From the youth club circuit to the international stage, it’s the goal-scorers, high-IQ passers, and quick dribblers that get a lot of the credit. That said, real football fans know that the defensive players are just as important to a team’s success. They’re the anchors. And among their ranks, no two positions are more anchoring than positions 4 and 5. In this short guide, learn all about these two all-too-important positions—where they are on the pitch, what they do during gameplay, and different player examples for each.

Position 4: The Center Back

The heart of virtually every defensive scheme, the center back defends the middle of the field in front of the keeper and behind the midfielders. In most defensive orientations, the center back is accompanied on either side by a right and left back, as well as a second center back. When dual center backs are used, they position themselves on opposite sides of the penalty line to create a solid defensive core while providing ample visibility for the keeper.

So, what does a center back—the heart of the defense—do, exactly? You guessed it: defend. Center backs’ primary responsibilities include: 

  • blocking shots
  • tackling forwards
  • stealing the ball from dribblers
  • and clearing whenever possible 

Unlike right and left backs who often venture forward to initiate counterattacks or join the midfielders in pressing the opposition, center backs have a more defensive role. They primarily focus on maintaining a strong defensive presence and offer support during set pieces, such as free kicks, throw-ins and corner kicks.

Although they may not lead the team in goals or even assists, center-backs do play a crucial role in gaining and maintaining possession of the ball. For this reason, they must have excellent strength, footwork, and possession skills.

Professional Center Backs: The Best of the Best

  • Sergio Ramos: A stalwart for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos is known for his commanding presence, strong aerial control, and even his knack for scoring crucial goals, making him one of the most successful center backs of his generation.
  • Virgil van Dijk: A towering figure in Liverpool’s defense, Virgil van Dijk’s exceptional reading of the game, physical prowess, and leadership skills have transformed the team’s defensive solidity, propelling them to success in the Premier League and beyond.
  • Kalidou Koulibaly: A truly imposing physique and a safe bet to win most duels, Kalidou Koulibaly has established himself as one of the top center backs in the game, leading Napoli’s defense with his commanding performances.

Position 5: The Sweeper or Second Center Back

Like trusty soccer cleats, you really need two center backs to succeed in today’s game. That’s why, for most teams today, position 5 is dedicated to the second center back. However, throughout history and varying soccer levels, it has also been the jurisdiction of another position: the sweeper.

The sweeper position sits behind the main defensive line, with the primary responsibility of “sweeping” away any balls that slip past the center, left, and right backs. Though traditional sweepers are rarely used in today’s game, there are players who occupy a similar liminal space—though this one is often between the midfielders and the back line. We’ll cover a few of these “modern sweepers” in the section below.

“Modern Sweepers”: Providing Backup to the Back Line

  • Joshua Kimmich: Although primarily a central midfielder, Kimmich often drops back into deeper positions for Bayern Munich and the German national team, aiding the back line in a style similar to the traditional sweeper role.
  • Leonardo Bonucci: While not a traditional sweeper, Leonardo Bonucci of Juventus and the Italian national team demonstrates qualities associated with the sweeper, such as his fluid positioning, reading of attacks, and ability to intercept passes, making him a vital cog in the defensive line.
  • Marcelo Brozović: While technically the central midfielder for both Inter Milan and the Croatian national team, Marcelo Brozović often operates in a deeper position, providing cover for the defense in crucial moments to help his team maintain or regain possession.

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