Football Player Positions on the Field Explained

From the passionate fans who fill up stadiums to the talented players who dazzle us with their skills, football has become a global games that brings people from so many walks of life together. However, to truly appreciate the beauty of the game, it is essential to understand the various positions that players take up on the field.

There are typically eleven players on a football team, each playing a specific position. From the goalkeeper responsible for keeping the ball out of the net to the strikers tasked with scoring goals, each position requires a specific skill set and level of expertise.

In addition to their roles, football player positions are also crucial in determining a team’s formation. A team’s formation refers to the tactical arrangement of its players on the field. The formation determines the team’s playing style and the areas of the field they aim to control. Therefore, understanding the various football player positions and formations can give you a deeper appreciation of the game’s complexity and the strategies that teams employ to win.

In this blog post, we outline the different football player positions on the field and their roles in a team’s success. The game of football requires players to work together seamlessly in a highly coordinated effort to outsmart the opposition. Each position on the field has a unique role and set of responsibilities, as they all contribute to the team’s overall performance.

What are the 11 positions in football?

In modern soccer, also known as modern football, there are 11 positions on the field. These positions are:

Goalkeeper:

The goalkeeper is the player responsible for protecting the goal and stopping the opposing team from scoring. They are the only player on the field that have the permission to touch the ball with their hands, but only within their team’s penalty area.

Right Back:

The right back is positioned on the right side of the field, and their main job is to defend the right flank of the field.

Center Back: 

The center back is positioned in the middle of the field, and their main job is to defend against the opposing team’s attacking players.

Left Back: 

The left back is positioned on the left side of the field, and their main job is to defend the left flank of the field.

Defensive Midfielder:

The defensive midfielder is located right before the back four. Their main responsibility is to halt the attacks of the opposing side and defend their own team.

Central Midfielder:

The central midfielder is positioned in the middle of the field and is responsible for attacking and defending. He performs both defensive duties and enhances the forward plays.

Right Winger:

The right winger is positioned on the right side of the field, and their main job is to attack down the right flank and provide crosses into the box.

Attacking Midfielder:

The attacking midfielder is positioned in front of the central midfielders, and their primary job is to create scoring opportunities for their team.

Striker:

Goals are scored by strikers, who are located in the middle of the football pitch. These players are at the forefront of the opposition and are primarily responsible for sending balls in the back of the net.

Left Winger:

The left winger is positioned on the left side of the field, and their main job is to attack down the left flank and provide crosses into the box.

False 9:

The false 9’s primary job is to confuse the opposing team’s defenders by dropping deep into the midfield and drawing them out of position. They are named “false 9” because they often take up the space traditionally occupied by a central striker. However, instead of staying in that position, they move around the field to create space and opportunities for their team.

Know football positions and the number of players

Here are the player positions on the field in football.

Position: Centre-back (quarterback)

The centre-back, also known as the quarterback in some countries, is a crucial position in soccer. Positioned in the heart of the defense, the centre-back is responsible for stopping the opposing team’s attacks and protecting the goal. They are typically tall, strong, and physically imposing players with excellent positioning and tackling skills.

Centre-backs are also crucial in organizing their team’s defense, communicating with their teammates, and initiating counter-attacks. They must have excellent vision and passing skills to distribute the ball to their midfielders and forwards. A solid centre-back is often the backbone of a successful team, and their presence can make a significant difference in a match’s outcome.

There are typically two players in the centre-back (quarterback) position. You’ll find these players right within the opposition’s defense and directly in front of the goalkeeper. These players endeavor to stop the opposing team’s attacks by intercepting passes, and making crucial tackles. They also build up play from the back by initiating attacks with accurate passes to their midfielders or forwards. While it is common for teams to play with a single centre back, having two provides better defensive coverage and more flexibility in the team’s tactics.

Position: Centre-back (sweeper)

The Centre-back, also known as the sweeper, is a position in soccer that has evolved over time. Historically, the sweeper was the last line of defense and played behind the two center-backs. Their role was to “sweep up” any loose balls or mistakes made by their teammates and prevent the opposing team from scoring.

This position requires excellent anticipation, vision, and the ability to read the game well. Sweeper players must also be comfortable playing with the ball at their feet and initiating attacks. While the sweeper position is less commonly used in modern soccer, its principles have influenced how defenders play today.

The number of centre backs in football can vary depending on a team’s tactics and formation. The most common formation many teams use is the 4-4-2 formation, which typically includes two centre backs.

However, some teams may use a 3-5-2 formation, which includes three centre backs, or a 5-3-2 formation, which includes five defenders, including two centre backs. In general, the number of centre backs a team uses depends on the tactical plan of the coach and the strengths and weaknesses of the team’s players. Regardless of the formation, centre backs play a critical role in defense and are responsible for stopping the opposing team’s attacks and protecting the goal.

Fullbacks – Left Back (LB) and Right Back (RB)

Fullbacks are a crucial defensive position in soccer, consisting of the left-back (LB) and right-back (RB). These players are responsible for defending the flanks of the field and preventing opposing teams from advancing down the sides. They must have good speed, agility, and excellent stamina to keep up with attacking players.

Fullbacks also play a crucial role in initiating attacks by overlapping with their midfielders and delivering crosses into the box. These players must possess strong defensive and tackling skills and good passing and ball control abilities. Fullbacks are essential to a team’s success, and their contributions can significantly impact the outcome of a match.

Wing backs – Left Wing back (LWB) and Right Wing back (RWB)

Wing backs are a position in soccer that combines the roles of fullbacks and wingers. The left wingback (LWB) and right wingback (RWB) are positioned higher up the field than fullbacks. Their primary responsibility is to provide width in attack while covering their respective flanks defensively. They must be incredibly fast, agile, and have excellent stamina to track up and down the field constantly. This position is probably top among the most physically demanding positions in football.

Wing backs often overlap with their wingers, creating overloads and confusion for opposing defenses. These players must have excellent crossing and passing abilities to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. Wing backs are a valuable asset to any team that plays with a formation that includes them.

Position: Defensive midfielder (ball-winner)

The defensive midfielder, also known as the ball-winner, is a critical position in soccer. This player is positioned in front of the backline and is responsible for disrupting the opposing team’s attacks, intercepting passes, and winning the ball back for their team. Defensive midfielders must be physically imposing, quick, and capable of tackling.

They must also be able to read the game well and anticipate the opposing team’s movements. While their primary role is defensive, defensive midfielders also play a crucial role in initiating attacks by distributing the ball to their teammates and creating counter-attacking opportunities. A solid defensive midfielder can change the course of a game and is an essential component of any successful team.

Position: Box-to-box midfielder

The box-to-box midfielder is a versatile position in soccer, requiring players to be strong in defense and attack. These players are positioned in the center of the field and are responsible for covering the entire pitch, from box to box. Box-to-box midfielders need to be physically fit, agile, and have excellent stamina to track up and down the field constantly.

They must defend well, win the ball back, and initiate attacks with accurate passes and dribbling skills. Box-to-box midfielders are also often responsible for making late runs into the box to score goals. Their versatility and ability to contribute offensively and defensively make them essential to many successful teams.

Position: Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper often called the “keeper” or “goalie,” is a crucial position in soccer. Being the most defensive position in the game, goalkeepers must be quick, agile, and have excellent reflexes to make saves and keep the ball out of the net. They are responsible for making sure the opposing team nets no goals.

They must also have excellent communication skills to direct their defense and organize their team. Goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands within their penalty area, making them unique from other positions on the field. A reliable goalkeeper can be the difference between a win and a loss, making their role essential to any successful team.

Position: Wide midfielder

The wide midfielder, also known as the winger, is a position in soccer responsible for providing width in attack and stretching the opposing defense. These players are positioned on the flanks of the field and must be incredibly fast, agile, and have excellent dribbling and crossing abilities.

Wide midfielders need great ball control and excellent passing skills up their sleeves to anable them provide goal-scoring chances for other players in the team. They also have defensive responsibilities and must track back to help their fullbacks defend against opposing attacks. Wide midfielders are often the primary creators of goals and assists, and their contributions to a team’s attack are crucial for success.

Wide Midfielders: Left Midfielder (LM) and Right Midfielder (RM)

The right and left flanks of the football field are controlled by the Right Midfielder (RM) and the Left Midfielder (LM). These positions also support the attack. These players are positioned on the left and right sides of the midfield, respectively, and must be versatile and able to contribute both offensively and defensively.

LM and RM players need to have good ball control, passing, and dribbling skills to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. They must also have the ability to track back and help their fullbacks defend against opposing attacks. LM and RM play the role of crossing the ball into the box to creating goal-scoring opportunities for the forward players. They are vital to any football team’s success.

Position: Attacking midfielder

The attacking midfielder is a position in soccer that is responsible for creating scoring opportunities and supporting the team’s attack. This player is positioned in the center of the field and must have excellent technical abilities, including good ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.

Attacking midfielders are often the creative force behind a team’s attack, and their vision and ability to read the game are essential to success. They must not cringe under pressure and must be able to make split-second decisions to take advantage of any openings in the opposing defense. A talented attacking midfielder can change the course of a game and is an invaluable asset to any team.

Wingers: Left Winger (LW) and Right Winger (RW)

The left winger (LW) and right winger (RW) are positions in soccer that are responsible for providing width and support to the team’s attack. These players are positioned on the left and right sides of the forward line, respectively, and must be incredibly fast, agile, and have excellent dribbling and crossing abilities.

Wingers need good ball control and excellent passing skills to create the perfect goal netting chances for their teammates. They are often tasked with cutting inside from the flanks and taking shots at the goal themselves. Tracking back and assisting their fullbacks in defense against opposition attacks are other responsibilities for the wingers. The contributions of a skilled winger can often be the thin line between a win and a loss for a team.

Position: Forward

The forward position is burdened with lodging balls in the back of the net and leading the team’s attack. This means players in this position cannot negotiate with having a good positional sense, as it is crucial.

Forwards must be able to work well under pressure and have a good sense of timing and positioning to take advantage of any opportunities in the opposing defense.

Centre Forward (CF)

The center forward (CF) is a position in soccer that is responsible for scoring goals and leading the team’s attack from a central position. This player is positioned at the front of the attacking line and must have excellent technical abilities, including good ball control, dribbling, shooting, and heading skills.

Centre forwards are often the focal point of a team’s attack, and their ability to hold up play and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates is essential to success. They must have a good sense of timing and positioning, and be physically strong to compete for the ball against opposing defenders.

Football positions and their relation to jersey numbers

Football positions and their corresponding jersey numbers have been standardized over the years to provide a consistent way for coaches, players, and fans to identify each player’s role on the field. While these numbers may vary slightly depending on the team or league, there are general conventions that are widely accepted.

1. Goalkeeper (GK) – The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands and is responsible for protecting the team’s goal. They wear jersey number 1.
2. Right Back (RB) – The right back is in charge of defending the right side of the field and supporting the team’s attack. They wear jersey number 2.
3. Left Back (LB) – The left back is tasked with the responsibility of defending the left side of the field and supporting the team’s attack. They wear jersey number 3.
4. Center Back (CB) – The center back is responsible for defending the center of the field and preventing opposing attackers from scoring. They wear jersey numbers 4 and 5.
5. Center Back (CB) – The second center back is also responsible for defending the center of the field and preventing opposing attackers from scoring. They wear jersey number 6.
6. Defensive Midfielder (DM) – The defensive midfielder breaks up opposing attacks and protects the team’s defense. They wear jersey number 6.
7. Right Midfielder (RM) – The right midfielder is responsible for controlling the right flank of the field and supporting the team’s attack. They wear jersey number 7.
8. Central Midfielder (CM) – The central midfielder controls the center of the field and links the team’s defense and attack. They wear jersey number 8.
9. Striker (ST) – The striker is responsible for scoring goals and leading the team’s attack. They wear jersey number 9.
10. Attacking Midfielder (AM) – The attacking midfielder is responsible for creating scoring opportunities and supporting the team’s attack from a central position. They wear jersey number 10.
11. Left Midfielder (LM) – The left midfielder is responsible for controlling the left flank of the field and supporting the team’s attack. They wear jersey number 11.

While these are the most common jersey numbers associated with each position, some teams and leagues may assign different numbers based on their preferences or traditions. For example, some teams may choose to assign number 8 to their defensive midfielder instead of number 6.

It’s worth noting that some players may wear unconventional jersey numbers based on their personal preferences or superstitions. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo, a forward, has often worn the number 7 jersey throughout his career, even though it’s traditionally associated with the right midfielder position.

In addition to the standard positions listed above, there are also a few variations that some teams may employ in more advanced position styles of play:

• Sweeper (SW) – The sweeper is a defensive position that plays behind the center backs and is responsible for clearing any loose balls or rebounds that come into the box. They wear jersey number 1.
• Wing backs (LWB and RWB) – Wing backs are players who operate as both fullbacks and wingers, providing width to the team’s attack and defending the flanks. They wear jersey numbers 2 and 3 (or 5 and 6 in a back three system).
• Box-to-box midfielder – This position is characterized by a player with the stamina to cover the entire field and contribute defensively and offensively. They wear jersey number 8 or 10.

How many players in a football team

The game’s rules, however, let a side to use up to three substitutes per game and to bench up to seven substitute players. Except from the goalkeeper, the positions of players change depending on the team’s structure.

While the 4-3-3 formation, which consists of four defenders, three midfielders, and three attackers, is frequently used by football teams, other formations slightly change the positions of the players. However, other formations, such as the 4-4-2, 3-5-2, and 4-2-3-1, are also commonly used.

Yet, regardless of the team’s choice of formation, each player’s on-field responsibilities are distinct and heavily influenced by the team’s strategy and tactics. The goalkeeper has the task of stopping the opposing team from scoring, while the outfield players work together to attack and defend as a unit.

Also Read: How many players in football?

Conclusion

Ultimately, football is a team sport, and the success of any team relies on the skills and contributions of each player on the field. By working together and playing to their strengths, a team can achieve great things and thrill fans with their skill and passion for the beautiful game of football.