Center backs in football are typically known for their defensive skills and their ability to stop the opposition’s attacks. However, in modern football and based on soccer analysis, center backs are also expected to contribute to their team’s attacking play, especially in possession-based systems that prioritize building play from the back.
Here are some ways in which center backs can play attacking football:
- Playing long balls: Center backs are often tasked with playing long balls over the top of the opposition’s defense to create goal-scoring opportunities for their team. This can be particularly effective if the opposition’s defense is playing a high line and leaving space in behind.
- Carrying the ball forward: Center backs who are comfortable on the ball can also carry the ball forward from defense into midfield, creating an extra passing option and potentially opening up space for their team’s attackers. This can be particularly effective against teams that press high up the field, as it can create gaps in the opposition’s defense. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that a major chunk of soccer analysis being done at football clubs revolves around the attacking output of center backs.
- Overlapping runs: In some systems, center backs may be instructed to make overlapping runs down the flanks, providing an extra attacking option and potentially creating opportunities to deliver crosses into the box.
- Set-piece threat: Center backs are often the tallest players on the field, making them a threat from set-pieces such as corners and free-kicks. They can use their height and aerial ability to score goals or create goal-scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Overall, while center backs are primarily responsible for their team’s defensive play, they can also contribute significantly to their team’s attacking play. Through their passing, dribbling, and set-piece ability, center backs can help their team to create chances and score goals.
It is safe to assume through rigorous soccer analysis that today, defense is the first point of attack which is why a lot of teams have a preference for ball-playing center backs.
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