Numbering Systems for Soccer

[fuentga]

I am living in Argentina now and everyone here has as a reference a numbering system for soccer. Similar to how basketball uses terms like 2 guard etc..

Best yet, in all the divisions below the first, the players do not have set numbers. So, the player wears the jersey of the position he plays..much like the English National Team..so here is the numbering system that I have figured out..

9 7 (forwards with 7 playing a little wider and lower)
10
11 5 8
3..2 6..4 ( with 2 playing more of a sweeper role)

sometimes..they play with two 5s..(mascherano and gago)

[Grinners89]

Numbering system is different for English NT. Most other NT's that have a numbering system for the 1st 11 also are different to the one you posted.

___1___

2_5_6_3

7_8_4_11

_10_9_

[themodelcitizen]

A lot of it is inspired by the old M/W formations from the 50s:

1
2 - 3
4 - 5 - 6
7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11


Hence the modern usage:

2 - right back
3 - left back
4 - midfielder (Vieira/Cesc)
5 - midfielder/centre-back
6 - midfielder
7 - right wing/creative player
8 - attacking mid/supportive forward
9 - classic centre forward
10 - supportive forward/playmaker
11 - winger/forward

I've seen both 12 and 13 used for goalkeepers or "utility players" who come off the bench and can fill a variety of positions.