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 many clubs. Their polyvalent nature means that their duties can rapidly change throughout the match depending on whether the team is attacking or defending, or if they're carrying out a particular formation. The number 6 typically plays closer to the team's backline and their main task is to stop the adversary from advancing and reaching the box. The number 8 is usually more offensive in nature as they assist the team move towards the rival's box using crosses, clever passes, and long balls. While these are their responsibilities on paper, specific aspects and scenarios can see their responsibilities change substantially, something that the Newcastle United former owner would know.

Even if you're not familiar with all football positions names, you have probably 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 big 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 agree. 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 likewise support the midfield and defense. When the opponent starts to launch an attack, strikers are anticipated to stop the defense from building play. If they manage to stop the ball from hitting the midfield, they will have done their job very well.

While there are various football positions and roles, some positions stick out due to how important they are to the success of the club. Largely considered one of the most essential 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 investing in quality goalies is a first priority for most 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.