role. All of these elements combined made Zeman's tactics solid, spectacular and extremely versatile: they are effective against top teams as well as weaker ones. Having the right players for his tactical system is essential; usually the characteristics needed by his players are: Sweeper Keeper: In addition to being a good shot-stopper, the goalkeeper must be capable of reading the game, and quick to come off his goal-line to anticipate opponents outside the area who have beaten the offside trap; he must also have good ball control, dribbling ability and distribution with his hands and feet. Wing Backs: They must be offensive wing backs, not merely defensive minded fullbacks. The use of quick, hard-working attacking wing backs is one of the most important aspects of Zeman's tactics and formation, as they often overlap with the wingers to provide crosses into the box, whilst also returning to defend. Centre Backs: Complete and strong, with good heading ability, marking, tackling, jumping, pace, positioning and acceleration, as well as good technique and ball playing ability. One of the two central defenders must also be able to drop further back from the defensive line whenever the offside trap is not possible, in the similar manner of a libero or sweeper. Central Midfielders: The central midfield pivot in Zeman's three-man midfield system is a complete and versatile player who is a hybrid of a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a deep-lying playmaker. The centre-midfielder, therefore, must be effective defensively, but he must also be equally capable of creating attacking plays after winning back possession, and making offensive runs into the area off the ball. He must be a quick, hard-working, physically fit, and strong player, as well as being creative on the ball, and a good long passer and tackler. This role has also been likened to that of a metodista ("centre-half," in Italian football jargon), due to the necessity for the player to dictate play in midfield, launch quick attacks, or assist their team defensively, as well as to maintain their position and thus allowing Zeman's teams to maintain a high defensive line with little space between the attack and the defence. The left and right centre midfielders must also be hard-working and well rounded box-to-box players, with good technique, offensive capabilities, and passing ability. Outside Forwards/Wingers: Zeman's formation makes a fundamental use of hard-working wingers with pace, stamina, creative abilities, and good