
Pavard won 209 challenges across 25 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, at an average of more than eight successful challenges per game. Honed primarily as a centre-back at first Lille and latterly VfB Stuttgart, Pavard has the requisite grit and reading of the game to play through the middle, but those same skills make him the perfect full-back for teams who prefer to leave the attacking onus on midfielders playing in front of the defence.


Today, Brazilian pair Alisson and Ederson win plaudits for – and trophies with – their distribution out from the back. Only player who can use their hands in their 18-yard box (apart from throw-ins!)Īrguably the best goalkeeper ever to play the game, Neuer has the shot-stopping ability of any who have gone before him, but if sweeper-keepers – players as good with their feet as with their hands – are now the most in-demand operators in the position, then soccer has Neuer to thank.Ĭolombian cult hero Rene Higuita used to try and beat opposition forwards in the 1990s, not always successfully.Wears gloves, and a different coloured jersey from teammates.Also organises the defence and builds play from the back.

takes a closer look… Position: Goalkeeper Soccer positions explained: names, numbers and what they doįootball, soccer, the beautiful game… it’s estimated that more than 250 million people play the sport in some capacity worldwide, but who is doing what, and where, when the 22 players take to the field? From Manuel Neuer to Robert Lewandowski, via the likes of Jude Bellingham and Christopher Nkunku, the German top flight has boasted some of the best players in the world in their positions.
