.

.

.

Sweeper (Libero)

. 
The sweeper or libero (meaning ‘free’) is an exceptional position which is seen irregularly today. The role of the sweeper is basically to act as an all-purpose defender who responds to any breach of the defensive line.

As the last line of defence, he also initiates counter-attacks by bringing the ball out of the penalty area, thus necessitating some of the skills of the midfielder like passing, close control and dribbling.

Special mention must be made of Franz Beckenbauer. ‘Der Kaiser’ was captain of the World Cup winning West German side in 1974 and is today widely credited as the inventor of the sweeper position.

.

Notable sweepers:

.
Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

Franco Baresi (Italy)

.

.

.

.

.

Fullback/ Wingback

.

Although basically holding the same starting position, on the left and right of each central defenders respectively, the difference between the fullback and the wingback is the latter’s willingness to move forward and support attacks.

This is achieved either by running with the ball or ‘overlapping’ the winger (running ahead) to add width to an attack. However, both positions necessitate strong defensive skills and the coaches Fabio Capello and Jose Mourinho have been proponents in the modern era of strictly defensive full-backs.
.

..

Notable fullbacks/wingbacks:

.

Cafu (Brazil)

Roberto Carlos (Brazil)

Javier Zanetti (Argentina)

Gianluca Zambrotta (Italy)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

..

.

.

.

.

.