Attacker

Attacker

An attacker is a player whose main responsibility is to score goals and create scoring chances for their team.

The attacker, also known as a forward or striker, is positioned at the front line of the team's formation, closest to the opposing goal.

The attacker's primary goal is to break through the other team's defence and find ways to put the ball in the net. To deceive defenders and create scoring chances, they use a combination of speed, agility, skill, and tactical awareness. Attacking players are distinguished by their ability to score goals, as well as their technique, dribbling skills, and positional awareness.

Roles and Responsibilities

Here are the general roles and responsibilities that an attacker needs to have:

Scoring Goals

An attacker's primary task is to score goals. They must be able to receive passes, shoot accurately, and put the ball in the net. This demands a combination of finishing talent, poise, and foresight.

Creating Scoring Opportunities

Attackers are accountable for creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. They should use their dribbling skills, vision, and passing ability to create scoring opportunities in and around the penalty area through through balls, crosses, or well-timed passes.

Making Runs

Attackers should make intelligent runs in order to generate space and exploit defensive flaws. They should make behind-the-line runs to receive through balls or stretch the defense, as well as diagonal or curving runs to receive passes in dangerous locations.

Pressing and Harassing Defenders

Attacking players are frequently vital in pressuring the opposing defense. They should lead the team's defensive efforts by closing down defenders, restricting passing lanes, and causing mistakes in order to rapidly retake possession.

Counter-Attacking

Attackers are critical in launching counter-attacks. They should be prepared to rapidly switch from defense to offense, making short rushes into space to exploit the opposition's susceptible defensive positions.

Making a Decision

In high-pressure circumstances, attacking players must make quick and intelligent decisions. Based on the circumstances of the game, the positions of their teammates and opponents, and the available options, they must select between shooting, passing, and dribbling.

Types

Attackers (forwards) are commonly categorised as follows:

  • Central Forward (Target Men)
  • Striker
  • Winger
  • False 9
  • Trequartista
Center Forward (CF) / Target Man

A CF or target man is a physically intimidating striker who specializes at ball retention, aerial duels, and providing a focal point for the team's attacking action.

Positions
  • CF
Key Attributes
  • Finishing
  • Positioning
  • Strength
  • Shooting and Heading
  • Hold-up play
  • Off-the-ball Movement
  • Clinical Touch
Striker

A striker (also know as complete striker) is a well-rounded attacker who excels in all elements of the game. They are adaptable and effective in a variety of attacking settings due to their combination of speed, strength, technical skills, and scoring ability.

The lone striker is an attacker who plays as the formation's sole forward. Despite minimal support up front, they must be capable of controlling the ball, bringing teammates into action, and presenting a danger in attack.

A second striker is an attacking player who plays just behind the primary striker, providing support and contributing to the team's build-up play. They are skilled in combining with teammates, making intelligent runs, and creating scoring opportunities for themselves or others.

Positions
  • ST
Key Attributes
  • Finishing
  • Positioning
  • Shooting and Heading
  • Off-the-ball Movement
  • Clinical Touch
Winger

Wingers are attacking players that play in wide areas and rely on their speed and dribbling ability to provide crosses into the box or to take on defenders. They want to stretch the defense, open up space, and deliver accurate crosses for their teammates to score on.

Positions
  • LW
  • RW
Key Attributes
  • Dribbling
  • Crossing
  • Pace and Acceleration
  • One-on-one skills
  • Cutting inside Ability
Flase 9

A false nine is a withdrawn attacker who drops deeper into midfield to create space and uncertainty for the opposition's defense. They frequently play the role of playmaker, combining with midfielders and wingers and upsetting defensive structures by dragging defenders out of position.

Positions
  • CF
Key Attributes
  • Tactical Intelligence
  • Dropping deep
  • Playmaking
  • Dribbling and Passing
  • Vision
  • Off-the-Ball Movement
  • Finishing
Trequartista

A trequartista is an attacking midfielder who usually plays in the centre attacking midfield position. They are noted for their inventiveness, vision, and ability to break down defenses with incisive passes or deft dribbling. Trequartistas are frequently playmakers who assist or score goals to help the team's offensive efforts.

Positions
  • CF
  • ST
Key Attributes
  • Creativity
  • Vision
  • Passing
  • Playmaking
  • Decision-making
  • Through Ball Ability