In association football, the formation of a team refers to the position players take in relation to each other on a pitch. As association football is a fluid and fast-moving game, a player's position
Program for an 1887 game between Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday. The players of both teams are arranged in 2–3–5 formation.
3–5–2 formation
3–6–1 formation
Midfielder
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In association football, a midfielder takes an outfield position primarily in the middle of the pitch. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role breaking up attacks, and are in that case know
Formation (association football)
…players are in each row of the formation, from the most defensive to the most advanced. For example, the "4–5–1" formation has four defenders, five midfielders, and a single forward. The choice of formation is normally made by a team's manager or head coach. Different formations can be used depending on whether…
Spanish midfielder Xavi was known for his passing and vision with Barcelona.
A box-to-box midfielder, Steven Gerrard has been lauded for his effectiveness both offensively and defensively at Liverpool.
Spain holding midfielder Sergio Busquets (16, red) moves to block a shot from Italian striker (9, blue) Mario Balotelli.
Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić was regarded as an emblematic "box-to-box" playmaker with Real Madrid.