A revolutionary role within football, the Libero, or Sweeper, is a player typically deployed at the heart of a conventional back five, sitting slightly deeper than the two central defenders.

The archetype example is Franz Beckenbauer, who was deployed in the Libero role during the 1974 FIFA World Cup final, against the Netherlands, performers of the revolutionary “total football”. Beckenbauer displayed qualities similar to that of a creative midfielder.

Two different roles a Libero would typically have are, firstly, being able to intercept passes and close down space in front of goal. In contrast, a Libero can be given licence a to roam further into midfield, with sometimes more attacking privileges than other defenders.

The role became synonymous with legendary former FC Bayern Munich captain, Franz Beckenbauer. The 1974 FIFA World Cup winner demanded the freedom of a creative playmaker. Beckenbauer’s vision and excellent ball playing ability allowed him to play passes that not many other players in the same role could execute.

During the 1996 European Championships, another German, in this case Matthias Sammer, played slightly deeper than the other defenders in order to intercept passes closer to goal, and to break forward into midfield when necessary.

Franz Beckenbauer influenced the next generation of brilliant sweepers, most notably legendary AC Milan stalwart Franco Baresi, who under the guidance of outstanding tactician Arrigo Sacchi, helped form one of football’s most extraordinary backlines alongside Mauro Tossatti, Alessandro Costacurta and Paolo Maldini. The back four, spearheaded by the calmness and skill of Baresi, complemented Milan’s extravagant midfield and forward players; Frank Rijkarrd offered balance, while duo Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit provided the goal scoring touch for the “Rossoneri”. Later on in his carer, former Bourssia Monchengladbach and Internazionale player, Lothar Matthaus, moved from midfield to play as a Libero for FC Bayern Munich, using his valued experience and reading of the game competently, helping the Bavarian side win the UEFA Cup in 1996.