In modern football, fullback is one of the positions of increasing importance. Not only do they protect the goal against attacks from the opponent, they also actively participate in the home team’s attacks. Their versatility and diverse techniques help them become indispensable players in both defense and attack.
1. Role in defense
Traditional full-backs are responsible for protecting the sidelines, not allowing opponents to attack through the wings and create dangerous opportunities. Important defensive skills for a fullback include:
- Marking and blocking: The full-back must closely follow the opposing winger, making sure not to let them cross the ball or break inside.
- Read the situation and cover: Accurately judging situations and covering for teammates, especially central defenders, is very important.
- Border defense: Preventing crosses from the sidelines is an important part of a full-back’s ability to limit dangerous aerial duels in the penalty area.
2. Role in attack
In modern football, full-backs are often asked to participate in attacks, especially in quick counter-attack situations or overlapping with wingers. Important elements in the attack include:
- Overlapping lines and crossing the ball: The full-back often rises high to support the attack and makes overlapping plays, passing the ball inside to the striker.
- Coordinate with public goods: The combination with the wingers and strikers helps open up space and create scoring situations.
- Putting pressure on the opponent: When attacking high up, the full-back not only helps score goals but also puts great pressure on the opponent’s defense system.
3. Technical and physical requirements
To fulfill both offensive and defensive roles well, full-backs must have superior technique and physical strength. Some important technical requirements are:
- Speed: Speed helps the full-back chase down the winger and participate in a quick counter-attack.
- Physical fitness: The right full-back has the ability to move continuously for 90 minutes, from participating in defense to supporting attack.
- Crossing technique: The ability to cross the ball accurately is an important factor in creating scoring opportunities from high balls.
4. Example of a modern full-back
Many full-backs in modern football have proven the importance of this position in both attack and defense. Some prominent examples include:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool: He stands out with his ability to accurately cross the ball and is often involved in creating goals from the right wing.
- Andrew Robertson Also of Liverpool: Robertson is a left-back with speed and tenacity, always ready to support attack and defense effectively.
- Joao Cancelo of Manchester City: Cancelo often plays as a virtual midfielder when pushing forward, creating scoring opportunities and creating assists for his teammates.
Fullback
The role of the full-back in modern football is becoming increasingly important and diverse. They not only take on defensive duties but are also important factors in attack. To complete both of these tasks well, a full-back needs to have outstanding technique, physical strength and flexibility, contributing to the team’s victory from both sides of the field.