Goalkeepers' duties on the pitch are really different to those of in-field footballers. More about this down below.
When it comes to football positions numbers, a lot of football fans would concur that number 6 and number 8 are one of the most crucial players on the field. These are the defensive and central midfielders who manage the tempo of play and are the de facto dynamos of a lot of clubs. Their polyvalent nature implies that their duties can rapidly change throughout the match depending on whether the group is attacking or defending, or if they're carrying out a particular tactic. The number 6 typically plays closer to the team's backline and their main task is to stop the opponent from advancing and reaching the box. The number 8 is usually more offensive in nature as they help the team push towards the rival's area using crosses, clever passes, and long balls. While these are their responsibilities on paper, specific aspects and scenarios can see their responsibilities alter substantially, something that the Newcastle United former owner would know.
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 sought after positions in the sport as strikers are a few of the most popular players and they tend to have huge fan bases. Having a skilled striker that can make the distinction in or outside the area is something that most clubs strive for, and the Aston Villa former owner is most likely to concur. Strikers are expected to have a very diverse skillset as they must be excellent dribblers, exact in their shots, and have good headers. While their role is mainly offensive, strikers also 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 very well.
While there are different football positions and roles, some positions stand apart due to how important they are to the success of the club. Mainly considered one of the most crucial soccer positions, the goalkeeper is the last line of defence and their skills can make or break the group. This is just since no matter how well the remainder of the team plays, in the absence of a qualified goalkeeper, the group is most likely to yield more goals than they can possibly score. This is why buying quality goalies is a first priority for many teams, and the AC Milan former US owner is likely to confirm this. Not only do they stop opponents from scoring, but goalkeepers also help start the counterattack when they're in possession. Due to the complexity of their role, goalies go through specific training programs to help them sharpen their skills and reflexes.