Position
A free-roaming central defender behind the back line, originally used in catenaccio systems.
The classic sweeper played behind the two centre-backs, cleaning up anything that slipped through. Franz Beckenbauer redefined the role by also carrying the ball forward into midfield.
Pure sweepers are rare today, but the modern "ball-playing centre-back" descends from the libero tradition: central defenders who advance with the ball and break lines with passing.
Some teams functionally use a sweeper-keeper — a goalkeeper who steps far out of his box to cover passes behind a high line.
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.
Central midfielder (CM)
A midfielder playing between the defensive and attacking thirds, balancing creation and recovery.
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