Midfielders

Midfielders are players whose position of play is in the middle between the attacking strikers and the defenders. Their main duties are to maintain possession of the ball, taking the ball from defenders and feeding it to the strikers, as well as dispossessing opposing players. Most managers field at least one central midfielder with a marked task of breaking up opposition's attacks while the rest are more adept to creating goals or have equal responsibilities between attack and defence. Midfielders can be expected to cover many areas of a pitch, as at times they can be called back into defence or required to attack with the strikers.Many midfielders score goals sometimes more than strikers.A good midfielders should have great stamina to fit with this position. As we mentioned before there are certain positions related to midfielders which are:
1 Centre midfielder (CM)
2 Defensive midfielder (DM)
3 Attacking midfielder (AM)
4 Winger (RW/LW) or wide midfielder (LM/RM)
Now let's explain each one in detail;

1 Center / Attacking / Offensive /Defensive midfielder (CM) Central midfielders play several roles on the field of play. They are described as the orchestra conductors, the engines of the team, the players pulling the strings from the middle. They are the link between defence and attack, and must also defend when the opposite team are in possession. When his team does not have possession, the center midfielder is expected to drop back and pressure the ball. Their central position enables them to have an all-round view of the match, and as most of the action takes place in and around their area of the pitch, midfielders often exert the greatest degree of control over how a match is played. In offense the attacking midfielder should be in involved in the action by making runs towards the ball. Even before he gets it, he should already know where and how he wants to distribute it.

2 Winger (RW/LW) or wide midfielder (LM/RM) Wingers are commonly found in teams who play with three attackers. Traditionally, wingers are strictly attacking players who stay wide, dribble the ball forward and serve in crosses. Like all attacking players, wingers need to have 'off-the-ball' intelligence, by being able to read passes from the midfield that give them a clear crossing or scoring opportunity. Traditionally, right-footed players are played on the right wing and left-footed players on the left as a matter of familiarity and comfort. However, in the modern game, coaches usually demand wingers to be able to play on both flanks and to switch flanks during play regularly as a quick change of tactics.

Defense

Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the goalkeeper, and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. They usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are defending. Good defender must have many skills such as Goal side positioning, Approaching the ball, Preventing the turn, and Tackle the ball, not the legs of the opponent. As we mentioned before there are certain positions related to defense which are: 1 Sweeper/Libero (SW) 2 Centre-back (CB) 3 Full-back (FB/RB/LB) 4 Wingback (WB/RWB/LWB) Now lets try to illustrate each one in detail;

1 Sweeper/Libero (SW) The sweeper must always be the last player in defense. His job is to close down gaps left by other defenders. The libero strolls laterally, a few meters behind the last line of fullbacks. He must try not to sway too far towards the flanks. The sweeper analyzes the shape of plays, anticipates where open angles and passing lanes are forming and make quick decisions about dealing with them. Because they never mark enemy attackers, sweepers can move a great deal forward when their team is in possession of the ball. This frequently finds the enemy defense unprepared as an unmarked player is unexpectedly introduced to the play.Overall, the sweeper should be very perceptive (usually experienced) with good ball handling skills and confidence.

2 Centre-back (CB) Centre-back, also called centre-halves or central defenders,is to stop opposing players, particularly the strikers from scoring, and to bring the ball out from their penalty area. they play in a central position. Most teams employ two centre backs, stationed in front of the goalkeeper. There are two main defensive strategies used by centre backs: the zonal defence, where each centre back covers a specific area of the pitch, and man-to-man marking, where each centre back has the job of covering a particular opposition player. Centre-backs are often tall, strong and have a good jumping, heading and tackling ability. Successful centre-backs also need to be able to concentrate, read the game well, and be brave and decisive in making last-ditch tackles on attacking players who might otherwise be through on goal. Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head is a possibility.

3 Full-back (FB/RB/LB) Fullbacks are the defenders positioned on each side of the stopper.Their main task is to prevent opposition players crossing or cutting the ball back into the penalty area. In some defensive systems, full-backs mark opponents. They cover the space along the entire flank and therefore must be fairly quick. In defense, the fullback usually marks an enemy forward or covers his flank, awaiting incoming enemy wingers. Fullbacks get actively involved in their team's offense by staying wide, making overlapping runs and pushing up the flank. In modern football, it is not uncommon for a free (not marking) fullback to move up the wing and take the position of a winger thus spreading the enemy defense apart. To do this job, fullbacks need to have good speed and stamina.

4 Wingback (WB/RWB/LWB) The wingback is a modern variation on the fullback with heavier emphasis on attack.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.