To mark and control the holding midfield player.

To prevent forward passing outlets of the opponents.

Understand and be part of effective pressure.

To score goals from distance and within the penalty area.

To provide for the forwards and wingers-especially behind in the space behind the opposition defense.

To get available/free to receive the ball.

To operate in between the midfield and forward players, usually within the width of the penalty area.

Marking, pressing, intercepting, tracking and challenging.

Receiving skills, good touch (on all surfaces).

When passes are made beyond the midfield to goal, recover, track, and assist or replace defenders in their defending duties when necessary.

Support forward players when defending direct opponent attacks through midfield areas by marking, pressing, intercepting and challenging for the ball.

Support forward players on receiving the ball.

To move into goalscoring positions as frequently as possible with a view to striking at goal.

Retain possession and provide penetrative passes for players moving into goal scoring or goal creating positions.

To support back players by moving opponents away from areas through which they may run with the ball.

To provide and present the back players with passing options.

Combination play (especially overlap[s and wall passes).

Passing skills over all ranges (variety).To deliver accurate and timely crosses from flank positions.Create crossing positions alone or in combination with others.Progress possession creatively in the flank areas in all phases of the field.Provide a wide passing outlet for the goalkeeper and other players usually in the defending and midfield areas of the field.Organize/direct/assist the winger in his defensive duties.Organize and direct fellow defenders as necessary.To act as the last line of defense in the flank position.Support and cover the central defender when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch.To move to a more central position when the ball is on the opposite flank.Combine and cooperate with fellow defenders to maintain a defensive security and structure of defending play in wide areas.Control and defend the space between him and the CD's and GK to reduce the chances of penetration by the opponents.Combination play (especially wall passes).Containing skills in 1v1 situations – 4 P's (Pressure, Position, Patience, Poke).Intercepting, challenging and tackling skills.Marking, tracking and back tracking skills.Retain and progress possession creatively usually in the defending and middle third of the field.Provide a central passing outlet for the goalkeeper and other players usually in the defending and midfield area of the field.Mark opponents of space in order to be the first in crossing situations.Support and cover fellow central and flank defenders as necessary.Mark, track and control forwards in goal scoring positions.Combine with fellow central defenders in marking and passing on attacking players.Combine and co-operate with fellow defenders to maintain the defensive security and structure of defending play especially centrally.Along with the goalkeeper, control and defend the space between them and the central defenders to reduce the chance of penetration by the opponents.Passing skills over all ranges, from the hands (both feet).

Communicate with the team to ensure correct balance is achieved whilst attacking.To operate as a sweeper – as the team progresses up the field of play.Provide good support angles for defenders to aid them in possession of the soccer ball.Commence attacks with swift and effective distribution techniques.To demonstrate bravery in all actions and decisions.To collect crosses using the correct action and decision making skills.Use correct handling and diving techniques when required.Provide good angles and distances in order to protect the goal.Organize efficiently and effectively at set piece situations.Organize and direct fellow defenders within the team defensive structure.Combine and cooperate with fellow defenders to maintain the defensive security and structure of defending play both centrally and in wide areas.Control and defend the space between them and the central defenders to reduce the chances of penetration by opponents (starting position).

Us position numbers soccer