Operating as a duo or trio, they’re responsible for stopping all central threats and preventing strikers from scoring.Ĭenter backs are tough-tackling, no-nonsense types who never give an inch.

So, the pressure to perform never ceases.Ĭenter backs are the enforcers of the backline. In general, CAMs get judged on the number of goals and assists they provide in a season. They rely on their quality to eventually make a breakthrough in the final third. This is a reflection of just how difficult this role is.Īttacking midfielders find pockets of space to pick up possession, then immediately look to instigate attacks with probing passes and direct runs. Statistically, CAMs turn over possession more than any other position. They must have top-tier positional sense and know exactly what’s going on around them. Using pin-point passing, high-level dribbling, and intelligence, CAMs are the keys to unlocking a rigid defense.Īlthough they play between the opposition’s lines of midfield and defense, they frequently receive the ball with their back to the goal in congested areas. Some of the world’s best players assume this role, such as Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Fernandes. It’s a position that requires elite technical skills, vision, and at times, a dash of genius. Even when they’re in a funk, the best forwards ignore their form and focus on taking the next chance.Īll these make the striker one of the hardest positions in soccer.Ĭenter attacking midfielders (CAMs) are at the heart of any team’s offense. In addition to fundamentals, strikers must have bulletproof minds and supreme confidence. They leverage their abilities in every game to gain inches on their opponents. More often than not, strikers are the best technical players on their teams. In high-pressure moments with defenders chasing you down, finishing calmly is a skill that takes years of practice to master. When the ball eventually comes their way, strikers need to be clinical. They must develop a good understanding of the game and learn the art of movement to get themselves into good positions. Strikers bear the heaviest goal-scoring burden for their teams.Īlongside stopping them, scoring goals is the hardest part of soccer.Ĭompeting against big center backs and feisty defenders, strikers are always outnumbered. They stay high up the field, shoot at every opportunity, and get all the headlines when they score the winner.Īlthough these are some of the roles of a striker, they barely scratch the surface in terms of their overall responsibilities.

From the outside, it may seem like the striker has it easy.

Soccer position numbers 9v9