Players
Profiles and role studies of the players who defined their positions.
Player
Franz Beckenbauer
German defender who defined the attacking libero.
PlayerAndrea Pirlo
Italian deep-lying playmaker, the modern regista.
PlayerXavi Hernández
Spanish midfielder and master of tempo and circulation.
PlayerSergio Busquets
Spanish holding midfielder admired for positioning and press resistance.
PlayerClaude Makélélé
French defensive midfielder whose name became shorthand for a screening role.