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From BigSoccer Wiki

As in any sport, every soccer player has a position. There are 4 main positions, with each positon (except goalkeeper) having variations.

Contents 1 Goalkeeper 2 Defense 3 Midfield 4 Striker

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the last line of defense. He is the only player allowed to use his hands on the field. If he is red carded a sub keeper must come in and a field player must be sacrificed. Also, he/she cannot pickup the ball if passed by a teammate.

Defense

The defense plays in front of the goalkeeper, and there are different types of defenders. Center-backs play in the middle of the defense, rarely coming up to attack and mainly staying back to defend. Most center-defenders are tall and tough, but some are small and quick. Full-backs play on the left and right wings of the defense. Their job is to defend the wing but also to provide attacking options down the wing. They are required to run up and down the wing all game. A sweeper is the 'last man'. When a team employs a sweeper, he stays behind the defense and 'sweeps' away danger. A stopper is a defender who is placed directly in front of the defense, trying to stop the attacker before he reaches the rest of the defenders.

Midfield

Midfielders are probably the most hardworking players on the pitch. They not only have to defend but also have to help attack too. Good midfielders never stop running all game. A center midfielder plays in the center of the pitch and usually controls the tempo of the game, making passes to his other teammates to get the ball moving. Wingers play on the left and right wing, and like full-backs, run up and down the wing providing other attacking options for the team. Wingers are usually speedy and have good technique. An attacking midfielder plays in the center of the pitch but more advanced, usually a couple of feet behind the striker(s). He is usually the most technical and creative player on the field, creating chances for the strikers and even creating chances for himself. A defensive midfielder plays in the center of the pitch but more in the defensive third of the field. He is usually a couple of feet ahead of the defenders. His job is to stop the attack before it reaches the defense.

Striker

A striker's job is to put the ball in the back of the net. Most teams play with 2 strikers, but many also play with one or even as many as three. An out-and-out striker stays uptop, waiting to receive the ball and finish it. A support striker plays upfront but a couple of feet behind the main striker, creating chances and finishing himself when he has to. A target man is usually a big, tall striker, who is good at holding the ball, heading the ball, and trapping it.