A specialized type of center back: a mix between a center-back and a defensive/holding midfielder. The libero is employed as either a part of the defense or as part of the midfield line. When playing as part of the defense, Liberos are usually used in 5-defender or 3-center-back formation.

When a libero plays as a center-back, they are given the responsibility of building up the play from the back in addition to their defensive duties. The libero is given the freedom to push up with the attack slightly more than a center-back and usually finds himself in the hole between midfield and the defense.