Defenders

A. Center-Back (CB)

Primary Role:

• Defend the central areas, block attackers, and protect the goal.

Responsibilities:

1. Man-Marking: Track key forwards and prevent them from receiving the ball.
2. Aerial Duels: Win headers to clear the ball defensively or score offensively during set-pieces.
3. Clearances: Safely remove the ball from dangerous zones.
4. Interceptions: Anticipate and block opposition passes.
5. Build-Up Play: Pass accurately to midfielders to initiate attacks.

Key Skills:

• Strength, tackling, aerial ability, positioning, and composure under pressure.

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B. Full-Back (Right-Back and Left-Back, RB/LB)

Primary Role:

• Protect the flanks defensively while supporting the attack with overlapping runs.

Responsibilities:

1. 1v1 Defending: Stop opposition wingers from advancing.
2. Crossing: Deliver balls into the penalty area for attackers.
3. Overlapping Runs: Support wingers by overlapping and creating width in attack.
4. Tracking Back: Recover quickly to help defend counterattacks.
5. Covering Center-Backs: Shift centrally when required.

Key Skills:

• Stamina, speed, crossing accuracy, defensive positioning, and tackling.

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C. Wing-Back (Right Wing-Back and Left Wing-Back, RWB/LWB)

Primary Role:

• Provide width and energy in a hybrid defensive and attacking role.

Responsibilities:

1. Box-to-Box Play: Contribute in both attack and defense.
2. Crossing: Deliver accurate balls into the box for attackers.
3. Pressing: Apply pressure on opposition wide players.
4. Defending Wide Areas: Track back to defend against opposing wingers.

Key Skills:

• Endurance, crossing, speed, dribbling, and tackling.