libero

  1. A central defender to whom no forward is assigned for marking, forming the last line of defence and often initiating the offensive play.
  2. A designated back-row player intended to be used as a ball-control specialist.

Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈlɪbəɹəʊ/
Etymology

From Italian libero (literally “free one”). So called because he has no direct opponent to mark and is therefore free to join in the offensive. The volleyball use is younger.

freeback

libero

defensa lliure

ελεύθερος

λίμπερο

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