

When building from deep, the goalkeeper can also add another body to the overload.

One key responsibility, then, is to drive forward with the ball when they have space to do so. Modern centre-backs are often set up to get on the ball in numerically overloaded situations against opposing centre-forwards. What are the in-possession responsibilities of a modern centre-back? They still provide defensive protection and cover in central areas, but centre-backs are now much more involved when their team is in possession. The aim, understandably, was to make their defence more secure.Īs the role developed over time, the modern centre-back has come to be far more than just a defender, though. The idea is thought to have originated in Brazil, in response to their 1950 World Cup final defeat to Uruguay. What had been a line of three full-backs in the widely used W-M structure was converted into a back line of four by a half-back dropping into the defence. The term centre-back – or centre-half – originates from the development of a back four as the most common defensive shape in football. How has the role of the centre-back evolved over time? However, modern centre-backs will also look to start attacks by building play and breaking through, around or over an opposing block or press with penetrative passes or dribbles. As with any centre-back, they mostly deal with opposing centre-forwards or wide attackers moving inside. A modern centre-back is a central defender with the same responsibilities as a traditional centre-back, but with more importance placed on their in-possession actions.
