Football Positions Explained: Every Role From Goalkeeper to Striker
Eleven players start for each team, but their jobs are very different. Knowing what each position is meant to do makes it much easier to follow a match and understand why a coach picks a certain lineup.
Goalkeeper (GK)
The only player allowed to handle the ball, and only inside their own penalty area. The goalkeeper stops shots, claims crosses, organises the defence and, in modern football, often starts attacks with accurate passing. Key qualities: reflexes, positioning, communication and calm decision-making. Learn how keepers are measured in our goalkeeper statistics guide.
Defenders
Centre-back (CB)
Plays in the middle of the defence. Centre-backs win headers, block shots, mark strikers and keep the defensive line organised. Teams usually play two or three. Today they are also expected to pass the ball out from the back under pressure.
Full-back (RB / LB)
Plays on the right or left of a back four. Full-backs defend against wingers and support attacks by overlapping down the touchline. Some coaches use "inverted" full-backs who move into midfield when their team has the ball.
Wing-back (RWB / LWB)
Used in systems with three centre-backs. Wing-backs cover the entire flank, defending as full-backs and attacking as wingers. It is one of the most physically demanding roles on the pitch.
Sweeper (libero)
A defender who plays behind the main defensive line to "sweep up" loose balls. Common in the past, rare in modern football, although some goalkeepers now perform a similar job.
Midfielders
Defensive midfielder (DM, "number 6")
Sits in front of the defence, breaks up attacks, intercepts passes and recycles possession. Discipline and positional awareness matter more than flair.
Central midfielder (CM, "number 8")
The link between defence and attack. Box-to-box midfielders cover huge distances, contributing tackles at one end and goals at the other.
Attacking midfielder (AM, "number 10")
Plays between the opponent's midfield and defence. The number 10 creates chances with clever passes and often scores. Vision and close control are essential.
Wide midfielder (RM / LM)
Plays on the flanks in a 4-4-2 or similar shape, helping both in defence and attack.
Forwards
Winger (RW / LW)
Attacks down the sides, beating defenders with pace and dribbling, then crossing or cutting inside to shoot. An "inverted" winger plays on the side opposite to their stronger foot.
Centre-forward / striker (CF / ST, "number 9")
The team's main goalscorer. Strikers finish chances, hold the ball up for team-mates and make runs behind the defence. A "target man" is strong in the air; a "poacher" lives in the penalty area.
Second striker
Plays just behind or alongside the main striker, combining creativity and goalscoring.
False nine
A centre-forward who drops deep, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for runners.
Shirt numbers
Traditional numbers came from positions in a 2-3-5 and later 4-4-2: 1 goalkeeper, 2 and 3 full-backs, 4 and 5 centre-backs or midfielders, 6 defensive midfielder, 7 and 11 wingers, 8 central midfielder, 9 striker and 10 playmaker. Today squad numbers are fixed for the season and players can choose almost any number, so a number no longer guarantees a role.
Positions in EHScore lineups
When lineups are released, the Lineup tab on any EHScore match page places each player on the pitch in the announced formation. Compare it with our formations guide to see how the positions fit together.