POSITIONAL
PROFILES
A comprehensive guide that provides
information on the roles and
responsibilities of each position on the
soccer field
CONTENTS
PAGE
1
INTRODUCTION
2
GOALKEEPER
3
CENTERBACK
4
FULLBACK
5
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
CONTENTS CONT.
PAGE
6
CENTER MIDFIELDER
7
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
8WINGER
9STRIKER
10
END CREDITS
1 introduction
Soccer is a complex and multifaceted sport that requires
players to understand and execute their roles effectively
in order to succeed.
Who is Grande Sports Training?
Grande Sports Training is a company that specializes in
providing soccer education and training to players from
around the world.
Summary of E-book
The Positional Profiles eBook offered by Grande Sports
Training is a comprehensive guide that provides players
with a detailed understanding of the specific roles and
responsibilities of each position on the field, as well as the
attributes, qualities, and skills required to excel in those
positions.
What you can expect?
We will explore each position from goalkeeper to strikers,
specific attributes needed to attract scouts/coaches, and
how this eBook can benefit players looking to enhance
their understanding of the game and take their skills to
the next level.
2 goalkeeper (1)
A goalkeeper, also known as a goalie or a keeper, is the last line of defense for their
team. Their primary responsibility is to prevent the opposition from scoring by
stopping shots and making saves.
Technical
Reliable
Shot-stopper
Adequate with ball at feet
Tactical
Game management (Experience)
Decision-making with distribution
Defending space behind the back four
Command of box
Quick off his line
Physical
6’2” or taller (case-by-case)
Jumping power
Agility/sharp reflexes
Durable
Psychological
Communication skills
Good courage and bravery
Field presence
3 center back (4&5)
A centerback, also known as a central defender or a CB has the primary responsibility
to defend their team's goal from the opposition's attacks. Centerbacks typically play
alongside one another, forming a central defensive partnership, and are positioned in
front of the goalkeeper.
Technical
Range of passing
Heading
1 v 1 defending (tackling)
Tactical
Spatial awareness
Provide balance
Decision-making with distribution
Ability to read the game well
Anticipation
Physical
Jumping power
Never look stretched; rarely on the floor
Agility (quickness)
Speed (closing/recovery)
Durable
Psychological
‘Nasty’
Leadership
Aggressive intelligence
4 fullback (2&3)
A fullback, also known as a wing-back, is a defensive player who is primarily
responsible for covering the flanks of the pitch. They need to be able to defend
effectively and support their team's attacks on the flanks by overlapping the
midfielders and wingers.
Technical
Range of passing
Running with the ball
Heading
Shooting (long range)
Tactical
1v1 attacking
1v1 defending; timing of tackles
A good appreciation to link with others
Keep possession in final third
Game management
Pressure, cover, balance as a member of
the back four
Physical
Good engine
Above average speed
Powerful
Agility (quickness)
Durable
Good Stature
Psychological
‘Nasty’
Combative in duels
Aggressive intelligence
5 defensive midfielder (6)
A defensive midfielder, also known as a holding midfielder or a DM, is a player who
operates in front of the defense and is responsible for breaking up the opposition's
attacks. They need to be able to tackle, intercept passes, and block shots, while also
providing a screen for the defense.
Technical
Range of passing
1st touch
Receiving/turning with the ball
1 v 1 defending (tackling)
Shooting (long range)
Tactical
Spatial awareness and vision
Providing defensive cover
Dictate the tempo of the game
Organizing player
Physical
Good engine
Good Stature
Agility (quickness)
Speed
Durability
Psychological
Leadership
Aggressive intelligence
Combative
6 Central Midfielder (8)
A central midfielder, also known as a box-to-box midfielder or a CM, is a versatile
player who covers both attacking and defensive duties. They need to be able to
create and score goals, retain possession, and make key passes while also providing
defensive support to the backline.
Technical
Range of passing
1st touch
Receiving/turning with the ball
Dealing with playing out of tight spaces
Dribbling and passing to create scoring
chances
Shooting/Finishing
Tactical
Spatial awareness and vision
More willing to get involved in the attack
Providing high pressure/ball recovery
Ability to penetrate with and without the
ball
Dictate the tempo of the game
Physical
Endurance
Agility (quickness)
Speed
Durability
Psychological
Industrious
Creative
Aggressive intelligence
7 Attacking Midfielders (10)
An attacking midfielder, also known as a playmaker or an AM, is a creative player who
operates in the attacking third of the pitch. They need to be able to create scoring
opportunities for their teammates by making key passes, dribbling past opposition
players, and scoring goals themselves.
Technical
1st touch
Receiving/turning with the ball
Dealing with the ball in tight spaces
Dribbling and passing to create
opportunities
Range of passing
Shooting/finishing
Free kick specialist
Tactical
Spatial awareness and vision
Providing defensive high pressure/ball
recovery
Penetration with and without the ball
Dictate the tempo of the game
Improvisation/Creation
Physical
Not specific on size
Endurance
Turn of pace
Agility (quickness)
Durability
Psychological
Creative & Risk-taker
Aggressive intelligence
8 Wingers (7&11)
A winger, also known as a wide midfielder, is an attacking player who operates on the
flanks of the pitch. They need to be able to create and score goals by delivering
accurate crosses and cutting inside to shoot or make key passes.
Technical
1st touch
Running with the ball
Dribbling to create on his own
Shooting/finishing
Ability to play the final pass
Quality of wide service
Tactical
Constant penetrating threat
Movement off the ball
Position-responsible on both sides of the
ball
Combination play
Physical
Speed
Endurance
Agility (quickness, dynamic)
Durability
Psychological
Creative & Risk-taker (short memory)
Mentality of team first
Aggressive intelligence
9 Striker (9)
A forward, also known as a striker or a CF, is the player responsible for scoring goals
for their team. They need to be able to finish chances, create their own goalscoring
opportunities, hold up play, and make runs to get behind the opposition's defense.
Technical
Shooting/finishing
Clean 1st touch
Dribbling to create on his own
Dealing with the ball in tight spaces
Heading
Tactical
Efficient threat to score
Ability to hold the ball up
Combination/link-up play
Ability to play in between the lines
Penetration with and without the ball
Quick decision-making
Physical
Agility
Change of pace
Physical stature
Endurance
Durability
Psychological
Predatory instincts
Opportunistic
Must have tremendous confidence
Creative & Risk-taker
Aggressive intelligence
10 End Credits
Thank you for reading this ebook on soccer positions and their
roles and responsibilities. We hope that it has provided you with
a better understanding of the various positions on the soccer
pitch and what they do.
Now it's time to put everything in action! Take action by training
and implementing what you have learned is the most important
step. Since you now know what it is that you need to do exactly,
go out there and perform!
