Sweeper (Libero)
The sweeper (or libero) is a more versatile type of centre-back who "sweeps up" the ball if an opponent manages to breach the defensive line. His position is rather more fluid than other defenders who man-mark their designated opponents. Because of this, the position is sometimes referred to as libero (; from the Italian word meaning "free", as used by the sports journalist Gianni Brera). Though the sweeper may be expected to build counter-attacking moves, and as such requires better ball control and passing ability than a typical centre-back, his talents are often confined to the defensive realm. For example, the catenaccio system of play, used in Italian football in the 1960s, employed a purely defensive sweeper who only "roamed" around the back line. The more modern Fundell-Libero possesses the defensive qualities of the typical libero whilst being able to expose the opposition during counter attacks. Whilst rarely seen in professional football the position has been extensively used in lower leagues. The Fundell-Libero sits behind centre backs as a sweeper before charging through the team to join in the attack, otherwise known as "turning on the afterburners".
Some sweepers move forward and distribute the ball up-field, while others intercept passes and get the ball off the opposition without needing to hurl themselves into tackles. In modern football, its usage has been fairly restricted, with few clubs in the biggest leagues using the position.
Read more about this topic: Defender (association Football)