Soccer Positions

Have you ever watched a soccer game and wondering what midfielder, winger, libero, midfielder and so on actually means? You don’t have to worry about that any more. In this article I will explain the common soccer positions that are used in today’s soccer. Learning soccer positions is a slow process and you need to have patience while studying this subject.

I remember how hard it was for me to understand the purpose of every soccer position. It took me more the one year to figure out what every position means and how I was supposed to play on it. Soccer positions can be very confusing especially for people that have never played soccer before. I recommend you to take your time while learning different positions and you will be fine.

Let’s start to look at different soccer positions.

Sweeper or Libero

To play on this position you will need to have good understanding for how soccer is played. As a sweeper you will control how your defense moves, whether your defense line should move up and so on. Having good heading skills is also vital as you will be forced to head and clear the ball often.

Center Fullback or Middle Back

As a center fullback your job is to stop forwards from scoring at your goalkeeper. To perform well on this position you will need to have good running and heading abilities. You will also need to start your team’s offensive attacks by passing the ball to your midfielders.

Left/Right Fullback

Playing as right/left fullback requires good running abilities, quick reflexes and solid ball handling skills. Helping your midfielders and forwards in offensive attacks will also be one part of your game.

Left/Right Midfielder

Posing good passing abilities are vital when playing as left or right midfielder. One positive thing with playing on the flank is that you will have more time to handle the ball comparing to the central midfielders. This will make it possible to receive the ball and find good passing alternatives.

Defensive Midfielder

While playing as defensive midfielder you will usually act in front of your defense line. Playing on this position requires good passing skills and stamina. As a defensive midfielder you should not dribble to often; instead you should try to play the ball using one touch.

Central midfielder

Good ball handling is a must on this position. You will be the one that provides your strikers and forwards with quality passes. Beside that you will also need to support your midfielders during your opponent’s offensive attacks.

Forward and Striker

Whether you are playing as forward or striker your job is to score goals and it doesn’t matter how you do it. On this position you need to be fast, have good shoot, solid heading abilities and dribbling skills.

Goalie

As you probably already know, your main task as soccer goalie is to stop your opponents from scoring. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but you must stop the ball from crossing the goal line! You will also need to help your fullbacks to clear the ball from dangerous areas.