancelo, particularly during his time at Manchester City,Nico O,Reilly, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool have exemplified the inverted full-back role by moving into central areas to utilise their passing range during attacking phases.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" />

In possession, an inverted full-back functions almost like an additional midfielder. They often form passing triangles with the centre-backs and midfielders, providing forward passing angles and helping the team progress the ball through the middle.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" /><ref name="TFAcontrolcentre">{{cite web |title=Using inverted fullbacks to control the centre |url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/theory-using-inverted-fullbacks-to-control-the-centre-2 |publisher=Total Football Analysis |date=15 December 2023 |access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref> This requires excellent technical ability and vision to operate in congested central areas.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" /> By tucking inside, an inverted full-back allows midfielders (such as number eights) to push higher, effectively turning a 4–3–3 into a 3–2–2–3 shape in possession.<ref name="FourFourTwo" /><ref name="CoachesVoice" /> Teams that dominate possession use this movement to create a numerical advantage in midfield, which can pull the opposition's wide defenders out of position and open space elsewhere on the flank.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" />

When the ball is lost, the inverted full-back typically drops back to a wider defensive position. In the immediate moments after a turnover, however, they help disrupt the opposition's attack from the centre. Coaches note that they will “briefly remain in the centre of the pitch,” breaking up or slowing counterattacks through interceptions or tackles.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="JobsInFootball" /> This central presence also aids the team's counter-pressing, as the inverted full-back can screen passes toward the strikers and help limit space in the midfield.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" /> Eventually, though, they recover to cover the flank, ensuring the team is not exposed on that side.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" />

Many modern coaches have used inverted full-backs. Guardiola's Bayern and City sides are the most famous examples,<ref name="FourFourTwo" /><ref name="CoachesVoice" /> but managers like Marcelo Bielsa (Chile), Roberto De Zerbi, and Ange Postecoglou have also employed versions of this tactic.<ref name="FourFourTwo" /> Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have regularly seen Ben White or Oleksandr Zinchenko sit narrowly inside during possession.<ref name="FourFourTwo" />

This role carries certain risks: without a traditional overlapping full-back, teams may lack width in attack and risk isolating their wingers.<ref name="FourFourTwo" /> It also requires extremely versatile players – as noted, teams “need to be top-class to do it”, since few defenders are both technical playmakers and quick recoverers.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" /> When executed well, however, inverted full-backs can help a team dominate possession, create overloads in midfield, and draw opponents out of position, adding a tactical edge to the side's build-up play.<ref name="CoachesVoice" /><ref name="FourFourTwo" />

==Wing-back== [[File:Caitlin Foord in action at 2017 Algarve Cup.jpeg|thumb|upright|Wing-back Caitlin Foord (right, wearing no. 9) in action with Australia against China at the 2017 Algarve Cup.]]

The wing-back is a variation on the full-back, but with a heavier emphasis on attack. Wing-backs are typically some of the fastest players on a team, when employed. Wing-backs are typically used in a formation with three centre-backs and are sometimes classified as midfielders instead of defenders. They can, however, be used in formations with only two centre-backs, such as in Jürgen Klopp's 4–3–3 system that he used at Liverpool, in which the wing-backs play high up the field to compensate for a lack of width in attack. In the evolution of the modern game, wing-backs are the combination of wingers and full-backs. As such, this position is one of the most physically demanding in modern football. Successful use of wing-backs is one of the main prerequisites for the 3–5–2 and 5–3–2 formations to function effectively.

Wing-backs are often more adventurous than full-backs and are expected to provide width, especially in teams without wingers. A wing-back needs to be of exceptional stamina, be able to provide crosses upfield and defend effectively against opponents' attacks down the flanks. A defensive midfielder may be fielded to cover the advances of wing-backs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/rules_and_equipment/4197076.stm |title=Positions guide: Wingback |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 June 2008 |date=1 September 2005 |location=London |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404051419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/rules_and_equipment/4197076.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> It can also be occupied by wingers and side midfielders in a three centre-back formation, as seen by Italian manager Antonio Conte.

Examples of players who could and did play as wing-backs were AC Milan teammates Cafu and Serginho, former Barcelona player Dani Alves, former Arsenal player Hector Bellerin, Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid's Galácticos era, former River Plate's defender Juan Pablo Sorín, World Cup winning German Andreas Brehme, Parma's legend Antonio Benarrivo, Angelo Di Livio of Juventus and Italy and former Corinthians, Arsenal and Barcelona star Sylvinho.

==See also== {{Portal|Association football|}} * Association football positions * Association football tactics * Forward * Goalkeeper * Midfielder

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}}

Category:Association football defenders Category:Association football positions Category:Association football player non-biographical articles Category:Association football terminology