libero
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libero
In soccer, a defensive player without a fixed opposing player who operates behind the actual defensive line in order to intercept the opponent's attacks and often also build up their own team's attacking play.
Franz Beckenbauer gilt als einer der berühmtesten Liberos der Fußballgeschichte.
Franz Beckenbauer is considered one of the most famous liberos in soccer history.
libero
In volleyball, a player specialized in defense and serve reception who can be substituted flexibly and wears a jersey in a different color.
Im Volleyball darf der Libero den Ball nicht über der Netzkante angreifen.
In volleyball, the libero may not attack the ball above the top edge of the net.
The word 'Libero' (libero) comes from Italian and means 'free'. This describes the player's role perfectly: they are a 'free man' in defense who has no direct opponent.
Der Libero muss das Spiel gut lesen können, um frei agieren zu können.
The libero has to be able to read the game well in order to act freely.
You can always tell which sport is meant from the context. In sentences about soccer, it refers to the classic defensive position; in sentences about volleyball, it refers to the defensive specialist.
Der Libero organisierte die Abwehr seiner Fußballmannschaft.
The libero organized his soccer team's defense.
The position of the libero in soccer is now more historical. In modern playing systems, this role is hardly used anymore, but it was very popular from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Mein Großvater schwärmt immer von den großen Liberos aus seiner Jugendzeit.
My grandfather always raves about the great liberos from his youth.
The libero in volleyball is very easy to recognize: they are the only player on their team wearing a jersey in a different color.
Wegen seines andersfarbigen Trikots war der Libero auf dem Spielfeld gut zu sehen.
Because of his differently colored jersey, the libero was easy to see on the court.
defender / defense attorney
Verteidiger is the general term in soccer for a player who stops opposing attacks. A Libero is a particular type of defender with no fixed opposing player, who plays behind the defensive line and intercepts attacks. Libero is therefore appropriate only for this tactical role.
Der Libero spielte hinter der Abwehrkette und hatte keinen festen Gegenspieler.
The libero played behind the defensive line and had no fixed opposing player.
Der Verteidiger deckte den gegnerischen Stürmer während des gesamten Spiels.
The defender marked the opposing striker throughout the entire game.
