Modern player positions. A second striker (SS) is often employed instead of the centre forward (CF)

In the sport of association football, each of the eleven players on a team is assigned to a particular position on the field of play. A team is made up of one goalkeeper and ten outfield players who fill various defensive, midfield and attacking positions depending on the formation deployed. These positions describe both the player's main role and their area of operation on the pitch. As the game has evolved, tactics and team formations have changed, and the names of the positions and the duties involved have evolved as well.

The fluid nature of the modern game means that positions in football are not as formally defined as in sports such as rugby or American football. Even so, most players will play in a limited range of positions throughout their career, as each position requires a particular set of skills. Footballers who are able to play comfortably in a number of positions are referred to as "utility players".^[1]

However, in Total Football tactics, the players are only loosely defined into a position. This tactic required players who were extremely versatile, such as Johan Cruyff, who could play every position on the pitch apart from goalkeeper.^[2]

Goalkeeper (GK)[link]

A goalkeeper saving a shot

The goalkeeper is the most specialised position in football. A goalkeeper's job is mainly defensive: to guard the team's goal from being breached (to not let the other team score). Goalkeeper is the only position defined in the Laws of the Game. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands and arms, however they are restricted to doing so only within their penalty area; for this reason, they must wear jerseys that distinguish them from other outfield players and the referee. If a goalkeeper is sent off or injured, and there is no substitute goalkeeper available, an outfield player must take the goalkeeper's place and put on the appropriate identifying uniform.^[3]

The discipline of goalkeeping is so specialised that it is very rare in the professional game for a goalkeeper to play in any other position. One notable exception is Jorge Campos of Mexico, who played effectively as a striker when called upon.^[4] A goalkeeper with good technical skill may opt to take his team's penalties and free kicks though this is rare as the goalkeeper would be caught out of position if possession is conceded immediately after the kick. José Luis Chilavert, formerly of Vélez Sársfield and Paraguay, and Rogério Ceni of São Paulo and Brazil are well-known free-kick and penalty specialists with over 100 goals to their names. Hans-Jörg Butt is the goalkeeper to have scored in the most different competitions, having scored in all of Germany's top four divisions, the German cup and the UEFA Champions League.^[5][6][7]

Physical strength, height, jumping ability and judgement are valued qualities for goalkeepers to have in order to deal with aerial balls and agility, quick reactions and a good positional sense are all needed for shot stopping.^[8][9] The standard football skills of ball control, tackling, passing and dribbling are not usually required in a goalkeeper, although the introduction of the back-pass rule in the early 1990s has necessitated improvement on such skills.^[10]

Defender (DF)[link]

A defender (in the foreground, wearing a white shirt) challenging for possession

Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the team and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. They usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are defending. Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head is a possibility.

Many centre-backs have the ability to bring the ball out of defence and begin counter-attacks for their own teams, thanks to tactical (game reading, anticipation, positioning, tackling) and technical (passing, vision on the pitch) capabilities.

Centre-back (CB)[link]

The job of the centre-back,^[11][12] also called centre-halves^[13][14] or central defenders,^[15] is to stop opposing players, particularly the strikers, from scoring, and to bring the ball out from their penalty area. As their name suggests, they play in a central position. Most teams employ two centre-backs, stationed in front of the goalkeeper. There are two main defensive strategies used by centre-backs: the zonal defence, where each centre-back covers a specific area of the pitch, and man-to-man marking, where each centre-back has the job of covering a particular opposition player.

Centre-backs are often tall, strong and have a good jumping, heading and tackling ability. Successful centre-backs also need to be able to concentrate, read the game well, and be brave and decisive in making last-ditch tackles on attacking players who might otherwise be through on goal. Sometimes, particularly in lower leagues, centre-backs concentrate less on ball control and passing, preferring simply to clear the ball in a "safety-first" fashion. However, there is a long tradition of centre-backs having more than just rudimentary footballing skill, enabling a more possession-oriented playing style.^[15]

The position was formerly referred to as "centre-half". In the early part of the 20th century, when most teams employed the 2–3–5 formation, the row of three players were called halfbacks. As formations evolved, the central player in this trio (the centre-half), moved into a more defensive position on the field, taking the name of the position with them.

Sweeper/Libero (SW)[link]

The sweeper or libero (Italian: free) is a more versatile type of centre-back that, as the name suggests, "sweeps up" the ball if the opponent manages to breach the defensive line. Their position is rather more fluid than other defenders who mark their designated opponents. The sweeper's ability to read the game is even more vital than for a centre-back.^[16] The catenaccio system of play, used in Italian football in the 1960s, notably employed a defensive libero.^[17]

Former German captain Franz Beckenbauer is widely accepted as the inventor of the libero and one of the best players of the role.^[18]

Right-back (RB) and left-back (LB)[link]

The right-back and the left-back are the side defenders, not like the wingbacks. They are the second common defender (first being centre-backs). These backs would defend the sides but do not really go up on attack like the wingbacks.

Wingbacks (RWB) or (LWB)[link]

The wingbacks are defenders with heavier emphasis on attack. The name is a portmanteau of "winger" and "full-back". They are usually employed in a 3–5–2 formation, and could therefore be considered part of the midfield. But they may also be used in a 5–3–2 formation and therefore have a more defensive role.

In the evolution of the modern game, wingbacks are the combination of wingers. As such it is one of the most physically demanding positions in modern football. Wingbacks are often more adventurous than right- and left-backs and are expected to provide width, especially in teams without wingers. A wingback needs to be of exceptional stamina, be able to provide crosses upfield and defend effectively against opponents' attacks down the flanks. A defensive midfielder is usually fielded to cover the advances of wingbacks.^[19]

Midfielder (MF)[link]

A midfielder plays between the defence and attack (Steven Gerrard pictured)

Midfielders are players whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders. Their main duties are to maintain possession of the ball, taking the ball from defenders and feeding it to the strikers, as well as dispossessing opposing players. Most managers field at least one central midfielder with a marked task of breaking up opposition's attacks while the rest are more adept to creating goals or have equal responsibilities between attack and defence. Midfielders can be expected to cover many areas of a pitch, as at times they can be called back into defence or required to attack with the strikers.

Defensive midfielder (DM)[link]

A defensive midfielder, holding midfielder or midfield anchor is a central midfielder who is stationed in front of the defenders to provide a more secure defence, thus "holding back" the freedom of the opponents to attack. The defensive midfielder screens the defence by harrying and tackling the opposition teams' attackers and defenders. They also help tactically, for instance, by directing central attacking players out to the wing where they have more limited influence, and by covering the positions of full-backs, midfielders and even the centre-backs as they charge up into attack.

Although the duties of defensive midfielders are primarily defensive, some midfielders are deployed as deep-lying playmakers, due to their ability to dictate tempo from a deep position with their passing. As they are not defensive specialists, they are typically supported by a more defensive holding midfielder.

Defensive midfielders require good positional sense, work rate, tackling ability, and anticipation (of player and ball movement) to excel. They also need to possess good passing skills and close control to hold the ball in midfield under sustained pressure. Most importantly, defensive midfielders require great stamina as they are the onfield players who cover the greatest distance during a professional football match. In a typical Premier League football match, a midfielder may cover up to 12 kilometres for a full 90-minute game.^{[citation needed]} Deep-lying playmakers typically require a good first touch under opposition pressure and the ability to play long crossfield passes to attacking players further upfield.

Some centre midfielders are capable of playing from "box to box" and, as the norm rather than the exception, use their strength, their passing ability, and their work rate to affect their team's game play.

Centre midfielder (CM)[link]

Central midfielders play several roles on the field of play, depending on their particular strengths and the tactics of the team. They are the link between defence and attack, and must also defend when the opposition are in possession. Their central position enables them to have an all-round view of the match, and as most of the action takes place in and around their area of the pitch, midfielders often exert the greatest degree of control over how a match is played.^[20]

Attacking midfielder (AM)[link]

Strong, flexible midfield play is essential to all successful teams. Here, English midfielder Alan Mullery scores on a spectacular 'one-two' pass against Germany in the 1970 World Cup. Mullery also defended against Pelé with some effectiveness during the Brazil – England encounter. The high-scoring Brazilian side was held to one goal

An attacking midfielder is a central midfielder who is stationed in an advanced midfield position, usually behind the strikers. These players typically serve as the offensive pivot of the team, and are sometimes said to be "playing in the hole", although this term can also be used to describe the positioning of deep-lying centre-forwards. This specialist midfielder's main role is to create goal-scoring opportunities using superior vision and skill. The attacking midfielder is an important position that requires the player to possess superior technical abilities in terms of passing and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to read the opposing defence in order to deliver defence-splitting passes to the strikers.

Some attacking midfielders are trequartistas ("three-quarters"), known for their deft touch, ability to shoot from range, and passing prowess. Where a creative attacking midfielder is regularly utilised, he is commonly the team's star player. As such, a team is often constructed so as to allow their attacking midfielder to roam free and create as the situation demands. One such popular formation is the 4–4–2 "diamond" (or 4–1–2–1–2), in which defined attacking and defensive midfielders replace the more traditional pair of central midfielders. Not all attacking midfielders are trequartistas; some AMs are very vertical and are essentially auxiliary attackers.

Wide midfielder (LM) or (RM)[link]

A wide midfielder (or side midfielder) is a midfielder who is stationed in a wide position effectively hugging the touchline.^[21]

Like all attacking players, wide midfielders need to have 'off-the-ball' intelligence, by being able to read passes from the midfield that give them a clear crossing or scoring opportunity. Traditionally, right-footed players are played on the right flank and left-footed players on the left as a matter of familiarity and comfort. However, in the modern game, coaches usually demand wingers to be able to play on both flanks and to switch flanks during play regularly as a quick change of tactics. For instance, a right-footed wide midfielder who plays on the left flank is more comfortable cutting into the middle, which suits the styles of playmaker forwards who can cause a threat both by shooting from distance, dribbling towards goal, or sliding through passes to other forwards. Another advantage is that the wide midfielder can cut inside, towards the weaker foot of the full-back. Clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid often choose to play their wingers on the 'wrong' flank for this reason.^{[citation needed]}

Forward (FW)[link]

The striker (wearing the red shirt) is past the defence (in the white shirts) and is about to take a shot at the goal

Forwards or Strikers are the players on a team in the row nearest to the opposing team's goal (note: the term attacker is also sometimes used to describe strikers/forwards but is now more commonly used to describe any player on the team currently in possession of the ball). The primary responsibility of strikers/forwards is to score goals. Good examples of strikers are noted for their fantastic goal scoring ability. Other duties can include setting up goals for other players (usually another forward, but sometimes midfielders as well) and holding the ball up so that other players may join the attack. Modern player formations include between one and three strikers; two is most common, as in the 4–4–2 formation. Because they score more goals than other players, forwards are often among the best-known and most expensive players on their teams.

Striker (ST)[link]

Coaches will often field one striker who plays on the shoulder of the last opposing defender and another attacking forward who plays somewhat deeper and assists in creating goals as well as scoring. The former is sometimes a large striker, typically known as a "target man", who is used either to distract opposing defenders to help team mates score, or to score himself; the latter is usually of quicker pace, and is required to have some abilities like finding holes in the opposing defence and, sometimes, dribbling. In other cases, strikers will operate on the wings of the field and work their way goalwards. Yet another variation is the replacement of the target man with a striker who can thread through-balls.

Players who specialise in playing as a target are usually of above-average height with good heading ability and an accurate shot. They tend to be the "outlet" player for both midfielders and defenders, able to "hold the ball up" (retain possession of the ball in an advanced position while teammates run forward to join the attack). They tend to score goals from crosses, often with the head, and can use their body strength to shield the ball while turning to score.

Other forwards may rely on their pace to run onto long balls passed over or through the opposition defence, rather than collecting the ball with their back to goal like a target man. Some forwards can play both of these roles equally well.

Forwards (RF), (CF) or (LF)[link]

The forward's one main task is to score goals.

The right-forward and left-forward (or the wide forwards) are forwards that also play along the wing. This position is similar to a winger but a wide forward plays in the 4–3–3 or 3–4–3 on the front line and emphasises more on beating defenders than crossing the ball. Wingers and wide forwards share many similarities such as needing crossing, dribbling and pace. This is why most wingers can play as wide forwards. It is very common for teams using the 4–3–2–1 formation where they have the 2 on the formation to use the side forwards to shoot from the side.

The centre-forward is like the right- and left-forward only they shoot the ball even more and their common formation is 4–4–1–1.

Secondary striker (SS)[link]

Deep-lying forwards or secondary strikers have a long history in the game, but the terminology to describe them has varied over the years. Originally such players were termed inside forwards, or deep-lying centre forwards. More recently, the preferred terms have been "withdrawn striker", "Second striker", "supporting striker", or playing "in the hole" (i.e. the space between the midfield and defence of the opposing team).

The position was initially developed by the famous Hungary national football team of the late 1940s and mid-1950s led by Ferenc Puskás. Later, it was popularised in Italian football as the trequartista ("three-quarters"), the playmaker who plays neither in midfield nor as a forward, but effectively pulls the strings for his team's attack. Many players in this position can play as an attacking midfielder or sometimes on the wing.

Whatever the terminology, the position itself is a loosely-defined one somewhere between the out-and-out striker and the midfield. Such a player is either a skillful, attack-minded midfielder or a striker who can both score and create opportunities for centre forwards. Attacking midfielders can also perform this role effectively.

Winger (RW) or (LW)[link]

A winger is an attacking player who is stationed in a wide position near the touchlines. They can be classified as forwards, considering their origin as the old "outside-forward" position, and continue to be termed as such in most parts of the world, especially in Latin and Dutch footballing cultures. However, in the Anglo-Saxon world,^{[clarification needed]} they are usually counted as part of the midfield.

In the FIFA video game series, the wingers are right wing midfielders (RWM) or left wing midfielders (LWM).

Although wingers are a familiar part of football, the use of wingers is by no means universal. There are many successful football teams who operate without wingers. A famous example is Milan, who typically play in a narrow midfield diamond formation or in a Christmas tree formation (4–3–2–1), relying on full-backs to provide the necessary width down the wings. Also, in the 1966 World Cup, England manager Alf Ramsey led a team without natural wingers to the championship. This was unusual enough at the time for the team to be nicknamed "The Wingless Wonders".^[22]

Player styles[link]

Defensive[link]

Libero
The Sweeper or libero (Italian: free) is a more versatile type of defender that "sweeps up" the ball if the opponent manages to breach the defensive line. Their position is rather more fluid than other defenders who mark their designated opponents. Sweepers are usually faster than that of the other players on the team, and are built slightly smaller than the others. The sweeper's ability to read the game is even more vital than for a centre-back.^[16] The catenaccio system of play, used in Italian football in the 1960s, notably employed a defensive libero.^[17]

Former German captain Franz Beckenbauer is widely accepted as the inventor and one of the best players of the position.^[23]

Stopper
Stoppers are physically skilled defenders who rely on their strength, stamina and man marking abilities to be able to stop (hence the name) the opposition's attacking play by making strong tackles. Stoppers usually play as centre-backs or as defensive full-back.

Wingbacks
The wingback is a defender stationed on the flank with heavy emphasis on attack and defense. The name is a portmanteau of "winger" (see below) and "full-back". As the role combines that of the winger and the full-back, wing-backs need to be blessed with good stamina. As they have the support of three centre-backs, they are expected to concentrate more on providing support for strikers while concentrating on their defensive duties.^[24]

Midfield[link]

Ball winners
A ball winner is a technically skilled player at making strong tackles, ball winners have to be good at tackling and they can also be good at heading as it can stop the opposing team's attacking play. Ball winners are usually defensive midfielders or central midfielders but can also play as defenders.

Defensive midfielders
Defensive midfielders are midfielders that focus mainly on defense. They need strength to make strong tackles and they also need stamina and some degree of passing skill as they need to support other midfielders.

Box to box
Box to box midfielders help with almost every aspect of the game. They need immense stamina as they need to cover most areas of the pitch, as well as some degree of passing skills. They normally play as central midfielders but some play as defensive or attacking, and others can also play on the flanks as wing-backs or wide midfielders.

Pulls wide right/left
These are wide midfielders that have pace and/or dribbling ability to be able to beat defenders along the flank. Their most important skill is to be able to cross the ball in to the penalty box to create opportunities for strikers.

Playmaker
Playmakers are midfielders with good on-the-ball control and good passing ability but also good off-the-ball ability to be able to read the game and to seek goal-scoring opportunities. Playmakers usually play as attacking midfielders, but some play as defensive or central midfielders (deep-lying playmakers). Some also play on the flank usually on their weaker side as that gives them the opportunity to cut infield.

Attacking[link]

Dribblers
Dribblers use either their pace and/or dribbling ability to beat defenders. Their main task is to create opportunities for other attackers to score using dribbling skills, pace and ball control to beat defenders. They usually play as wingers or secondary Strikers, but in some cases, they play as centre forwards.

Counter attackers
Counter attackers use their pace to beat defenders and cause unexpected scoring opportunities at any time. They also need some degree of shooting skill. They can play in any forward position but rarely as wingers.

Clinical strikers
Clinical strikers are attackers that specialize in shooting ability, hence scoring goals. They also need some degree of pace to beat defenders. Clinical strikers usually play as centre forwards.

Target men
Target men are attackers that generally have a high degree of physical strength. They are able to make space and score goals, no matter how much pressure defenders are putting on them. They specialize in ball control, strength to hold off defenders, and volleying when receiving long passes. They should only play as centre forwards.

Goal poachers
Goal poachers are attackers who wait in the six-yard box or the penalty area for a cross or a pass. When they receive one, they pounce and try to score. Goal poachers usually play as centre forwards.

Tactical evolution[link]

In the early days of association football, the game was very much focused on attack and, as such, many teams (e.g. Royal Engineers, 1872) played with a 1–2–7 formation (one defender, two mid-fielders and seven attackers). The single defender was known as the three-quarter-back, and he was supported in part by two half-backs from mid-field who would be in charge of orchestrating the game with short passing. Up front, the seven forwards were split into four wing forwards and three centre forwards. The wingers' main task was to use their pace to pick up on the long balls sent forward by the half- and three-quarter-backs, whereas the centre forwards were charged with taking the short passes from the half-backs.

In order to combat the short-passing threat, the championship-winning Preston North End side of 1888 devised a more defensive 2–3–5 formation (two defenders, three mid-fielders and five attackers), which would become the standard formation for many teams for the best part of the next 40 years. One of the half-backs was brought back into defence, which sat deeper than before, making the two defenders full-backs as opposed to three-quarter-backs. Their main job was to mark the opposition's inside forwards and cut out the short passes in mid-field. Furthermore, two forwards were brought back into midfield as half-backs to mark the opposition wingers and negate the pace threat. The remaining half-back became a centre-back, who would patrol the field, drifting from defence to attack as he saw fit. This left two wingers up front (outside-right and outside-left), along with two inside-forwards (inside-right and inside-left) and a centre-forward.

Up until this point, for an attacking player to be onside, there had to be at least three opposing players closer to their goal-line than the attacker. In the 1920s, the offside rule was changed so that only two opposing players were required between the attacker and the goal-line for the attacker to still be onside. This made it easier for attackers to score against the two-man defences of the day. To combat this, Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman devised a system that utilised three defenders as opposed to the usual two. This system was complemented by a strict man-marking regime, whereby the centre-back – who had now retreated to the centre of the three man defence – would stick as close to the opposing centre-forward as possible, while the full-backs – who had moved further wide to accommodate the centre-back – would mark the wingers. This left two mid-fielders in a slightly less advanced position than before to act as wing-halves who would have the dual responsibility of loosely marking the inside forwards and providing the forwards with the ball. This was helped by the slight withdrawal of the inside forwards from the front line. Chapman's formation was referred to as the W–M formation due to its appearance on the field with all the players in their described positions.^{[citation needed]}

A variation of the W–M formation was the Hungarian M–U formation used to great effect against England in 1953, when they became the first non-British side to beat England at the old Wembley Stadium. This formation was so-called because of the deep-lying centre-forward Nándor Hidegkuti, used to draw the opposition centre-back out of position, leaving plenty of space between the full-backs for the inside-forwards Ferenc Puskás and Sándor Kocsis to exploit.

In 1958, the Brazilians won their first of five World Cups to date thanks to the "flat back four" system they had developed to counter the Hungarians' M–U. Two centre-backs would mark the inside-forwards' runs from deep, while the wider full-backs would not only cut out the threat of the opposing wingers but also provide width on the counter-attack. The relative lack of numbers in the middle of the park meant a creative presence was required, and for the Brazilians, that presence was provided in the form of their dazzling midfielder Didi.

The advent of the Italian "Catenaccio" (bolt) system came soon after, and was a more defensive variation on the Brazilians' 4–2–4 system. Two forwards were withdrawn to leave just two up front, and an extra midfielder was added to bolster the midfield. However, the major tactical innovation with this formation was the floating sweeper, often referred to in Italian as a "libero", or "free man". While the four main defenders would have the task of strict man-marking the opposition forwards, the libero would act as a sponge, mopping up any attacks that might happen to get through the tight defence. Franz Beckenbauer of Bayern Munich gave the position a more attacking role and played a major part as captain of the West Germany side that won the World Cup in 1974 and came third in 1970.

Meanwhile, the English had also developed a tactical formation that lay somewhere between a 4–2–4, a 4–4–2 and a 4–3–3. The flat back four that had become so popular remained intact, but the midfield was a free-flowing unit with players given license to attack as the scenario saw fit. In defence, using the 1966 World Cup side as an example, Martin Peters, Bobby Charlton and Alan Ball would all stay back to counter the opposition attack. However, in attack they had two options: Peters and Ball could charge forward, creating problems for the opposition out wide with their pace and crossing ability, creating a 4–2–4 formation; or Charlton could burst through the middle of the strike partnership of Roger Hunt and Geoff Hurst and overload the centre of the opposition defence, providing either an extra man in the box or an effective long-shot alternative. The unsung hero of Alf Ramsey's England side was Nobby Stiles, who was the midfield linchpin, whom the team relied on in defence when Charlton surged forward in support of the strikers.

The mid- to late-1970s saw the coming of the Dutch "Total Football" scheme. While not burdened with a specific, rigid formation, the system relied on extremely versatile players who were able to fill in at any position the circumstances of the game required them to. One such player was the legendary Johan Cruijff, who epitomised the Total Football ideology by being able to play in almost every outfield position. A major criticism of this style of play was that, for the Dutch national side, it never yielded a major trophy, but it did help them to reach two consecutive World Cup finals (1974 and 1978), which is no mean feat. The argument is somewhat negated by the fact that the Ajax side that Cruijff played in won three consecutive European Cup titles in the 1970s.

The last major tactical evolution occurred in the late 1980s/early 1990s, when the AC Milan side played with a variation on the 4–4–2 formation. This formation relied extensively on the four defenders' ability to work as a unit in order to spring the offside trap on slower attackers, as well as the stamina of the midfielders who would be expected to pressure the opposition as soon as they gained possession of the ball. In attack, the team would play short passes within the midfield, using their crisp passing and dynamic movement to open up holes in the defence and create attacking opportunities.

The 2010 World Cup confirmed a general shift toward a broadly counter-attacking, reactive 4–2–3–1 by the world's more successful teams.^[25] Indeed, of the four semi-finalists in that tournament, all but Uruguay employed some variation of this tactic. This shape tends to utilize fluid movement between the four wing players, with full-backs expected to provide plenty of support to the wingers in front of them. Following the World Cup, most of the world's major leagues^{[clarification needed]} have seen this tactic being used by an increasing number of teams.^{[citation needed]}

See also[link]

• Football tactics and skills
• Formation (association football)

References[link]

Darren Shaw is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He is the coach of Rochdale Hornets.

Before his coaching career, Shaw played for a number of clubs in England and Australia. Shaw played for Brisbane Broncos^{[citation needed]}, London Broncos, Sheffield Eagles, Castleford Tigers and Salford City Reds. At the Sheffield Eagles, Shaw earned a Challenge Cup winner's medal when the Eagles beat Wigan in the 1998 final.

Darren Shaw was assistant coach to Bobbie Goulding at Rochdale Hornets prior to taking charge at Leigh in 2006. Shaw replaced Tony Benson after Benson was relieved of his duties following a shock play-off defeat to Batley Bulldogs.

Shortly after Shaw's appointment it was found that he did not have the relevant coaching qualifications to take charge of a team at National League level. To counter this, Shaw was made Football Manager, with Paul Rowley becoming First Team coach.

Darren Shaw's first full season in charge of Leigh Centurions ended with a 19-6 play off defeat away to Whitehaven. Leigh's 2007 season was one dogged by inconsistency. Convincing wins were often followed by heavy defeats as Shaw was forced to field a number of youngsters due to injury problems. The unsettled nature of the side in 2007 was reflected by the fact that Shaw gave debuts to over 20 players over the course of the season.

Despite the disappointing end to the 2007 season, Shaw was given a contract to coach Leigh for the 2008 season.

After a promising start to the 2008 season, Shaw tendered his resignation following defeats to Salford, Widnes and Featherstone Rovers.^[1]

He was appointed as Head Coach of Rochdale Hornets in May 2008.

Challenge Cup final appearances[link]

Dale Laughton played Right Second-row forward, i.e. number 12, in Sheffield Eagles' 17-8 victory over Wigan in the 1998 Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 2 May 1998.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org

Diego Lugano

Personal information
Full name	Diego Alfredo Lugano Moreno
Date of birth	(1980-11-02) November 2, 1980 (age 31)
Place of birth	Canelones, Uruguay
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[1]
Playing position	Centre back
Club information
Current club	Paris Saint-Germain
Number	15
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999–2001	Nacional	13	(0)
2001–2002	Plaza Colonia	46	(4)
2003–2006	São Paulo	96	(8)
2006–2011	Fenerbahçe	125	(21)
2011–	Paris Saint-Germain	12	(0)
National team‡
2003–	Uruguay	68	(8)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 29 April 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Diego Alfredo "Tota" Lugano Moreno (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈdjeɣo luˈɣano]; born November 2, 1980 in Canelones) is a Uruguayan footballer who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Uruguay national football team as a central defender. Lugano has previously played for Plaza Colonia, Nacional, São Paulo and Fenerbahçe. He is also captain of the Uruguayan national football team, and was selected the best captain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.^[2]

Career[link]

He starts his career in Club Atlético Tres Esquinas Canelones (child football) and the pass to the Club Atlético Libertad (Canelones, Uruguay). In December 1998, he plays on first squad of Libertad to be champion with 18 years old. From Libertad, in 1999, he transfers to the Club Nacional de Football (Montevideo, Uruguay). He plays some friendlies in Europe with Nacional first team. A few years later, Lugano pass to Club Plaza de Deportes (Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay).

São Paulo[link]

After Oswaldo de Oliveira left the club in late 2003, Lugano started playing matches more frequently. In 2005, while playing for São Paulo as a centre-back, he led the team to titles in the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa Libertadores, and the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan. That same year, Lugano was recognized as South America's best defender. His leadership skills^[3] and his willingness to fight for ball possession^[4] have raised his profile amongst São Paulo's supporters, where he is still highly regarded.^[5] Lugano has also mentioned that he still maintains a good relationship with the club.^[6]

In 2006, he helped his club to the runner-up stage of the Copa Libertadores.

Fenerbahçe SK[link]

Lugano joined Fenerbahçe on 21 August 2006 for a reported €7.5 million ^[7] and signed a 3+1 year contract. He and former teammate Edu Dracena's powerful defensive abilities helped Fenerbahçe win the league during the club's 100th anniversary year. He is notorious for his presence in attack, as was shown with Previous club Fenerbahçe, having scored goals with headers from dead ball situations and support of the forward line. He became a fan favorite with his defensice tenacity and spectacular dead ball goals. Supporters refer to him as 'TOTA' (Talento, Orgullo, Tecnico, Ambicion - Talent, Pride, Skillfulness, Ambition in Spanish).^[8][9] Following a red card, he was suspended for 5 weeks after the derby match against Galatasaray during the 2008–09 season when he beat Emre Aşık on 12 April 2009 in Ali Sami Yen Stadium.^[10] Since then he has a strong connection with supporters, especially with the Genç Fenerbahçeliler.^[11][12] He was one of the captains of the team

He signed a new 4-year contract in 2009 with Fenerbahçe.^[13]

Paris Saint-Germain[link]

On August 27, 2011 Fenerbahçe announced Lugano was leaving the club to join Paris-Saint Germain for a fee worth €3 million.^[14][15]

Personal life[link]

Lugano is married to Karina Roncio and has three children: Nicolás, Thiago and Bianca. Nicolás, the oldest child, plays for Fenerbahçe youth teams.^[16][17] Thiago and Bianca were born in Istanbul.^[18][19] He has cited the defenders Hugo de León and Paolo Montero as his personal football heroes.^[20]

International appearances and goals[link]

International appearances and goals
#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Result	Competition	Goal
1	4 February 2003	Hong Kong Stadium, Wan Chai	Iran	1–1	2003 Carlsberg Cup
2	17 November 2004	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Paraguay	1–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	26 March 2005	Estadio Nacional de Chile, Santiago	Chile	1–1	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	30 March 2005	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Brazil	1–1	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
5	4 June 2005	Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo	Venezuela	1–1	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
6	7 June 2005	Estadio Nacional, Lima	Peru	0–0	2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
7	8 October 2005	Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito	Ecuador	0–0	2006 World Cup qualification
8	12 October 2005	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Uruguay	1–0	2006 World Cup qualification
9	16 November 2005	Telstra Stadium, Sydney	Australia	0–1	2006 World Cup qualification
10	1 March 2006	Anfield, Liverpool	England	1–2	Friendly
11	15 November 2006	Boris Paichadze Stadium, Tbilisi	Georgia	0–2	Friendly
12	24 March 2007	Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul	South Korea	2–0	Friendly
13	2 June 2007	Telstra Stadium, Sydney	Australia	1–2	Friendly
14	26 June 2007	Estadio Metropolitano, Mérida	Peru	0–3	2007 Copa América
15	30 June 2007	Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal	Bolivia	1–0	2007 Copa América
16	3 July 2007	Estadio Metropolitano, Mérida	Venezuela	0–0	2007 Copa América
17	7 July 2007	Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal	Venezuela	4–1	2007 Copa América
18	10 July 2007	Estadio José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo	Brazil	2–2	2007 Copa América
19	14 July 2007	Estadio Olímpico, Caracas	Mexico	1–3	2007 Copa América
20	17 October 2007	Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción	Paraguay	0–1	2010 World Cup qualification
21	17 November 2007	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Chile	2–2	2010 World Cup qualification
22	21 November 2007	Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo	Brazil	1–2	2010 World Cup qualification
23	6 February 2008	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Colombia	2–2	Friendly
24	14 June 2008	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Venezuela	1–1	2010 World Cup qualification	1 (1)
25	18 June 2008	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Peru	6–0	2010 World Cup qualification
26	20 August 2008	Sapporo Dome, Sapporo	Japan	3–1	Friendly
27	6 September 2008	Estadio El Campín, Bogotá	Colombia	1–0	2010 World Cup qualification
28	10 September 2008	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Ecuador	0–0	2010 World Cup qualification
29	11 October 2008	Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires	Argentina	1–2	2010 World Cup qualification	1 (2)
30	14 October 2008	Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz	Bolivia	2–2	2010 World Cup qualification
31	19 November 2008	Stade de France, Saint-Denis	France	0–0	Friendly
32	11 February 2009	June 11 Stadium, Tripoli	Libya	3–2	Friendly
33	28 March 2009	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Paraguay	2–0	2010 World Cup qualification	1 (3)
34	1 April 2009	Estadio Nacional de Chile, Santiago	Chile	0–0	2010 World Cup qualification
35	9 June 2009	Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz	Venezuela	2–2	2010 World Cup qualification
36	12 August 2009	Stade 5 Juillet 1962, Algiers	Algeria	0–1	Friendly
37	5 September 2009	Estadio Monumental "U", Lima	Peru	0–1	2010 World Cup qualification
38	10 October 2009	Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito	Ecuador	2–1	2010 World Cup qualification
39	24 October 2009	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Argentina	0–1	2010 World Cup qualification
40	14 November 2009	Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, San José, Costa Rica	Costa Rica	1–0	2010 World Cup qualification	1 (4)
41	18 November 2009	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Costa Rica	1–1	2010 World Cup qualification
42	26 May 2010	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Israel	4–1	Friendly
43	11 June 2010	Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town	France	0–0	2010 FIFA World Cup
44	16 June 2010	Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria	South Africa	3–0	2010 FIFA World Cup
45	22 June 2010	Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg	Mexico	1–0	2010 FIFA World Cup
46	26 June 2010	Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth	South Korea	2–1	2010 FIFA World Cup
47	2 July 2010	Soccer City, Johannesburg	Ghana	1–1	2010 FIFA World Cup
48	10 July 2010	Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth	Germany	3–2	2010 FIFA World Cup
49	11 August 2010	Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon	Angola	2–0	Friendly
50	8 October 2010	Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta	Indonesia	7–1	Friendly
51	12 October 2010	Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, Wuhan	China PR	4–0	Friendly
52	17 November 2010	Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Santiago	Chile	0–2	Friendly
53	25 March 2011	A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn	Estonia	0–2	Friendly
54	29 March 2011	Aviva Stadium, Dublin	Republic of Ireland	3–2	Friendly	1 (5)
55	29 May 2011	Rhein-Neckar Arena, Sinsheim	Germany	1–2	Friendly
56	8 June 2011	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Netherlands	1–1	Copa Confraternidad de Antel
57	23 June 2011	Estadio Atilio Paiva Olivera, Rivera	Estonia	3–0	Copa 100 Años del Banco de Seguros del Estado
58	4 July 2011	Estadio del Bicentenario, San Juan	Peru	1–1	2011 Copa América
59	8 July 2011	Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza	Chile	1–1	2011 Copa América
60	12 July 2011	Estadio "Ciudad de La Plata", La Plata	Mexico	1–0	2011 Copa América
61	16 July 2011	Estadio Brigadier Estanislao López, Santa Fé	Argentina	1–1	2011 Copa América
62	19 July 2011	Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata	Peru	2–0	2011 Copa América
63	26 July 2011	Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires	Paraguay	3–0	2011 Copa América
64	2 September 2011	Oblast Sports Complex Metalist, Kharkiv	Ukraine	3–2	Friendly	1 (6)
65	7 October 2011	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Bolivia	4–2	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification	2 (8)
66	11 October 2011	Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción	Paraguay	1–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
67	11 November 2011	Estadio Centenario, Montevideo	Chile	4–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
68	15 November 2011	Stadio Olimpico, Rome	Italy	1–0	Friendly

Honours[link]

Club[link]

Nacional

• Primera División: 2000

São Paulo

• Campeonato Paulista: 2005
• Copa Libertadores: 2005
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2005
• Série A: 2006

Fenerbahçe

• Süper Lig: 2006–07, 2010–11
• Turkish Super Cup: 2007, 2009

International[link]

Uruguay

• 2007 Copa América: Fourth Place
• 2010 World Cup: Fourth Place
• 2011 Copa América: Winner

References[link]

External links[link]

• Diego Lugano on Playerhistory.com
• Diego Lugano's official website
• Football Database provides Diego Lugano's profile and stats
• Profile at Turkish Football Federation
• World Football Profile
• Soccerway Profile
• Brazil Futpedia (Portuguese)
• Information and Pictures about Diego Lugano
• My first World Cup: Diego Lugano. BBC Sport. Published 25 May 2010.

Uruguay squads v t e Uruguay squad – 2007 Copa América Fourth Place 1 Carini 2 Lugano 3 Godín 4 Fucile 5 García 6 D. Rodríguez 7 C. Rodríguez 8 Gargano 9 Vargas 10 Recoba 11 Estoyanoff 12 Castillo 13 Abreu 14 Diogo 15 Pérez 16 Pereira 17 Valdez 18 Canobbio 19 Scotti 20 González 21 Forlán 22 Sánchez 23 Muslera Coach: Tabárez v t e Uruguay squad – 2010 FIFA World Cup Fourth Place 1 Muslera 2 Lugano (c) 3 Godín 4 Fucile 5 Gargano 6 Victorino 7 Cavani 8 Eguren 9 Suárez 10 Forlán 11 Á. Pereira 12 Castillo 13 Abreu 14 Lodeiro 15 Pérez 16 M. Pereira 17 Arévalo Ríos 18 I. González 19 Scotti 20 Á. Fernández 21 S. Fernández 22 Cáceres 23 Silva Coach: Tabárez v t e Uruguay squad – 2011 Copa América Winners (15th Title) 1 Muslera 2 Lugano (c) 3 Godín 4 Coates 5 Gargano 6 Victorino 7 Rodríguez 8 Eguren 9 Suárez 10 Forlán 11 Á. Pereira 12 J. Castillo 13 Washington Abreu 14 Lodeiro 15 Pérez 16 M. Pereira 17 Arévalo Ríos 18 Hernández 19 Scotti 20 González 21 Cavani 22 Cáceres 23 Silva Coach: Tabárez

Jan Vertonghen

Personal information
Full name	Jan Vertonghen
Date of birth	(1987-04-24) 24 April 1987 (age 25)
Place of birth	Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 1⁄2 in)
Playing position	Defender
Club information
Current club	Ajax
Number	4
Youth career
1997–2000	VK Tielrode
2000–2003	Germinal Beerschot
2003–2006	Ajax
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–	Ajax	155	(23)
2006–2007	→ Waalwijk (loan)	12	(3)
National team‡
2002	Belgium U16	6	(1)
2007	Belgium U21	3	(0)
2007–	Belgium	37	(2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15 May 2012. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 16:37, 31 May 2012 (UTC)

Jan Vertonghen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈjɑn vərˈtɔŋə(n)]) (born 24 April 1987) is a Belgian footballer who plays as a defender and occasionally as a defensive midfielder for Dutch club Ajax and the Belgian national team. A left-footed player who usually plays as a centre back, he is equally adept at playing anywhere on the left side or in defensive midfield and frequently joins in the attack from his centre back position. Although playing as a defender, Vertonghen is well known for his offensive prowess and powerful shooting ability.

Following the departure of Luis Suárez for Liverpool in January 2011, Vertonghen was appointed vice-captain of Ajax under Maarten Stekelenburg; following Stekelenburg's transfer to Roma, Vertonghen was made captain. In 2012, Vertonghen was named Dutch Footballer of the Year.

Club career[link]

Vertonghen with Andriy Shevchenko

Move to the Netherlands[link]

After spending time at VK Tielrode and Germinal Beerschot, Vertonghen moved to the Netherlands and signed a contract with the youth academy of Eredivisie side Ajax. He began as a midfielder but now he mostly plays at centre back for Ajax.^[1] During his time in the reserves, he became known for an incident in the 2006 KNVB Cup game against Cambuur Leeuwarden, his first ever home game at the Amsterdam ArenA, where he "scored" a bizarre goal to put Ajax 3–0 up. He had attempted a back pass to the Cambuur goalkeeper while a teammate was receiving treatment but instead the ball sailed past the shocked goalkeeper, much to the amusement of the spectators and the bewilderment of the players. Since the goal was obviously unintentional, in a remarkable display of sportsmanship Ajax allowed Cambuur to score a goal in return.^[2]

Loan to RKC & breakthrough at Ajax[link]

On 23 August 2006, Vertonghen made his first team debut in the Champions League third qualifying round against Copenhagen. He made his first start and Eredivisie debut in a 6–0 win over Willem II in the Amsterdam ArenA. He would play another two matches for the first half of the season. After the winter break, he was sent on loan to struggling RKC Waalwijk for the remainder of the season. At RKC Waalwijk he would play 12 matches in which he scored three times, but he was unable to help them avoid relegation to the Eerste Divisie.

Vertonghen returned to Ajax for the 2007–08 season, where he was tipped for stardom, but was unable to break through, due to a bad injury as well as the presence of John Heitinga and Thomas Vermaelen. Johan Cruyff has made no secret of his admiration for the left-footed youngster who can handle any left-sided position in defence and midfield. On 26 September 2008 he extended his contract to 30 June 2013.

The 2008–09 season was a breakthrough season for the young defender. After Heitinga left for Atlético Madrid, Vertonghen became Vermaelen's first choice partner in central defence. He started in 23 of the 26 games he played and scored 4 goals. On 28 September, he scored a rare double against Vitesse in a 3–0 win. Although sustaining an injury from training during the week, he played in the 24 January match against FC Groningen, billed as a "must-win" match by coach Marco van Basten,^[3] and was unfortunate enough to be sent off for two yellow cards as Ajax lost 1–0. He was out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1 March win away at Utrecht but his return lasted only several games as his season was prematurely ended after aggravating another injury.

Vertonghen (right) with Thomas Vermaelen.

Rising importance under Jol[link]

Under new coach Martin Jol, Vertonghen retained his place in the starting line-up for the 2009–10 season. Despite injuring his toe while on international duty against Spain the previous week, he scored his first goal of the season, a free kick, in a 6–0 thrashing of NAC Breda on 13 September.^[4] With the departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal, he and fellow Belgian Toby Alderweireld become the first choice centre back pairing and soon became a firm fans' favourite.^[5] Despite Ajax's erratic form in the latter weeks leading up to the winter break, he turned in some strong performances and attracted the interest of a number of clubs including Barcelona but he played down the rumours, stating his intent to at least see out his contract with Ajax.^[6][7] After the winter break, Ajax went on a 9-game unbeaten streak in the league with Vertonghen playing a key role. Their run of 6 consecutive clean sheets was ended in a 4–1 home win over PSV when the visiting side were awarded a penalty. Vertonghen was linked with a move to Newcastle United, and later he was also linked with Milan, stating "I’ve heard Milan director Adriano Galliani talk about me after the Champions League match in San Siro and his words were very flattering".^[8]

Vertonghen (left) with Maarten Stekelenburg.

Vertonghen stated on numerous occasions late in the 2010–11 season that he was considering leaving Ajax at the end of that season.^[9][10] In May 2011 Frank De Boer confirmed Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was present at the 2011 KNVB Cup Final held on 7 May 2011, where Vertonghen's side lost 3–2 to FC Twente.^[11] Mancini was reportedly scouting Vertonghen to strengthen his side after they had qualified for the UEFA Champions League 2011–12 campaign.^[12]

Breakthrough under de Boer[link]

During the 2011-2012 Eredivisie campaign Vertonghen emerged as one of Ajax's best players, demonstrating his versatility to cover multiple positions after Ajax had let several regular players out on long-term loans. After an impressive season, including a performance for which he was singled out for praise against Manchester United in the Europa League Round of 16, he was named the 2011–12 Eredivisie Player of the Year. On 8 May 2012, he stated his preference was to join English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur over their north London rivals Arsenal, and several other Premier League teams.^[13] Named team captain by Frank de Boer, he lead his Ajax to their second title in a row. Also for the second time he dropped the Championship plate. "Now it falls on my toe – this plate just does not like me," Vertonghen said.^[14]

International career[link]

Vertonghen made his international debut at the U-21 level in 2006 and played in the 2007 UEFA U21 Championships. On 21 June 2007 he made his senior debut for the national team in a 2–1 loss against Portugal. He was also selected for the 2008 Olympics and played in every match as the Belgians unexpectedly took fourth place.

In the 2010 World Cup qualifying, he began to establish himself as a regular, initially at centre back as former Ajax teammate Thomas Vermaelen's partner. He scored the opening goal, also his first ever international goal,^[15] in an August 2009 friendly against the Czech Republic that ended in a 3–1 loss. On 7 September 2009 in a World Cup qualifying away match against Spain, he injured his toe and had to be stretchered off and substituted in the 29th minute. The match ended bad as well; a 5–0 loss.^[16] Now he usually plays in the midfield as Vermaelen and Daniel Van Buyten are the preferred pairing in central defence.^[17] He was back in the starting eleven for the friendly against Hungary, a 3–0 win^[18] and the 1–0 loss to Croatia the following March.

International goals[link]

Vertonghen – goals for Belgium
#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	12 August 2009	Na Stínadlech, Teplice	Czech Republic	3–1	Lost	Friendly
2	29 March 2011	King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels	Azerbaijan	4–1	Won	Euro 2012 qualifying

Statistics[link]

As of 15 May 2012^[19][20]

Vertonghen (top right) with Ajax teammates in 2010.

Honours[link]

Ajax

• Eredivisie (2): 2010–11, 2011–12
• KNVB Cup: 2009–10, 2010–11 (Runner-up)
• Johan Cruijff Shield: 2010 (Runner-up), 2011 (Runner-up)

Individual[link]

• Dutch Footballer of the Year: 2012
• AFC Ajax Player of the Year: 2011–12
• AFC Ajax Talent of the Year: 2007–08

References[link]

External links[link]

• Belgium Stats at Belgian FA

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jan Vertonghen

Belgium squads v t e Belgium squad – 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship 1 Bailly 2 De Roover 3 Colpaert 4 Vermaelen 5 Mulemo 6 Lombaerts 7 Overmeire 8 Haroun 9 Mirallas 10 Vertonghen 11 Martens 12 Boeckx 13 Gillet 14 De Mul 15 Pocognoli 16 De Sutter 17 Fellaini 18 Ciman 19 De Smet 20 Vanden Borre 21 Cordier 22 Blondel 23 Witsel Coach: De Sart v t e Belgium squad – 2008 Summer Olympics Fourth Place 1 Bailly 2 De Roover 3 Kompany 4 Vermaelen 5 Pocognoli 6 Fellaini 7 De Mul 8 Haroun 9 Mirallas 10 Vertonghen 11 Martens 12 Ma-Kalambay 13 Ciman 14 Mulemo 15 Simaeys 16 Vanden Borre 17 De Smet 18 Dembélé 19 Odjidja-Ofoe Coach: De Sart