Learning the language of football is almost becoming inevitable across the world. One thing is confirmed even though the world consists of different tongues and tribes, when the net shakes, the electrifying and rhythmic shout of "A goal" is universal. The goal is confirmed as the language that speaks unity, love, victory, and other connected expressions capable of eliminating depression at any possible slightest second.
As the sport becomes widespread, its uniqueness has come to stay in the hearts of many. To stay deep and connected, one is now compelled to understand the formation, playing positions, and brainy approach deployed to win any game.
Understanding the game is not only related to entertainment but also involves using tactics to handle daily difficult tasks.
The more you watch, the more you learn, and you become formidable unconsciously and understand the power of emerging as a champion in your area of expertise.
Having laid down this foundation, we explore the various positions of players on the field of play.
Understanding Playing Positions and Roles
Goalkeeper: A goalkeeper is responsible for making sure the goalpost is safe and well-protected by not allowing the opposing team to score easily. He is to prevent goals, defend goals, coordinate the defense line, distribute the ball accurately, and position well to actively carry out his responsibilities.
The goalie must be physically fit as he or she must be quick to reflex, endure to block incoming shots, and also be able to read any game whenever the opposition launches an attack. They are majorly seen wearing jersey number 1.
Left Wing Back: The Left Wing Back is a very crucial position in football. As a left winger, one must be able to defend his or her team from the left back area, support the left attacking position, or any other beneficial position with the ball. Some good qualities of this position are speed/agility, Endurance, crossing, and passing the ball. The left winger normally puts on jersey number 3.
Right Wing Back: A right winger does a similar job as the left winger. He is also expected to carry out defensive duties as his teammate on the left wing of the defence but the difference is that he must be good with his or her right fittings when defending. Jersey number 2 is often given to players who play this position.
Center Back: A center-back player is a defender who is always found at the middle defense line of any football team. Depending on the team formation, it is ideally supposed to be two persons occupying this role (jersey number 5 and jersey number 6). The ability to perform clean tackle, position well, and intuitively win the ball without performing dangerous fouls in the penalty area are key qualities of any player who plays this role.
Defensive Midfield: A defensive midfielder occupies the heart of the team. They are always up and doing in crucial areas of the path from the midfield to the defense line. They win the ball and prevent their teams from being exposed to dangers coming from the midfield. Their endurance and strength are always on a top-notch level. They are always seen wearing jersey number 4 on the pitch.
Central Midfielder: This position is generally referred to as “The Playmakers”. This is because their position requires someone who can hold the ball, visualize the attack line, and make the killer passes that should always or almost result in a goal. They help their team to hold control of the ball, thereby reducing pressure. Playmakers always put on jersey number 10.
Central Attacking Midfielder: A central attacking midfielder always wears jersey number 8 on the field. This position is crucial in supporting all forward players to mount pressure for possible goal-scoring. It is a free role position and will require supporting the midfield to win and gain ball possession, and also support attack.
Left Wing Forward: This position does a similar role as the right winger but the only difference is that players who play this role are good with the ball with the left foot. It’s their responsibility to mount pressure on the opposing team either through counter-attacks or holding the ball to locate the center forward to score a goal. Jersey number 11 is majorly worn by these players.
Right Wing Forward: A right-wing forward is a player who mounts pressure on any opposing team. He must be able to coordinate sharp counter-attacks from the right area of the football pitch. Enough speed, ball control, ability to dribble, are some of the possessive skills of a right-wing forward. Jersey number 7 is generally dedicated to players who play this position.
Center Forward: The center forward position is inevitable in any football game. Goal-scoring potential, quick to react, dogged endurance, ability to mount pressure on opponents, good positioning technique, and physical strength are top qualities to possess as a center forward. The jersey number mostly worn by these players is number 9.
Football Formations
Depending on the team's coach, and other technical staff like assistant coach, technical adviser, fitness coaches, and others, the football team position is formed.
Formation tells how compatible a team is by showing either their strength or weakness going into any game. It's vital to know that once the formation is poor, a team stands the chance of losing games.
Even as important as it is, some factors can affect the formation of any team. These include injuries, psychological issues, illness, and other unforeseen circumstances like red cards.
When key players capable of handling a particular position are on the injury list, having no second option that can fill in the void of the position, can destabilize a team. When the team is psychologically imbalanced, they become divided in attention and motivation, and it can also be an enemy of teamwork.
Soccer IQ is more than just for pleasure, it is for empowering football lovers worldwide. The more you get familiar with it, the more your normal understanding is deepened and this will eventually aid in decision-making, historical acumen, increased sense of judgment, and also create room for employment.