Liberos in Football Explained

The libero is a defensive player who operates as a free-roaming sweeper behind the team's defensive line. Follow along to learn more about Liberos.

What is a Libero in football?

The libero is a defensive player who operates as a free-roaming sweeper behind the team's defensive line. Originating from Italian football, liberos are known for their ability to read the game, anticipate attacks, and also initiate offensive plays. Since they don't adhere to a specific marking assignment, it allows them the freedom to move across the defensive zone.

Franz Beckenbauer Position:

While the role of Libero was first seen in the 1930s in Swiss domestic football, it was popularised by the late great Franz Beckenbauer in Bayern Munich’s 5-man backline in the 1960s.

Liberos of modern-day football:

The traditional use of a libero has diminished in modern football, particularly because their deep-lying nature is not well-suited to the offside rule. However, traits of a libero can be seen in many ball-playing centre-backs of recent times, such as John Stones and David Luiz, who are comfortable with the ball, love to bulldoze their way through midfield at times, and also have a good range of passing.

Who is your favourite libero of recent times? Let us know in the comments!


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