back four

noun

1. soccer the defensive players in many modern team formations: usually two fullbacks and two centre backs

Example Sentences

At times, a central midfielder is seen dropping deep, and a team's back three becomes a back four.

From BBC

"The way the head coach has been able to adapt so early in his tenure – sometimes using a back four and sometimes a five - even bringing in in Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, that was a masterstroke," said Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards.

From BBC

Paul Robinson: People are getting carried away with United's signings but right now they have still got the same midfield, same back four and same goalkeeper and you have to remember how hard they found it last season in the Premier League, with Amorim's system being so rigid.

From BBC

The concern will be the speed at which a new-look back four can find their feet in a busy start to the Championship season.

From BBC

While captain Leah Williamson and Bronze have been permanent fixtures in defence, the other centre-back role and left-back have been problem positions, and the manager will hope first-choice candidates emerge to create a consistent back four.

From BBC