Player Roles - FC Westlake

Player Roles

#1 - Goalkeeper

Technical

First Touch and passing equivalent to outfield players
Chooses appropriate catching/ handling /parrying technique as needed
Controlled & effective footwork for positioning– sprint, crossover, sidestep

Tactical

Provide the correct distribution necessary for the situation and to the receiving players strong side

Understand the tempo needed at certain points during the game
Ensure that the starting position is correct in relation to the ball on the field

Physical

Have excellent range of movement in each joint
Have excellent explosive power in order to reach shots
Have excellent reflexes, balance, speed & agility
Be physically prepared to expect and deal with contact with other players

Psychological

Relay information and communication accurately to teammates
Focus with optimal execution for large periods of time
Have excellent decision making skills
Be courageous in making decisions

#2/3 - Full Backs

Technical

Excellent Running with the Ball and ability to beat a defender in 1 v1
Excellent at blocking crosses and intercepting passes
Be strong at tackling
Have excellent technique of crossing the ball

Tactical

Requires excellent understanding of both defending and attacking Principles of Play
Able to recognize and execute the moments of transition
Always be available to receive from goalkeeper
Understand and execute strong patterns of play with Attacking Midfielders and Winger

Physical

Have a high level of stamina in order to cover both attacking and defensive roles of the position
Have a excellent acceleration speed to beat defenders and to not be beaten by attackers
Strong core and upper body strength to win challenges
Have excellent explosive power to jump and win aerial duals

Psychological

Be determined to win battle against opposing player
Be prepared and excited to do both the defending and attacking roles
Understand that the hard work you put in can go unnoticed

#4/5 - Center Backs

Technical

Has excellent timing for intercepting the ball and making tackles
Knows the difference between defending and not winning the ball by delaying and denying time & space
Receiving the ball under pressure and executing skills necessary to play out from the back
Can execute the skill of heading the ball in different situations

Tactical

Able to organize the rest of the defenders and the Defensive Centre Midfielder to the picture in front of them
Understands the process of knowing when to dribble and penetrate and when to pass
Able to recognize when to be compact and when to be opened up

Physical

Be strong in tackles to make sure that you defend our goal and win the ball
Be strong in aerial duels, win the ball and deal with the contact which will follow
Have a excellent level of recovery speed to deal with 1v1 situations

Psychological

Aware that you are expected to receive the ball in tight situations in order to play out from the back
Recover well from mistakes
Organizes defensive shape
Communicate with other defenders

#6 - Center Defensive Midfielder

Technical

Be able to deliver long, accurate passes to switch the play and start an attack
Have excellent technique to play 1 or 2 touch in order to maintain possession
Capable of manipulating the ball in almost any manner using various body parts, techniques and maneuvers
Possesses excellent passing accuracy, range & timing
Have a excellent understanding of tackling

Tactical

Understand when to drop into the defensive line to create passing option
Be able to anticipate the game and have a high level of tactical awareness
Have excellent movement off the ball to creating passing options to receive
Understands how to manage the tempo of the game

Physical

Be very strong when challenging for the ball with both with feet and head
Very high level of Stamina in order to make recovery runs and get up and down the field
Have high level of explosiveness to jump and win headers

Psychological

Be and excellent communicator for the team
Lead by example through high work rate and willingness to the necessary work
Can be a coach on the field instructing players around them how to play, where to play and when
Strong desire to mentally and physically control the game
Ability to evaluate risk v reward

#8/#10 - Attacking Midfielders

Technical

Capable of using ball mastery skills in almost any manner using various body parts, techniques and maneuvers
Possesses excellent passing accuracy, range & timing placing the ball exactly where goal-scorers want it
Excellent crossing, shooting and volleying technique
Excellent set-piece delivery from corners and free-kicks

Tactical

Constantly looking to receive the ball and rarely loses possession
Adopts positions between defensive lines
Excellent timing of movement and runs into space
Understands where the half spaces are in order to find dangerous positions to receive

Physical

High levels of stamina to keep creating attacking opportunities, but also to defend opposition attacking moments
Strong acceleration with and without the ball
Excellent mobility to allow for quick turns, changes of direction, body swerves, fakes and dummies
High levels of agility, balance and coordination

Psychological

Have high standards
Be proactive by always thinking two or 3 phases ahead of the play
Is as motivated by an assist as scoring a goal
Very creative to make chances for the forwards and yourself

#7/11 - Wingers

Technical

Is able to manipulate the ball in a variety of manners using various skill moves, fakes and turns
Able to beat a defender 1v1
Possesses excellent technique when striking the ball on goal or crossing the ball for a team mate

Tactical

Tactically aware of role when team is in possession and out of possession and transitional moments
Can generally play on either flank and also as a backup Striker
Able to recognize space and times runs into space
Arrives at the back post to pose a threat when opposite winger is attacking

Physical

Speed and acceleration is a must
Outstanding agility, balance and coordination – able to produce body swerves, feints and dummies at high speeds, stop and turn /change direction with ease (high acceleration and deceleration)
High level of stamina, need to counter press when out of possession and track opposition full backs when defending

Psychological

Very creative and flamboyant player typically
Will demand the ball at all times
Confident in 1 v1 vs opposing defenders
Has continued high level of self belief and confident of their ability

#9 - Center Forward

Technical

Excellent striking of the ball using various techniques combining power and accuracy from dead ball, moving ball and volleying situations
Able to disguise intended shot to put off defenders and goalkeepers
Excellent heading technique

Tactical

Ability to choose the correct shooting technique at the right time and position on the field
Tactical awareness of when to hold up the ball and bring in players or to quickly turn and shoot
Have high level of understanding of when to drop deep to create opposite movement
Excellent timing and angle of runs
Able to create space and lose defenders
Able to understand role out of possession and when pressing

Physical

Have exceptional power for shooting, accelerating and jumping
High acceleration rate to get in behind defensive line
High level of stamina and be able to maintain close to top speeds throughout the full game
Have very high level of strong core strength and balance to hold the ball up and hold off defenders

Psychological

High level of composure in finishing when 1 v1
High levels of self belief and willingness to keep going
Determination to work hard to create opportunities for themselves or the team
Can be a natural leader and understand the reliance upon themselves within games
Have good communication skills in order to constantly tell teammates where and when you want the ball