In the ever advancing world of modern day football, the influence that tactics and analysis have on how a side performs is becoming more important by the day. And, although at first the complexity of some roles may overwhelm the average football fan, I aim to appease this and provide a detailed yet understandable account of how player roles can affect the beautiful game.
As a keen tactician myself, I have a decent grasp of player roles, and hope to enlighten all readers on a number of player roles, ranging from defensive roles to attacking roles.
Sweeper Keeper : The sweeper keeper not only carries out the regular duties of a goalkeeper, but also attempts to act as an outfield sweeper, clearing up dangerous through balls played by the opposition. He will also look to initiate counter attacks for his side by playing incisive passes out of defense. They are usually pacey, agile, decisive and composed, as well as possessing the main attributes necessary for a goalkeeper. An example of an effective sweeper keeper would be Tottenham's Hugo Lloris.
Librero : Librero is an Italian word, meaning "free". The librero drops behind the defensive line, aiming to pick up through balls, pick up extra attackers, and make goal saving blocks, tackles and interceptions. They are usually exceptional athletes, and have an advanced reading of the game, allowing them to cover the defensive mishaps in front of them. When he assumes possession of the ball, and his team are moving forward, he will advance to provide support for the midfield. The librero will possess advanced technical abilities (i.e. passing, dribbling), immense physical features (i.e. pace, strength, heading) and an extreme mental awareness (i.e. composed, creative, decisive). The most prominent libreros to grace the game were Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi. The role is not as popular in modern day football, but regardless, it is a highly respected and demanding position to play.
Deep-Lying Playmaker (Half-Backs and Registas) : A half-back is a defensive midfielder who looks to serve a role that is balanced between playing as an aggressive sweeper and as a defensive midfielder. When a half-back is employed by a team, the sides central defenders will push up and hold a high line, while the half-back drops deeper than the average defensive midfielder, almost like a 3rd centre back. They look to offer an outlet for quickly recycling possession when a team's attacking play breaks down. A half-back is an excellent reader of the game, and protects the defense with his tackling ability. The most obvious example of a half-back would be Claude Makelele.
A regista is a more aggressive version of a deep-lying playmaker, suitable for sides that look to maintain possession and enforce high-pressing tactics in the opposition's half. Given complete freedom to control the flow of the game, the regista looks to provide a dynamic and unpredictable outlet from behind the attack, and constantly create chances for his attacking accomplices. A regista displays a superb range of passing, and are also renowned for their tackling. A regista must always be willing to get on the ball and create opportunities for his team mates, as if he is not, his team will struggle to produce a direct approach from defense to attack. Examples of world-class registas are Andrea Pirlo and Paul Scholes.
Attacking Midfielders (Trequartistas and Enganches) : A trequartista can operate as either an attacking midfielder or a centre forward. Similar to an advanced playmaker, they look to drop into the holes between the opposition's defence and midfield. However, they make no effort in terms of defensive contribution, and simply look to float around looking for space when their team is not in possession. Because of this, the rest of the team's defensive responsibilities increase, although the trequartista becomes their main attacking outlet. They are technically gifted, with key attributes including finishing and first touch, and blessed with creativity. The most widely known trequartista is the infamous Diego Maradona.
Enganches are literally "the hook" between midfield and attack, the side's prime creator. They operate around the strikers, which differs them from trequartistas as they don't tend to float around the hole. He is the player that receives the ball and chooses how and when to release the ball to maximise the potential of the attacking movement. The enganche also provides defenders with problems because they must decide whether to employ a man-marker to pick him or simply look to continue with their already decided tactics. They are both magnets for the ball and the defenders. They also display supreme technical abilities, and provide creativity and flair. The most prominent example of an enganche would be Juan Riquelme.
False 9 : A False 9 is a role similar to that of an attacking midfielder, but can also operate as a striker. The purpose of a False 9 is to, like the enganche, force the defenders to either follow him or defend the zone he would be based in. If followed, space is created where he and the defenders were, allowing for midfielders to exploit gaps, but if he is left, he will have time and space to pick out a pass. The False 9, like previous roles, is technically gifted, but also must be quick and strong. Examples of the most influential False 9's are Lionel Messi and Mario Gotze.
