Position

Italian term for a midfielder who drifts into the half-space between central and wide areas. Not quite a central midfielder, not quite a winger. They make runs into channels, receive between the lines, and provide width when wingers cut inside. Gündoğan under Guardiola played this way - nominally central but constantly drifting wide and arriving late in the box.

Another name for an inverted full-back - a full-back who moves inside into midfield rather than staying wide. "False" because they're not playing as a traditional full-back. The term gets used interchangeably with inverted full-back, though some coaches distinguish between the two based on exactly where the player ends up (how deep, how central).

Plays just behind the striker, arriving late into the box to score or finding pockets in the channels. Unlike a classic 10 who drops deep, the shadow striker focuses on forward runs and finishing. Thomas Müller calls himself a "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) - he finds gaps and arrives in dangerous spots without defenders noticing. Often racks up goals despite playing nominally behind the main forward.

A midfielder who covers the whole pitch, showing up in both penalty areas in the same game. They tackle in their own box and arrive in the opposition's to score. Gerrard, Lampard, Vieira, and Yaya Touré were all box-to-box players. It's a demanding role and harder to find now because midfield positions have become more specialized.

A wide player who starts out on the flank but drifts inside to get shots or play passes centrally. Usually placed on the opposite side to their strong foot so they can cut in and shoot. The role took over from traditional wingers because managers wanted goal threats from wide areas, not just crosses. Pace, dribbling, finishing, and smart movement into space all matter.