T

Deliberately fouling to stop a dangerous attack, usually when you've been caught out on the counter. The foul breaks up play, lets your team get back, and costs nothing except maybe a yellow card. Holding midfielders do it most often. It's cynical but effective, and the punishment rarely fits the crime since the attacking team loses a promising situation for just a free kick in a non-dangerous area.

An insult for strikers who score mostly from close range - the implication being anyone could tap the ball in from there. Used to dismiss prolific scorers by suggesting positioning doesn't count as a skill. Poachers would argue that being in the right place constantly is harder than it looks. Inzaghi got called this his whole career, but he won everything and scored in Champions League finals.

Contacting a player under contract without their club's permission, trying to convince them to push for a move. Against FIFA rules and can result in bans, but everyone assumes it happens constantly because it's hard to prove. Usually goes through agents rather than directly. Clubs accuse each other of tapping up whenever a player starts agitating to leave.

A big striker who wins headers, holds the ball up, and brings others into play. The team hits long balls to him, he brings it down or flicks it on, and teammates run off him. Different skill set from your typical striker: heading, shielding, strength, smart movement. Drogba, Andy Carroll, and Zlatan have all played the role. Less fashionable now with possession football everywhere, but still useful for certain tactics.

British slang for technical skill, especially flashy stuff - quick feet, nutmegs, close control. Comes from "technique" and emerged from street football and youth culture before spreading online. "Good tekkers" means a player can do impressive things with the ball. It's informal and mostly used by fans rather than pundits or analysts.