Historically, the left back in soccer was one of the least influential on the field.
Apart from occasional outliers, like Roberto Carlos, left backs were quite one-dimensional, defending first and offering attacking support second.
In the past, teams could get away with putting mediocre players in fullback positions.
But now the sport has evolved…
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We’ve seen the role of a right back in soccer evolve immensely in recent years.
In the past, fullbacks had a no-frills job that revolved around defending their quadrant and keeping things simple on the ball.
Contrastingly, the modern right back must not only be defensively sound, but they should also be comfortable on the ball and contribute to attacking phases, playing forward passes, and providing occasional assists.
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“Games are won and lost in midfield.”
This is a statement we hear on repeat ahead of crucial clashes between top teams.
Regardless of formation, midfielders are in the thick of everything and are essentially the heart, lungs, and brains of a team.
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Playing the most pressurized position on the pitch, the striker deals in the currency of the game:
Goals.
Their primary role of putting the ball in the back of the net is crucial to the team’s success.
Without having a talismanic center forward to tuck chances away, virtually any team will struggle to win.
Although goal-poaching strikers are important, the best in the business offer a little bit more.
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The “center back” is a central defender whose main duties revolve around preventing the opposition from scoring. Operating as a pair or trio, center backs mainly defend the areas directly in front of goal and do whatever it takes to prevent strikers from scoring. Traditional center backs were “no-nonsense” types, commanding their zone with physicality while keeping […]
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