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An insult for a player whose goal stats are padded by penalties. Used to dismiss achievements by arguing they couldn't score as many from open play. Common in online debates comparing strikers, though it's often unfair to designated penalty takers who didn't choose to be handed spot kicks. Bruno Fernandes at United is a frequent target.

Receiving the ball side-on so you're already facing partially up the pitch, ready to play forward or turn quickly. Better than receiving flat-footed with your back to goal. Players who check their shoulder before receiving can set up half-turns and play faster. It's a small thing that separates players who keep attacks moving from those who have to stop and turn.

A player who turns up for the biggest games, e.g. cup finals, title deciders etc. Other players can get labeled as players who only turn up against smaller teams.

Also called "libero" (Italian for "free"). A defender who sits behind the back line to mop up balls that get through. Unlike other defenders, the sweeper had license to carry the ball forward and start attacks. Beckenbauer, Baresi, and Sammer were famous for combining defensive work with creative passing from deep. The role has mostly vanished because modern teams play high lines and use the offside trap.

When a player is on fire and can't stop performing. "He's cooking" means they're in unstoppable form, usually dominating matches and making everything look easy. The term spread from internet slang into mainstream football commentary. Can also be used negatively - "they got cooked" means they got destroyed.