Position
A midfielder playing between the defensive and attacking thirds, balancing creation and recovery.
The central midfielder is the team’s connector. He receives from the CDM, rotates with the 10 and links wingers and strikers.
Styles vary: the deep-lying playmaker sprays passes from next to the number 6, the creative 8 breaks between the lines, and the box-to-box 8 covers more vertical distance than anyone.
A modern midfield often has two 8s with complementary profiles — one more defensive, one more attacking — next to a single 6.
Discover
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.
Box-to-box midfielder (B2B)
A midfielder who contributes in both penalty boxes, covering ground at high intensity throughout the game.
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