Libero - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Libero is a term used in soccer to describe a versatile defender who plays behind the backline, often initiating attacks while also providing defensive cover. It originates from Italian, meaning free.
Definition:
A soccer player positioned to roam freely, often between defense and midfield.
Synonyms:
sweeper, playmaker, defensive midfielder
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
striker, goalkeeper
Common Collocations:
defensive libero, attacking libero, libero role
Derivatives:
liberos (plural), liberoes (variant plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "libero" to describe a versatile soccer player who supports both defense and attack without fixed positioning.
Common Phrases:
play as a libero, the team's libero, modern libero role
Etymology:
Borrowed from Italian "libero," meaning "free," reflecting the player's unrestricted movement on the field.
Examples:
- 1. The coach assigned him as the libero for his tactical awareness.
- 2. A good libero reads the game well and intercepts passes.
- 3. The team struggled after their libero was injured last match.
- 4. She trained hard to master the libero position in soccer.