Most formations will have a center-back (CB) pairing, but it’s not uncommon to see a team playing with 3 CBs.Their main role is to snuff out any central attack by the opposition. The full-back, in this instance, does not have as many defensive duties and is in a position to attack more than traditional full-backs. WBs are used in formations where there are 3 center-backs. Strength is always useful on a soccer field but in the full-back positions, it’s more important to be dogged and industrious than strong.Ī variation of this position is a “wing-back” (WB). Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both provide tens of assists and goals in a season.Ī modern full-back must be robust, tenacious, physical, and quick. Currently, Liverpool has two of the game’s most profitable right and left-backs. They often make overlapping runs wide of the midfielders and supply crosses into the penalty box.Ī full-back with good striking ability can be a huge advantage to a team. These responsibilities depend on the player’s abilities and the coach’s tactical instructions.įull-backs provide support to the attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool | Image courtesy of Wikipedia Full-backs’ Position, Role, and ResponsibilitiesĪ full-back has offensive responsibilities too. In most circumstances, a goalkeeper is responsible for taking goal-kicks/kick-outs (when the opposition plays the ball out over the end-line).Īs the last line of defense and with a clear view of the entire field, the goalkeeper plays a pivotal role in the organization and positioning of the outfield players, barking out instructions from their box. They use whatever part of their body to block shots from going in. The main role of a goalkeeper is to stop the opposition from scoring. Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper Zac MacMath #18 watches the ball goes out at Exploria Stadium on Saturday FebruGoalkeeper’s Position, Role, and Responsibilities He/She also wears gloves for support and grip. This is needed, as a GK experiences significant impacts when making saves. It’s usually padded, offering extra protection. The goalkeeper wears a different color kit to the outfield players. No other player on the team can handle the ball on the field when the ball is in play.

A goalkeeper (GK) within the penalty box can touch or hold the ball with their hands/arms.

In Fifa tournaments, the number 1 must be the goalkeeper. This position is often referred to as a goalie or ‘keeper. There are many variations of this, some a lot more different than others Soccer Numbering Systems: Positions #1 Goalkeeper – Keeper – Stopper (GK) It wasn’t until the 1950s that it became normal to have 3+ defenders in a backline.Ī standard 4-4-2 shape. In the early 1900s, most defenses consisted of 2 players. The formations of that era are in stark contrast to what we see today – almost opposite in ways. The first time that numbers were used in European soccer was in 1928, when Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman decided to structure the formation of his team using squad numbers. When Soccer players started wearing numbers Every young player wants to emulate their hero. Generally, the standard-bearers for significant squad numbers are 1, 10, 7, and 9.Įven in kids’ games, players rush for these numbers when the uniforms are being divided. The same can be said for different numbers in other franchises. It’s a great honor to wear the number 7 shirt for Manchester United. Throughout their revered history, the number 7 has been brandished by some of the team’s most loved figures:Ĭristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, George Best. Some franchises have a deep association with specific numbers. Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the famous #7 for Manchester United | Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Soccer position numbering