Breaks pressure through passing and carrying from defence.
Positioning & movement
Shaded area: typical operating zone · Arrow: example movement
Indicative diagrams, not fixed positions or tracking data.
Role details & scouting notes
Understanding the role
Receives in the first line, recognises pressing angles and finds a free teammate beyond pressure. Can switch play or carry forward when the passing lane is blocked.
Player examples
Virgil van Dijk
Player examples illustrate aspects of each role, not a fixed label for their entire career.
What to watch
Assess scanning, first touch and pass selection under real pressure alongside core defensive skills.