Dead-ball specialist
A dead-ball specialist is a player who is particularly skilled at striking a ball when it is stationary, such as during a free kick or corner kick.
Example: “Andrea Pirlo’s sumptuous free kick was the difference between the teams and served as a reminder of why he is considered one of the game’s greatest dead-ball specialists.”
Defender
One of the four main positions in football. Defenders are positioned in front of their goalkeeper and have the principal role of keeping the opposition away from their goal.
Designated Player
A Designated Player in Major League Soccer (MLS) is one who is not included in a team’s salary cap, allowing them to be paid more. It was introduced in 2007 in order to facilitate the transfer of David Beckham from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.
The Double
When a team wins two trophies it is described as a double. In most cases, ‘the Double‘ refers to a league and cup triumph.
English League Title & FA Cup Double Winners
| Season | Club | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Manchester City | Pep Guardiola |
| 2009-2010 | Chelsea | Carlo Ancelotti |
| 2001-2002 | Arsenal | Arsene Wenger |
| 1998-1999 | Manchester United | Alex Ferguson |
| 1997-1998 | Arsenal | Arsene Wenger |
| 1995-1996 | Manchester United | Alex Ferguson |
| 1993-1994 | Manchester United | Alex Ferguson |
| 1985-1986 | Liverpool | Kenny Dalglish |
| 1970-1971 | Arsenal | Bertie Mee |
| 1960-1961 | Tottenham Hotspur | Bill Nicholson |
| 1896-1897 | Aston Villa | George Ramsay |
| 1888-1889 | Preston North End | William Sudell |
Dive
Another football term widely used nowadays. A dive in football is when a player deliberately attempts to hoodwink the referee into calling a foul by throwing themselves to the ground during a tackle. An attempt to deceive the referee is a yellow-card offence.
Example: “Certain players have earned a reputation for theatrics and in some cases it is deeply unfair, but that was a blatant dive by Neymar.”
Top funny dives in football
Downing tools
‘Downing tools‘ is a term used to describe the perception that footballers are no longer trying their best for their manager. Often, charges of players downing tools occur when a manager has annoyed a team or player, or his methods no longer inspire confidence.
Example: “Thanks to his treatment by Jose Mourinho, the feeling is that Paul Pogba has downed tools at Manchester United.”
Dummy run
An off-the-ball run made by an offensive player to create space for his teammate with the ball. Used to trick opponents by pretending to move towards the ball.
Best Dummies in football
