Goalkeepers' responsibilities on the field are very distinct to those of in-field players. A lot more about this down below.
Even if you're not knowledgeable about all football positions names, you have more than likely heard the term striker at least at one time in your life. This is one of the most coveted positions in the game as strikers are a few of the most popular footballers and they tend to have substantial fan bases. Having a gifted striker that can make the difference in or outside the box is something that many clubs pursue, and the Aston Villa former owner is most likely to concur. Strikers are expected to have a very diverse skillset as they ought to be great dribblers, accurate in their shots, and have great headers. While their position is mostly offensive, strikers likewise support the midfield and defense. When the opponent starts to launch an attack, strikers are anticipated to stop the defense from developing play. If they manage to stop the ball from reaching the midfield, they will have done their job well.
When it comes to football positions numbers, many football fans would agree that number 6 and number 8 are one of the most essential players on the field. These are the defensive and central midfielders who control the tempo of play and are the de facto dynamos of many teams. Their polyvalent nature implies that their responsibilities can quickly change during the game depending on whether the team is attacking or defending, or if they're implementing a particular formation. The number 6 often plays closer to the team's backline and their primary job is to stop the opponent from advancing and reaching the area. The number 8 is normally more offensive in nature as they assist the club push towards the rival's box using crosses, creative passing, and long balls. While these are their responsibilities on paper, certain aspects and scenarios can see their duties alter substantially, something that the Newcastle United former owner would understand.
While there are various football positions and roles, some positions stand apart due to how crucial they are to the success of the team. Largely deemed among the most vital soccer positions, the goalkeeper is the last line of defence and their abilities can make or break the group. This is simply because no matter how well the rest of the team plays, in the absence of a qualified goalkeeper, the group is likely to concede more goals than they can potentially score. This is why buying quality goalies is a top priority for a lot of teams, and the AC Milan former US owner is likely to confirm this. Not just do they stop rivals from scoring, but goalkeepers also assist begin the counterattack when they're in possession. Due to the intricacy of their position, goalies go through specific training programs to help them sharpen their abilities and reflexes.