What is the Position of Libero in Soccer?

The modern world of soccer has seen a number of new positions created in order to bring out the best in players to help team’s perform to their highest quality. Inverted full-backs and false nines have been a common trend in some of the most successful team’s in recent history.

>But could the Libero position be one of the forgotten roles that could be set to make a comeback over the course of the next couple of seasons?

What is the Libero Position?

The Libero position is a defensive role, which is typically held by a speedier player, or one that is capable of reading the game to a high standard.

This position is effectively known as the sweeper across the world, as the player will sit behind the defensive backline in order to pick up loose balls and create freedom for the players in advance of the Libero.

What Traits Should a Libero Have?

Not every player will be capable of playing in the position, which is a key reason why it isn’t deployed regularly in modern soccer. In order to be an effective Libero, a player must have a high game-IQ, meaning that they will need to be able to understand the patterns of the game and anticipate when they will need to drop deeper in order to gain possession of the ball.

Like all defenders, Libero’s should also have excellent tackling abilities. Meanwhile, aerial ability isn’t as important, as first balls can typically be won by the defenders ahead of them on the field.

Captains have an excellent ability to play in the role, as one of the most important characteristics of a Libero is the ability to lead a defense. If the tactic is done correctly, it is proven to have renowned results on the field.

One of the most famous examples in soccer is Sergio Busquets, who now plays in MLS betting sites favorite Inter Miami, before a successful spell with Barcelona.

Could It Make A Return in Modern Soccer?

It almost feels as though soccer has gone in the opposite direction of the system in recent years, as many of the best teams on the planet look to play higher lines and catch their opponents offside.

The traditional role has now diminished from the game, with more structured backlines being a preferred option for managers across the world. However, there are traits of a Libero that can still be found in the modern game. In effect, a deep-lying playmaker is effectively the modern-day version of the defender.

Here, a star player will pick up the ball from deep and attempt to make the difference in the final third of the field. While a deep lying playmaker may have the offensive responsibilities of a Libero, they don’t have the same defensive jobs that they must complete.

When Was The Tactic Introduced?

The origin of the position can be dated back to the 1930s, as Austrian manager Karl Rappan was a pioneer of the role. He embraced the role during his spell with Swiss team Servette, and he would fine-tune the role further during his time as the national team coach of the Switzerland team in the 30s and 40s. At this point, the Libero was positioned narrowly in front of the goalkeeper, providing extra defensive cover in the process.

Russian coach Aleksandr Abramov also adopted the tactic during his time with Krylya Sovetov Kuybyshev in the 1940s. As well as one central defender dropping deeper, his tactic would also see one of the half-backs drop into the position to ensure that his team was able to keep control of the ball in the defensive areas.

Legendary Liberos

There have been countless stars throughout history that have played the role successful, which includes World Cup-winning captains such as Bobby Moore, Franco Baresi, and Franz Beckenbauer. The latter is widely considered to have been a pioneer for the role in more recent history. The German was the standout player in the role throughout his career, and that also led to him winning the Ballon d’Or.

Due to the modern game changes seeing the position become obsolete, there have been few sweepers to gain attention in recent history. However, the role has been deployed on a number of occasions. Players such as Danielle De Rossi, Leonardo Bonucci, and David Luiz have all excelled in the role, with their ball-playing ability making them a perfect example of a player that is capable of playing in the role.

In modern soccer, the closest relation to a Libero has been the introduction of sweeper goalkeepers. Shot-stoppers are now quicker than ever when coming off their line to claim the ball, with most modern goalkeepers being as talented with their feet as they are with their hands. Leaders in this regard are headlined by Manuel Neuer, who was one of the first goalkeepers to excel in sweeper keeper role for Bayern Munich and Germany.