Skill

A quick side-to-side shift - push the ball across your body with one foot, then take it away with the other. Named after the Spanish snack because it's a small, quick movement. Simple in theory but effective for evading tackles in tight spaces. Iniesta used it constantly in crowded midfield areas, buying himself inches of space that others couldn't find.

A quick pass and return - you pass to a teammate, run past your marker, and receive the ball back. Also called a wall pass or give-and-go. Simple but effective for breaking through tight defenses. Requires two players on the same wavelength and a pass with enough pace that the defender can't recover. Basic attacking play that never goes out of fashion.

Looking behind you before receiving the ball to see where defenders and teammates are. The best midfielders do it constantly, multiple times before the ball arrives. It lets them know whether to turn, lay it off, or switch play. Players who don't check their shoulder get caught on the ball or miss options. Xavi was famous for how often he scanned the pitch.

A pass from the byline back into the penalty area, usually toward the edge of the six-yard box. The crosser gets to the end line and pulls it back to an arriving teammate. Cutbacks are high-percentage chances because the ball is traveling away from the goalkeeper, making it easier to finish. Modern teams create cutbacks constantly because the xG from them is excellent.

Moving your foot over and around the ball without touching it, creating a feint to throw defenders off. Also called scissors or "pedaladas." You can do one or string several together, like early Ronaldo at United, who would do four or five in a row. At speed with a sharp burst afterwards, it leaves defenders stuck. Do too many and your teammates start getting annoyed.

A throw-in that reaches the penalty area, effectively becoming a set piece. Rory Delap made it famous at Stoke - his throws were like crosses, and teams would defend them like corners. Not many players can do it properly, but those who can turn every throw near the corner flag into a scoring opportunity. It requires technique and strength.

Running toward the far post from a cross, arriving late into the danger area. The cross travels across the face of goal, past the near post runners and the goalkeeper, and finds someone arriving at the back. Defenders struggle to track back post runners because their eyes are on the ball and not behind them. It requires timing and pace to arrive at the right moment with a back post run, but it is a very effective tactic.