11d • General discussion
4-5-1 Formation (Number System)
Back Line (4)
1 – Goalkeeper
2 – Right Back
3 – Left Back
4 – Center Back
5 – Center Back Midfield (5)
6 – Defensive Midfielder
8 – Box-to-Box Central Midfielder
10 – Attacking Midfielder
7 – Right Midfielder / Winger
11 – Left Midfielder / Winger
Forward (1)
9 – Striker
Position Roles & Responsibilities
(Attacking & Defensive)
1 – Goalkeeper
Attacking
- Starts buildup with feet (short or long distribution)
- Supports possession as an outlet
- Quick restarts to exploit numbers up
Defensive
- Shot stopping
- Organizes back line
- Controls space behind defense (sweeper role)
Defense
2 – Right Back
Attacking
- Provides width on the right
- Overlaps and supports wide midfielder
- Delivers crosses when space allows
Defensive
- Defends opposing left winger
- Maintains compact back line
- Recovers quickly on turnovers
3 – Left Back
Attacking
- Provides width on the left
- Supports buildup and overlapping runs
- Delivers crosses into the box
Defensive
- Defends opposing right winger
- Tracks runners and recovers quickly
- Maintains defensive shape
4 – Center Back
Attacking
- Initiates buildup with clean passing
- Steps into midfield when space is available
- Supports set pieces offensively
Defensive
- Primary defender vs striker
- Strong in aerial duels
- Maintains defensive line and clears danger
5 – Center Back
Attacking
- Helps circulate possession
- Switches the point of attack
- Supports set pieces
Defensive
- Covers space behind the back line
- Organizes and communicates
- Provides cover for partner center back
Midfield
6 – Defensive Midfielder (Holding Mid)
Attacking
- Acts as the pivot in buildup
- Keeps possession with simple passes
- Drops between center backs when needed
Defensive
- Shields the back four
- Breaks up attacks and wins second balls
- Screens passing lanes
8 – Central Midfielder (Box-to-Box)
Attacking
- Links defense to attack
- Makes late runs into the box
- Supports wide areas and central play
Defensive
- Applies pressure in midfield
- Tracks runners
- Helps regain possession
10 – Attacking Midfielder
Attacking
- Creates scoring chances
- Operates between the lines
- Combines with striker and wingers
Defensive
- First line of midfield pressure
- Presses opposing defensive mids
- Cuts off central passing lanes
7 – Right Midfielder / Winger
Attacking
- Provides width on the right
- Attacks space on counterattacks
- Delivers crosses or cuts inside
Defensive
- Tracks opposing fullback
- Drops to form a midfield line of five
- Tucks inside when the ball is on the opposite side
11 – Left Midfielder / Winger
Attacking
- Provides width on the left
- Attacks 1v1s or cuts inside
- Delivers crosses into the box
Defensive
- Tracks opposing fullback
- Helps the left back defensively
- Tucks inside when the ball is on the far side
Attack
9 – Striker
Attacking
- Holds up play
- Finishes scoring chances
- Brings midfielders into the attack
Defensive
- Initiates the press
- Forces play wide or backward
- Cutting the field in half by the way they force the play
- Disrupts center backs’ buildup
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4-5-1 Formation (Number System)
