Winger
Hugs the touchline to provide maximum width, using pace and dribbling to beat the fullback on the outside before delivering crosses into the box.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, 1998/99) - Managed by Sir Alex Ferguson
A workhorse on the flank who protects the fullback, presses the opposition high up the pitch, and ensures defensive solidity, often sacrificing personal attacking output.
Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC, 2008/09) - Managed by Rafael Benítez
Starts wide but moves centrally to overload the midfield, effectively becoming an extra central midfielder rather than looking to score or assist directly from the wing.
Andrés Iniesta (Spain, 2012) - Managed by Vicente del Bosque
Operates in the half-spaces between the fullback and centre-back. Their primary goal is to surge into the box and score, acting effectively as a second striker starting from a wide position.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC, 2017/18) - Managed by Jürgen Klopp
Stationed on the 'wrong' side for their dominant foot, they cut inside to shoot or play through balls, vacating the flank for overlapping runs.
Arjen Robben (FC Bayern Munich, 2012/13) - Managed by Jupp Heynckes
Starts wide but drifts centrally to find pockets of space, acting as an extra number 10. They dictate the tempo and thread passes rather than relying on speed or isolation dribbling.
David Silva (Manchester City, 2011/12) - Managed by Roberto Mancini
A physically imposing player stationed on the wing to exploit size mismatches against full-backs. They serve as an outlet for long balls, hold up play, and attack the far post during crosses.
Mario Mandžukić (Juventus, 2016/17) - Managed by Massimiliano Allegri
Striker
Spearheads the attack, constantly looking to play on the shoulder of the last defender and run onto through balls. They stretch the pitch vertically and are the primary outlet for counters.
Sergio Agüero (Manchester City, 2014/15) - Managed by Manuel Pellegrini
A versatile striker who can do it all: hold up the ball, run in behind, create chances, and finish clinically. They adapt their game to what the team needs in any specific moment.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, 2021/22) - Managed by Carlo Ancelotti
Drops into the space between midfield and attack to link play. Unlike a False 9, they often hold the ball up physically before turning or laying it off, bridging the gap to the midfield.
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur, 2020/21) - Managed by José Mourinho
A lone striker who abandons their position to drop into midfield. This creates a numerical overload in the center and drags centre-backs out of position, leaving gaps for onrushing wingers.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona, 2010/11) - Managed by Pep Guardiola
Lives on the shoulder of the last defender and comes alive in the penalty box. They contribute little to build-up play but possess elite anticipation and finishing instincts to convert chances.
Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan, 2002/03) - Managed by Carlo Ancelotti
Defends from the front by aggressively harrying defenders, cutting off passing lanes, and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Their work rate sets the tempo for the team's defensive shape.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City, 2015/16) - Managed by Claudio Ranieri
A focal point of the attack who uses superior strength and aerial ability to win long balls, flick headers on to teammates, and disrupt the opposition defense physically.
Olivier Giroud (France, 2018) - Managed by Didier Deschamps
Other
A 'space investigator' who may lack traditional athleticism but possesses genius-level anticipation. They drift into blind spots and unoccupied zones to finish moves with a single touch.
Thomas Müller (FC Bayern Munich, 2019/20) - Managed by Hansi Flick