Playbook Part 3.2 – Roles & Archetypes: Central Defenders
Structure, Style, Strategy – the LiberoUno way
The Classic Defender
This is the standard archetype and applies to the vast majority of centre-backs I use. Their main job is simple: defend first, keep things safe when on the ball.
They’re expected to stay switched on defensively, win duels, track runners, and provide a solid platform for the rest of the team. When they do get the ball, I want them to keep it simple — progress play with safe, short passes, or if under real pressure, clear it without hesitation.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be composed or capable on the ball — far from it. Composure, decision-making and calmness are valuable traits for any player, especially at the back. But the overall approach here is low-risk and reliable.
- In-game Role: Central Defender (Defend)
- High profile examples include: Gabriel, Araujo & Dias
The Passing Defender
This is a more specialised archetype — used only when I have a centre-back who is genuinely comfortable taking on extra responsibility in possession.
They have the technical ability and vision to pick passes that break lines, switch play into space, or drop a pass into the feet of a roaming forward. I expect them to remain defensively solid, but when the moment’s right, they can be trusted to distribute with intent and purpose.
As with my sweeper keeper, the key here is trust. If the player doesn’t have the attributes to handle the risk, I won’t use this role. But when I do have the right player, they can bring an extra dimension to the build-up phase.
- In-game Role: Ball Playing Defender (Defend)
- High profile examples include: Hummels, Stones & Schar
The Channel Back
This is a more situational role — used only when I’m setting up with a back three.
Players who fit this archetype will still be either classic or passing defenders, but with added physical demands. Playing as a wide centre-back, they’re expected to cover more ground and help defend the channels. Because of this, I look for defenders who have good pace, stamina, and athleticism, alongside solid technical ability.
They need to be comfortable stepping wider than a traditional centre-back, and confident in 1v1 defensive scenarios where support might be limited.
- In-game Role: Wide Centre Back (Defend)
- High profile examples include: Gvardiol, Martinez & Alaba
IMPORTANT: When I’m playing a back four with two central defenders, I will either use two classic defenders, or a classic defender and a passing defender. I’ll never use two passing defenders. I feel that would bring too much risk to the table, and given how we play is already risky enough, I prefer to maintain a safer balance.
In a back three, I’ll always have channel backs on the outside, with a classic defender in the middle, providing the necessary stability.
Next Up…
Up next, in Part 3.3, I’ll turn the focus to Full-Backs and Wing-Backs — key positions in how I look to control space, create width, and support both phases of play.