The Evolution of the Libero

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1. ⚽The Libero: Gone but Not Forgotten

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⚽The Libero: Gone but Not Forgotten

Do you remember when the "Libero" in football was a true legend? He was the organizer, the savior in dire moments, and even a playmaker. However, over time, this position nearly vanished from the game—although a faint essence of it still lingers in the football world. We explain why the classic Libero role no longer exists and which elements of it still endure in football.

Libero means "free man." In football, it referred to the player who operated without a direct opponent behind the defense. Their role was to intervene when the opponent bypassed their own defender. In the seventies, especially, Franz Beckenbauer revitalized the role of the Libero.

When both teams have a Libero and all other players are assigned to an opponent, your team's Libero becomes the free man in possession of the ball. Instead of staying at the back, players like Beckenbauer actively joined the attacking play when in possession. His famous solo runs were possible because he had no opponent chasing him – after all, the opposing Libero stayed behind the defense.

Invoking its Own End

From Defender to Key Player in the Attack: The role of the number five had to modernize to avoid constantly being at a defensive disadvantage. Some coaches attempted to mark the opposing Libero, but this often failed because the forwards frequently withdrew merely as a feint.

Other coaches sent their own Libero to duel with the opposing Libero. This often resulted in clear one-on-one situations all over the pitch. The problem was that if a player was beaten, the opponent had plenty of space and could swiftly pose a threat—precisely what the Libero was meant to prevent.

The technical and athletic quality of players kept rising, particularly in the attack. Teams gradually moved away from the concept of the Libero and man-marking. Instead, coaches relied on tactical zone marking to better control the offensive players.

The idea was to give opponents little space and time. Every player had to move to create numerical superiority near the ball. One player would press the ball carrier while others covered spaces. Each player had to alternate between defending and attacking.

Improved fitness and tactical training reduced the distances between players so much that a player on the ball had only fractions of a second before being pressured. This completely transformed the defense and ultimately ended the era of the classic Libero.

The Modern Liberos

In recent years, tactical innovations have reintroduced elements of the Libero. Previously, a defensive midfielder occasionally dropped between the defenders, aiding the 4-4-2 system in nullifying the opposing strikers.

Later on, midfielders showcased their passing abilities by positioning themselves between the center and wing-backs. This allowed them to launch better attacks and influence the midfield play.

Suddenly, goalkeepers started taking on Libero-like roles. Manuel Neuer's performance in the 2014 World Cup showcased how a goalkeeper could thwart opponents' chances by coming far out of the goal.

Some goalkeepers like Neuer at Bayern or Marc-André ter Stegen at FC Barcelona have been increasingly involved in the build-up play. Nowadays, precise passes and long passes with both feet are vital components of the game for top-tier goalkeepers.

Nowadays, many top-tier teams utilize a formation with three defenders when in possession. Additionally, they position two defensive midfielders close to this trio of defenders to establish a numerical advantage. Every defender, whether positioned centrally or on the sides, must excel in passing and actively engage in the gameplay.

Center-backs rank among the players with the most ball touches during a game. Consequently, excellent passing skills have become indispensable. They are essential in initiating play from the back and maintaining possession. This evolution has led to defenders needing not only defensive prowess but also playing a pivotal role in constructing attacks.

In commemoration of Franz Beckenbauer, who sadly passed away on January 7, 2024, we present a video featuring the five best goals of his remarkable career. May he rest in peace.

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• Transition Play

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