Position
A midfielder who contributes in both penalty boxes, covering ground at high intensity throughout the game.
The box-to-box 8 is the engine of the midfield. He arrives late into the attacking box, tracks back to cover when a full-back overlaps and wins second balls in midfield.
High aerobic capacity is mandatory, paired with decent passing, tackling and finishing — this is not a specialist but a generalist.
Steven Gerrard, Yaya Touré and Frank Lampard are the iconic examples; a good modern B2B creates a tactical asymmetry with a more creative partner.
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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.
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