Defender (football)

Fabio Cannavaro, an Italian defender, who retired and played for Juventus

A defender in football is a player, who plays in at the back of the formation. There are many positions classed as a defender, mainly:

• Left Back
• Central Defender
• Right Back
• Sweeper
• Full Back

The defenders are the first number when referring to formations, for example:

• 4-3-3 is the formation. This formation shows that there are four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.
• 4-4-2 is the formation. This formation shows that there are four defenders, four midfielders and two attackers.
• 3-4-3 is the formation. This formation shows that there are three defenders, four midfielders and three attackers.