Glossary · Positions
Football positions glossary
11 positions broken down: what each role does, how it fits into common formations and how it has evolved.
Goalkeeper (GK)
The only player allowed to use hands inside their penalty area, and the last line of defence.
Centre-back (CB)
One of two (or three) central defenders responsible for stopping the opposing striker.
Full-back (LB / RB)
Defenders on the left or right of the back four who provide width and attacking support.
Wing-back (LWB / RWB)
A full-back in a back-three system who provides width on both sides of the pitch, end to end.
Defensive midfielder (CDM)
A midfielder positioned just in front of the back four, tasked with breaking up play and recycling possession.
Central midfielder (CM)
A midfielder playing between the defensive and attacking thirds, balancing creation and recovery.
Box-to-box midfielder (B2B)
A midfielder who contributes in both penalty boxes, covering ground at high intensity throughout the game.
Attacking midfielder (CAM)
A player stationed between the midfield and the striker, focused on unlocking defences.
Winger (LW / RW)
Wide attacking players tasked with stretching the pitch, beating defenders and creating chances.
Striker (ST / CF)
The centre-forward — the team’s main goalscorer and the focal point of the attack.
Sweeper (libero)
A free-roaming central defender behind the back line, originally used in catenaccio systems.
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