What is a Libero?

What is a Libero?
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An ancient position which has survived reinvention and reinterpretation, the libero - literally ’the space defender’ - is one of the vaguest roles on the field. What are its roots and origins, who are its finest practitioners, and what is its present and future?
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#libero #sweeper #intermilan

[@stalinmao14]

I could listen to Joe Devine for hours. He has such a relaxing voice

[@mcfcfan1870]

Quite erotic?

[@MatheusMariano05]

Joe Devine ASMR right now on my desk

[@Jack-nr1nn]

One could even say Divine

[@Ron.S.]

How do you know him? Never heard of Joe Devine... was he a football legend? A libero?

[@ratedpending]

@@Ron.S. he's the commentator for tifo

[@vincemassara3283]

If David Alaba was a Pokemon, CB would be his final evolution. He's superb there

[@galarianblades5674]

Cinderace a football playing pokemon hidden ability is libero was released on the same day as this video. Alaba is HA cinderace

[@BayernNow]

🤣

[@Romess1]

He will have a baby mid and prime icon in the future so don't worry

[@DawkBrawlin]

@@galarianblades5674i can't believe i didn't realize while i was calling it libero

[@WorldCupWillie]

I believe the change in the offside rule in 1925 when you had to have 2 men behind the ball instead of 3 was what inspired the development of the sweeper.

[@jacklewis8695]

Does that even make sense though? Pre-1925, you could have a sweeper behind your back line with no worries because the striker would be offside if they were between the back line & the sweeper (there wouldn't be 3 players ahead of him)......but after 1925, the striker can now post-up on the sweeper and not be offside (since there just needs to be 2 players ahead of him to not be offside), which puts the the back line out of position now.............am I missing something here? I would think the change in offside rule would DISCOURAGE playing with a sweeper...?

[@WorldCupWillie]

@@jacklewis8695there were 2 ways to deal with the rule change. nowadays the striker plays on the last strikers shoulder, waiting to run on to passes. He doesn't have to worry about any other defender. Pre 1925 the striker had to worry about being behind 2 defenders + the GK. Most defences dealt with it by using the offside trap and keeping a disciplined backline. The other response was to place an extra defender to literally sweep up any balls played into the space behind the CBs

[@sidharthsingh4239]

Spot on my friend 💯

[@Thandomzamo223]

De Keizer role

[@MrWhitmen1981]

I played this position in field hockey. Having the freedom to do what you want was so fun. But you had to read the game really well. And avoid a 2 on 1 situation.

[@Roscododger]

Let's be honest, this and the Mezzala video have had most of their views from those FM players out there 😉

[@lewisblackwiththenicehair]

Bet the Regista and Raumdeuter Vids were the same, Trequartista next?

[@Roscododger]

@@lewisblackwiththenicehair Haha yep.

[@12thMandalorian]

Zonal Marking by Michael Cox is an incredible book which goes into more detail on the Libero and other tactics.

[@theKiroo]

I played as Libero in my local team when I was younger...thanks for the video man, I love this channel (btw in italian, the accent is on the "i", so it would be "Lìbero", not "Libèro")

[@hammyshayaddy8330]

It sounded horrible for those of us who know the right pronunciation. Also, didn't anybody notice the way he pronounced Jair?!!

[@sebastianbardon391]

Couldn't agree more, it was painful to hear!

[@edmann1820]

Yeah I was annoyed by his pronunciation too. It's pronounced Swee Per. Using another language when there is an equivalent word is just pretentious.

[@BayernNow]

@@hammyshayaddy8330 yeah their info is perfect so I could care less tbf

[@GTNL6]

@@BayernNow you couldn't care less** with your comment you imply you could care less so right now you're still caring 8-|

[@WizoIstGott]

To be fair, David Alaba is such a complete footballer he is pretty much world class in every position. I bet you could win the Bundesliga with a side featuring Neuer in Goal and 10 David Alabas to cover every other position.

[@lontongstroong]

Including right back?

[@peteretenung5011]

@@lontongstroong of course Alaba plays right back too

[@TheSatwikrajput]

FM players love TIFO Football. Makes me wonder how TIFO would lineup their team on FM.

[@Tifo]

Alex has done a lot of FM writing before. Look up his series on The Set Pieces, FM meets Moneyball

[@user-jw3us7dy6f]

Tifo Football awesome.

[@swastiksarkar5097]

It's a pokemon named Cinderace's hidden ability which allows it to change type😉😉

[@wack...]

Elite

[@yungtrashlord]

oof didn't expect to see a pokemon reference here

[@galarianblades5674]

This video and cinderace hidden ability being available on the same day. Coincidence I think not.

[@vaskoyorgov968]

Thanks so much for continuing to put out these tactics videos!! Definitely my favorite content on Tifo.

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Scirea, Baresi? Luiz was an example of how not to try and turn a midfielder to a sweeper. Positional sense is everything for this role.

[@carlyslebrown1601]

I really do love these informative videos, they are just so intriguing to listen to and take notes from, in some cases. Love the work you do Tifo, keep it up!

[@abdulraqeeb9080]

Love these videos! It's amazing the amount of research done to make these videos. Keep it up!

[@nemisisomen]

Jose Mourinho very often uses a Libero. Matic at United for example. In defensive phase, Matic used to drop in the defence line forming a back 3. And when going forward, he used to step out and help in ball progression through passing or carrying the ball. This allows his side a defensive solidity of a 3 Center back formation and a midfield numerical superiority of a 4-2-3-1.

[@Hyper_M7]

thats more of an anchor man though, dropping into the back line. The libero drops behind the centre halfs

[@kwesikumi2973]

I've been doing this for a long time and I never knew it had such a rich history. Thanks for sharing

[@master__oogway]

I've never been this early to anything

[@farewellthevet8982]

I played Libero in Germany for an American Department of Defense football/soccer team. I had great lungs, a natural ability for countering, and I was impressive for setting onside traps. I was literally a free man on the pitch, which worked because of my ADHD. My coach was American… how he knew about this legacy position, idk

[@parkthebus]

I've been reading 'Inverting the Pyramid'. Came here to get a visual picture of the ideas in this chapter. Your videos are very helpful as a supplement to that book.

[@marklloyd9584]

Love love love this video, any videos on tactics history and positions are fantastic and fascinating , more more more, and thank you

[@evaincefone9051]

Bro if you tell me everytime you watch a video from Tifo and you don’t learn something then ima smack you

[@finlaycraig1810]

Smack me good daddy

[@ratedpending]

@@finlaycraig1810 thanks finlay

[@osmanaguilar5645]

@@finlaycraig1810 bend over

[@DawkBrawlin]

@@finlaycraig1810 stop right there

[@jamescbrown8149]

I remember watching a young Jack O'Connell play Left Back for York City in 2013. Brilliant player, had all the qualities then for the role he plays today.

[@martytu20]

In case you don't know what the ability Libero refers to in Pokemon.

[@alistairs3934]

Cinderace be like

[@raghavkishorev5663]

It's like an alter ego of protean

[@emceek2320]

@@bp3366 Charizard anyone?

[@Phoenix-hp5rj]

No its for Haikyuu

[@davodkerry4111]

I miss playing football so much.

[@sanchitgarg4484]

I love this channel. So informative.

[@truebluesumo]

This is by far the best football youtube channel

[@ahmadmohamad8416]

But now with goalkeepers that are good ballers like neuer can do the same function of libero with no need for a particular player to do the job

[@MrKAKARONALDOMESSI]

Like what happened in the World Cup in Russia

[@freedyisla4085]

@DEMONIC MACHINE What do you mean by that? 1) No goalie is better than Neuer now or 2) No current goalie is better than prime Neuer or 3) Neuer is the best "Libero" of all time.

[@freedyisla4085]

@Ayoub Nait I'm not saying Neuer is the best "Libero". Im asking the other guy what he meant in his comment as I didn't understand that properly.

[@jbo4547]

@@freedyisla4085 he is saying that out of his age group neuer was and is the best. Iike when he was 22 he was The best 22 year old keeper and now is the best at his age still

[@finnb2318]

Yes, the german squad was either going out in the group staged, or losing early. To be fair, the fallout after a World Cup win in the previous tournament has become somewhat of a 21st century pattern though. However, my anger at our 2018 side is unaffected by this, especially, with leaks having emerged, that the players were up late (-r than they should) and playing Fortnite.

[@aliaryafar963]

High Quality Content. Thnks Tifo Football

[@dubi799]

This is the quality content I subbed for. Thank you Tifo! Also, anyone who banged out pro clubs in FIFA 13 knew about the sweeper haha

[@knowledgeverse7]

Good video. It would be great if you guys can do a video on Paul Scholes and why he is so highly regarded by so many Legends. It is hard to quantify his greatness and if you can try to elaborate on the reasons he is considered, by many, to be the best English Midfielder (even above Lampad and Gerrard, despite them having more media attention and similarly-great careers), it would be very beneficial and appreciated.

[@vishnubalakrishnanp275]

Please do more 'How can your club improve' videos.

[@gavinperry8433]

Talking about all the great liberos..... and then there is Beckenbauer🔥

[@oiurehj]

Except that Baresi and Scirea were stronger.

[@Raydensheraj]

@@oiurehj Nope. Beckenbauer was by far the best Libero of all time.

[@FuerstMykisch]

Thank you. Interesting. 1. If I remember correctly there is a causal relationship between the offside-trap and the disappearence of the libero (in the sense of a defensive-minded player as the last line of defense) in modern football (?). 2. One might say that nowadays the task of the libero is often done by the defensive midfielder: flexible, roaming defensive shield - but not behind the main defense but in front of it - with the task to help initiate attacks. 3. The switching from the last-line of defense to the midflield remineded me of John Stones in the current ManCity squad

[@JOKBO1]

These videos are art!

[@EcoStands]

Sorry, but I was literally searching "what is a libero" on KZbin yesterday and now this gift has been sent from the heavens...

[@AMRPK]

If God wanted us to play football in the clouds he would have put the grass there - Brian Clough.

[@ottomanosman2463]

I heard it mostly from volleyball, so it is quite interesting to hear it in football too

[@ApexPredator2O]

I like how you described my position, thank you

[@bimanatawilaga7509]

By the definition, the latest memory of a Libero of mine is at the WC 2014 semifinal when David Luiz mindlessly keep going forward after the 2nd goal and resulted in instant 5-0 scoreline less than 5 minutes for Germamy 😂 Although i know that abysmal performance will not be remembered as Libero position 🤭

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

Imagine Beckenbauer's fee in today's game! I feel more centre-backs should move into attacking positions more. It creates the extra man and causes a distraction creating space for others at least, especially if a team is dominating. I feel the natural urge to stride forward is being coached out of defenders.

[@Theriac33]

Beckenbauer in his youth played as a midfielder, therefore he had no difficulties launching attacks by dribbling from the backline into the offensive midfield.

[@Theriac33]

I agree. Defenders should be trained to get better ball control and bomb forwards when in possession.

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

Theriac33 Pep Guardiola sees the benefit in defenders being part of the attack to create the extra man. If the holding midfielder covers and you have possession, it’s hardly a risk.

[@digitalfootballer9032]

My high school team used a "diamond" defence with what they called a sweeper set all the way back, two full backs, and what they called a stopper, the position I played. However my position was more of a classic libero, I mostly cut off passing lanes and worked the ball out from the back, and focused less on "stopping" the attack with tackles. My job was more to get the attackers out of position so the other defenders could make the tackle. Our sweeper, who was actually more of a stopper, didn't push up much beyond the opposition's attacking third and marked the centre forward, the fullbacks marked the wingers, as most teams at the time played 3 up front. So I am not sure if this was just another way to execute this defensive style or if my coach just mixed the names up of sweeper and stopper.

[@gianfrancobrancucci85]

A Libero video and no mention of Baresi? Whaaaaa

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

Are you Italian? Is Libero trounced with the stress on the /Li/ and not the /ber/ as English people say it?

[@marcotassi00]

@@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS exactly

[@gianfrancobrancucci85]

@@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS yup you stress the Li

[@bcbitchkkv]

Came here, expecting mentions of Beckenbauer (obviously) and Baresi. My inner AC Milan fan was disappointed, but my inner Dane was surprised at the mention of our 1986 WC team. Still, Baresi was arguably the greatest defensive libero, no?

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

MetalForTheMasses Greatest defensive one 👍 I think Beckenbauer was a more creative one.

[@Raydensheraj]

I played in Berlin, Germany at MSV Normania Berlin and at the 1 FC Lübars as a Libero. But I learned this a bit differently...the position as Libero means your foremost a central defender but your main job is to read the offensive strategy of your opponent and react by stuffing holes. I would play against weaker teams offensive, almost like a modern 8. Long distance passes and fast counter attacks...most of my goals were long distance lucky shots 🤣. When playing a stronger team i would play as "Vorstopper" - infront of the defense trying to eliminate offense plays BEFORE they get near the area that allows them to create chances... When we would struggle to hold a draw or 1:0/2:1/3:2 etc. I would transform into a "Sweeper" behind the defense - the 6 would transform into a "Vorstopper" and the 8 or 10 (Spielmacher) would fall back. The most important strength a Libero has to have in order to successfully represent the position...is tactical intelligence. Where to fill defensive holes, when to support the offense, when to rest, when to fall back...it was demanding and I absolutely loved it. Lothar Matthäus, Matthias Sammer, Ronald Koeman, Franz Beckenbauer, Franco Baresi...all legendary Liberos that defined the position. In the 90ies only the Spielmacher (10) had more freedom...

[@forplaint_ru]

You pretty much hit the spot with your comment. I do the same for my team. It demands great intelligence and pace, but worth every minute of it!

[@giannb5145]

Fun fact: Marcello Lippi was a libero in his playing days, though he never got to play for a big club

[@praisejamgbadi8925]

Can you do a video on "If Pele was a player now, what would be his market value?"

[@hveisel]

As a Dane I'm genuinely impressed with how well you pronounced the danish names of the '86 squad! Great and informative video as always guys :]

[@EnglishforFOOTBALLFANS]

Libero is pronounced differently in Italian though... the stress is on the /Li/

[@lowersaxon]

Very good, competent video!

[@kingwhuck5703]

Now I will implement these tactics into my fifa RTG teams

[@ita6444]

That remembers me of the Man United back three where Maguire and Lindelöf would be the modern day centre-backs and Shaw would mark the opponent's most dangerous attackers and then would go forward in attack

[@MonstrodaLagoaNegra]

Brazil in 2002 World Cup play with a libero too, Edmilson did that job and very well, btw

[@killercaos123]

I love every time TIFO reference Inverting The Pyramid.

[@Tifo]

It’s the bible

[@Adam-ys4dn]

I still playing as sweeper in my local team, reading game and passing are the key to be sweeper

[@whatchachattin]

Liverpool tend to man mark/press with one centre back and cover with the other, and in possession both Matip and VVD are capable of dribbling into midfield.

[@jadyn7752]

Can you do a video on a 5-4-1. My team is going to play this formation this season and we need some advice.

[@JustN0tMe]

Ive being thinking about this position in the last couple of months With the back 3 you can use it to build up play as the libero go up to the Dmf position, easily winning the midfield battle

[@mschauhan3855]

that is what I do in football manager

[@Taporeee]

Favourite role

[@vidhubamra6990]

Gullit also played as a libero in Chelsea

[@suleimanmustafa1473]

Lothar Matthäus moved to Inter Milan and was converted from a 10 to the best Libero

[@alexandrumircea]

I remember him playing as a libero at Euro 2000 because by then he could hardly run anymore. :))

[@Theriac33]

@@alexandrumircea Remember 1998. Matthaeus played as a libero and stuffed up a back pass against Croatia at the World Cup.

[@Raydensheraj]

@Anthony Mcken He was incredible. His time at Bayern and Milan phenomenal...

[@Jordan-it2kl]

Aww yea tifo has uploaded again

[@liamzanna]

Great video as always, little specification though: it’s pronounced Lìbero not Libèro, the i is emphasized not the e.

[@kwame_mike9581]

Please do a video on the Engache role.

[@chrismann1234]

As much as it pains me to say it but Matthias Sammer was brilliant for Germany in euro 96 in this role. Surprised he was not mentioned in the the video, although originally a defensive midfielder he was perfect for the role and was alot of peoples player of that tournament that year.....😔 (Still hurts)

[@Raydensheraj]

He was absolutely world class in the position. He literally was Beckenbauer reborn...the damn injuries haunted his career...Lothar Matthäus also played phenomenal as Libero in his last years.

[@StrictlyStoicism]

Tifo, please do a video explaining Chelsea’s fantastic transfers policy and how much they actually have to spend.

[@joshchana]

What about Bobby Moore? He was the best sweeper of all time.

[@cosmos4718]

Fucking love this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@nwiley619]

I would never thought to see my local club servette get mentioned in a tifo video! Maybe you should do a history around us. It's pretty great.

[@darylbubuneatitonarh7971]

Do one for Bandiera and Volante too please.

[@muhammadpasha815]

make a video about orkun kokcu please!

[@MvCToker]

Nice!

[@el_pollitosir1067]

I’m my high school soccer team I play as a sweeper that’s my favorite position to protect the goal keeper in case he wants to pass the ball

[@lukeadams4955]

Please do another Tifo Basketball video

[@JonnyInfinite]

I'd like to see this contrasted to the three centre halfs in a 352 ie Villa in the 90s and early 2000s or 90s Liverpool

[@kalb683]

Can you make a video on the modern version of 2-3-5/3-2-5. Why do so many teams play it in possession?

[@millymahinra3900]

"Libero" without Baresi or Sammer is almost a disgrace

[@JamesPCroad]

I think Sammer was used as a midfielder mostly. He was used primarily as a sweeper when he returned from Serie A (Firorentina I think) to Dortmund, winning the Champions League in 1997 if I recall correctly.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Without a "Libero" we wouldn't have storybooks about the history of football. LoL

[@fak9r]

or even matthäus, one of the most underrated players ever

[@JamesPCroad]

No, he played for Inter, I think. (Purposely not checking Wikipedia here, just using Football Italia memory)...

[@vanlandings7466]

@@fak9r I don't think winning an ballon dor , Europe footballer of the year, FIFA footballer of the year, 3x fifa xI, silver ball and FiFa 100 would be considered underrated.

[@corinisboring4480]

Do Grassy Surge next please

[@darioradic117]

Can we have a video about Julio Baptista's career please?

[@SuperpowerFootball]

Brandon Fernandes is the perfect Libero for FC Goa! 💥

[@stefistepanovic4487]

Do video about sarri at juventus pls

[@iyayiimade2438]

Tifo forgot to even mention Leipzig. They typically play a back 3 with the two wide players functioning as the Libero, Klostermann has excelled this season playing that formation.

[@Tifo]

It’s not forgetting, it’s that we have limited space given how long these videos take to make. We looked at Leipzig last week too.

[@ChocolateMilkCultLeader]

That voice

[@CountFisco]

DoctorBenjy's FM18 save taught me this, don't worry.

[@imranreaza3337]

As a volleyball player, I was confused when I clicked on this video 😂

[@sadsixersfan.]

1:45 you made me think i had some spots on my screen.

[@brimzim1967]

educative

[@FelixCupla]

Christ Joe “CH” makes a “K” sound in Italian. I had to google Armando Peachy until I figured out it was Armando Picchi (Pee-Kee) the whole time.

[@Chewiebakke]

Yes, "ci" makes the "chi" sound :)

[@bbcmotd]

It's not like we hear CHiellini all the time!

[@deyvidortega4196]

It’s a volleyball position, kinda like the goalie in volleyball but they tend to get swapped in and out of the game often

[@hectornash1323]

Another notable libero, Elias Figueroa

[@vandersar172]

playing a successful 3-5-2 with a libero on FM currently with Coventry City:)

[@peteretenung5011]

Hey Man!! Can I know your tactics?

[@rujotheone]

Do a video on Ramos going forward.

[@venkatanarayanann3175]

Vogt too did that at hoffenheim under nagelsmann

[@YukkaRinnn]

The defensive anchor of a volleyball team XD

[@S4NY4RKuRDBoZZ]

Greece won EURO 2004 by using these tactics. The Greece coach also lost 12-0 in Bundesliga

[@sebastianstammer9265]

The CDMs like busquets should be considered the moderna day Liberos? Cause in most teams that played with that system when they are un defense the shape is more of a 3 at the back with The CDM free

[@13Looka13]

Best position of all time. The Commander!

[@samdawson8297]

Please do one on Bundesliga 2 leaders Arminia Bielefeld

[@aaronclarke4331]

History of George Weah plsss

[@Nico-kf8wr]

I used to play as a libero when I was a little kid. We called it "El último hombre"

[@MrDunn]

wanna make a libero on fifa clubs. what height and weight would i use

[@robplasma5111]

right after the release of Hidden ability Cinderace... curious curious

[@Tifo]

I had to google this but yes. - Alex

[@tajogo8324]

Makoto hasebe is a perfect example of a libero

[@Tifo]

Hugely underrated player. I agree - Alex

[@fadyelkady3159]

Modern game libero?! We had a libero in Egypt till 10 years ago, i want my 352 back!