Guide: Soccer Positions and Numbers Explained
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Soccer, or Fottball,as it is better known around the world, features two teams of 11 players each. Each player on the field has a specific position and traditionally these positions can be aligned with a corresponding number, which are essential to the team's overall strategy and structure. This article will explain the various soccer positions and their corresponding numbers, as well as the roles and responsibilities associated with each.
Goalkeeper (Number 1)
The goalkeeper is the last line of defense which makes this position critical to the success of the team. Of course, the keeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands within the designated penalty area. The goalkeeper is a physically challenging position as they need to be very athletic and poses sharp reflexes and they also need to be brave, and quick thinking. While their primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking or catching shots on goal, Goalkeepers are also the first line of attack, after gaining position of the ball they immediately need to shift into offense mode, by distributing the ball with to the field players. Overall, goalkeepers are also responsible for organizing their team's defense, distributing the ball to teammates, and initiating counterattacks.
Fullbacks (Numbers 2 and 3)
Fullbacks, consisting of the right back (number 2) and left back (number 3), are defensive players stationed on the respective flanks of the field. Their primary role is to defend against opposing attackers, particularly those on the wings. These players need to possess a good amount of athleticism and stamina. Fullbacks often support the midfielders in attacking plays, overlapping to provide width and crosses from their respective flanks. The right fullback focuses on defending against left-wing attackers, while the left fullback deals with right-wing attackers.
Wing-Backs
In modern football, some teams play with wing-backs instead of fullbacks. The role of wing-backs has evolved significantly, while it started in Italy back in the 1970-80s, it was in the 1990s and early 2000s that wing-backs truly became prominent features in the game. Systems like the 3-5-2 and 5-3-2 formations gained popularity, allowing teams to field three central defenders supported by wing-backs who could cover large areas of the flanks both defensively and offensively. This tactical evolution coincided with changes in the rules of the game, such as the back-pass rule, which encouraged teams to play a more possession-based style, utilizing wing-backs to stretch the opposition and create passing angles.
These players operate on the flanks, combining defensive duties with attacking responsibilities to provide width and dynamism to their team's formation.
Wing backs and fullbacks both play essential roles in modern football, yet they have distinct characteristics and responsibilities on the field. While both operate on the defensive flanks, fullbacks typically stay deeper and focus more on defensive duties, often providing cover for central defenders and preventing opposing wingers from making dangerous runs. In contrast, wing backs are more offensive-minded, frequently venturing forward to support attacks by providing width and overlapping runs. They are expected to contribute to both defense and attack, effectively transitioning between the two phases of the game. Wing backs showcase a higher level of attacking prowess, with skills such as dribbling, crossing, and creating scoring opportunities, whereas fullbacks prioritize defensive solidity and positional awareness. Despite these differences, both positions require versatility, tactical understanding, and the ability to adapt to various game situations, making them indispensable components of modern football systems.
Read more on Wing-Backs in our article How to Play Wing Back .
Center Back (Numbers 4 and 5)
Center backs, also known as central defenders, are positioned in the heart of the defense. They are typically tall, strong, and good in the air, as they are responsible for marking opposing forwards and dealing with aerial threats from crosses and set pieces. The center backs work together to form a defensive partnership, with one often playing as a "stopper" (aggressively challenging the ball) and the other as a "sweeper" (covering space and intercepting passes). They require a high level of physicality and endurance to excel in the game. Their agility and nimble footwork allows them to shut down opposing attacks, while their assertiveness in challenges helps maintain the defensive line. Additionally, a composed and confident demeanor on the ball is crucial, as even the slightest mistake can lead to a costly concession.
Read more on the Center Back position in our article The 2: How to Play Center Back.
Defensive Midfielder (Number 6)
The defensive midfielder, also known as the holding midfielder, is positioned in front of the defense and helps protect the backline. They are responsible for breaking up opposition attacks, regaining possession, and distributing the ball to more attack-minded teammates. A defensive midfielder often possesses excellent tackling, positioning, and ball-winning abilities.
Read more on Defensive Midfielder position in our article The 6: How to Play the Defensive Midfilder.
Central Midfielder (Numbers 8 and 10)
Central midfielders, also known as box-to-box midfielders, operate in the middle of the field and contribute to both attack and defense. Their responsibilities include retaining possession, creating scoring opportunities, and supporting the team's defensive efforts. Central midfielders should have strong passing, dribbling, and tackling skills, as well as the stamina to cover large distances during a match.
Read more on the Central Midfielder position in our article The 8: How to Play the Box-to-Box Midfielder.
Wingers (Numbers 7 and 11)
Wingers are attacking players positioned on the flanks of the field, with the right winger (number 7) and left winger (number 11) operating on their respective sides. They are responsible for creating scoring opportunities by dribbling past defenders, delivering crosses, and cutting inside to shoot on goal. Wingers often possess excellent pace, dribbling skills, and the ability to score from distance.
Read more on the WInger position in our article The 7: How to Play Winger Like a Boss.
Striker (Number 9)
The striker, or center forward, is the team's primary goal-scoring threat. They are responsible for putting the ball in the back of the net by finishing off chances created by their teammates. Strikers need to possess strong shooting, heading, and finishing abilities, as well as the intelligence to find space and anticipate where the ball will be played.
Read more on playing the Striker position in our article The 9: How to Play Striker.
Attacking Midfielder (Number 10)
The attacking midfielder, also known as the playmaker, is positioned between the central midfielders and the forwards. They are responsible for orchestrating the team's attack by creating scoring opportunities through their vision, passing, and dribbling skills. Attacking midfielders often possess a high level of technical ability, creativity, and composure on the ball.
Read more about the Attacking Midfielder in our article The 10: How to Play the Attacking Center Midfielder.
Second Striker (Number 7 or 11)
The second striker, sometimes referred to as a support striker or shadow striker, plays off the main striker and is responsible for creating goal-scoring opportunities and scoring goals themselves. They often have a more versatile skill set than the main striker, excelling in dribbling, passing, and shooting from distance. A second striker is also expected to drop into midfield to help with defensive duties when required. Although traditionally assigned the number 7 or 11, the second striker's number can vary depending on the team's formation, tactical approach and of course, personal preference.
The Bottom Line
Understanding soccer positions and their corresponding numbers is crucial for both players and fans to appreciate the nuances and strategies involved in the beautiful game. Each position has specific roles and responsibilities, which contribute to the overall success of the team. By mastering the different positions and adapting to various tactical setups, teams can exploit their opponents' weaknesses and maximize their chances of victory on the field.
