What are the 11 positions in soccer?

There are 11 positions in football that make up the general structure of every team, no matter the league, skill level, or opponent.
All football teams field 11 players for 90 minutes. Unlike football, soccer requires all offensive and defensive players to be on the field at the same time, for the duration of the game. Ideally, the starting 11 includes the best players available at each position, giving the team their best chance to win.
Football positions are easily divided into four general categories: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The goalkeeper stays at the back of the formation, protected by his line of defenders. Then, the midfielders control the midfield, and the forwards work in the opponents’ final third to (hopefully) score goals.
There are certain roles and titles, however, given to each player on the field that highlight their true place on the field.
Here are 11 positions in football:
Of course, the 11 positions are not set in stone. Some teams may want to field a back five, which includes an extra defender, against a strong attacking team. Some teams have a loose formation, where many players move in and out of certain positions to create space and scoring opportunities. Full-backs and right-backs can also be deployed as wing-backs which enable them to move up and down the pitch more often.
The best players in the world are flexible enough to step into different positions in times of need. French soccer player Aurélien Tchouaméni, a defensive midfielder, has been the best defender for Real Madrid this season after several starters were injured.
Finally, the team is free to adjust its formation and starting 11 in favor of a certain style of play or strategy in different competitions.
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