Thread by @CoachesVoice

Thread 🧵

The libero explained... 👤🏃‍♂️

A libero is a defender who plays behind the rest of the back line, and is responsible for covering and sweeping across the spaces behind other defenders. The role grew to include passing forwards after a regain, often to launch a counter-attack 🧵👤

Translated from the Italian for ‘free,' the libero role originated from two different systems. First, in Karl Rappan’s four-man defence in 30s Swiss football. Then, in Italy in the 60s, Nereo Rocco and Helenio Herrera used a libero with AC and Inter Milan 🧵👤

Initially, the libero was only seen as extra defensive cover for the defence, in a position to provide clearances away from goal. However, as the role developed, it started to include dribbles into midfield and intelligent forward passing into the feet of attacking teammates 🧵👤

Such a player requires an intelligent reading of the game to anticipate passes in behind, as well as the speed to get across the pitch and cover. They can not only give out instructions and organise their teammates, but also attack aerial balls and compete for second balls 🧵👤

The libero can help create central overloads in midfield, which is useful both in launching counter-attacks and when up against a set block. By driving forward with the ball, they can also draw opponents towards the ball, thus freeing teammates up further forward 🧵👤

Franz Beckenbauer often played as the middle centre-back in a back 5 for Bayern. What separated the German apart, was his ability on the ball. He had incredible passing range with which he could start counter-attacks, and he could send incisive passes to the feet of attackers🧵👤

At #ACMilan, Franco Baresi was as comfortable dropping behind the back four to sweep and cover as he was jumping out of the back line to press. Baresi also pressed out of the back line with the rest of the defence narrowing to form a temporary three 🧵👤