When it comes to football, each position has specific tasks that allow a team to operate and succeed. Each position type has its own characteristics as well as technical, tactical, and conditioning requirements. Despite seeming challenging, some players find certain positions easier than others. Sometimes, these positions may spark debates, but that's not overly important. In today's article, let's join admin Wintips in reviewing the positions from the past until now.
Top 5 easiest position in football
1/ Full-back
Is the wing-back the easiest position in football? Here are some reasons:
They have the least ball contact - Studies show that wing-backs have less frequent ball contact than most teammates. The less time a player spends with the ball, the fewer decisions they have to make, actions to complete, and ultimately, wing-backs have less to do.
They run less than other players - Due to the wing-back's task, they must cover a limited area of the field. That area usually spans from the defensive goal line to just ahead of the halfway line, either on the right or left side of the center-backs.
They bear less responsibility than any other player - Unlike goalkeepers, wing-backs aren't expected to dominate the game, score goals, serve as the last line of defense before the goalkeeper, or prevent balls from entering the goal.
They face lower expectations - Supporters' expectations of a wing-back are much lower compared to players in other roles. This is because fans don't place as much expectation on them; they have less pressure to perform better than other players and can easily escape criticism.
2/ Goalkeeper - Easiest position in football
Seeing goalkeepers on this list may indeed be a complete insult to some players in this position. It could be argued that this is the most challenging position in football because of all the responsibilities they have to bear. However, there are cases where being a goalkeeper for a suitable team is a relatively easy job depending on each match. Teams with solid defense and minimal risks are the ones that provide favorable conditions for their goalkeepers.
They may only have to deal with a few balls in each match. The rest of the time, they act more like a coach on the field, directing the defense. Remember that there are only so many positions on the football field considered the easiest. Some goalkeepers have faced many difficulties and always play the role of the most valuable player for their team.
Goalkeepers who do their job well are rewarded with very high salaries. As mentioned, some goalkeepers have more time to drink water and stand during the game than others.
3/ Winger
Certain formations will have wingers running more than anyone else on the field. They require immense endurance and speed to reach the necessary positions for success. They also need exceptional crossing ability to create attacking opportunities for their teammates.
Like forwards, some teams don't focus on relentless goal pursuit throughout the game. Instead, they prefer a more methodical approach, which makes becoming a winger much easier. Wingers play a crucial role in football's big picture plan. They don't always receive the recognition they deserve, and some teams don't prioritize them as much as they should.
While that may make it easier to explain, compared to some other positions on this list or completely excluded, the winger position carries less responsibility.
4/ Strikers - Easiest position in football
This is another position related to playing style. Teams focused on attacking will put immense pressure on forwards to perform at their best. Defensively oriented teams won't require a consistently outstanding forward. That makes their job slightly easier if they don't handle the ball as much.
Teams have to find ways to score goals if they want to win. Everyone can agree on that. Forwards are sometimes overrated in terms of the workload they do because many of their opportunities are created by others. Teams consistently unable to score or with only one goal may focus more on ball possession than anything else. If so, their forwards have much easier jobs than many other players on the field.
Scoring goals always gets attention, but that doesn't mean they're doing better than others on the field. The star's strength is undeniable, but they spend quite a bit of time moving around the field.
5/ Centre-back
Center-backs don't require skills like many other positions. Their main goal is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. They need to have a certain level of strength and speed, but not as much as some other positions. The biggest key for a center-back is a bit of athleticism and using that athleticism as an advantage.
Being able to read how the opponent is attacking is a skill set that requires a mind rather than having incredible physical abilities. Opposing forwards will truly try to exploit the weaknesses of center-backs. It's not like a center-back can just sit still and do nothing throughout the game. However, many teams will deploy some weaker players in this position.
Conclude
Mentioning the easiest position in football is sure to stir up debate. It might sound simplistic, but it takes an entire team to create a formidable opponent. If there are any weaknesses in a team, the opposition will exploit them. Teams will do whatever they can to arrange everyone in a way that gives them the best chance of winning. That often means protecting their weakest link on the roster. Hopefully, the analyses provided by the bookmaker world cup website will give you the broadest perspective on football playing positions.
See also: Ranking the most hardest position in soccer you not know