total football

British  

noun

1. an attacking style of play, popularized by the Dutch national team of the 1970s, in which there are no fixed positions and every outfield player can join in the attack

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Example Sentences

Circa 2000, Hunt relocated to the Netherlands — the soccer-mad land of total football and the Oranje — to perform at the American-founded Amsterdam comedy theater Boom Chicago.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2021

Even though 1982 had my favourite ever match – the Brazil v Italy shocker – I always remember 1974 for the total football played by the sophisticated Dutch.

From The Guardian • Jul. 13, 2018

“He plays with a total football mentality,” Servais said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2018

As a player, Cruyff was the embodiment of Dutch "total football", a fluid style of play focused on ball possession and rapid passing, and involving all members of the team in both attack and defense.

From Reuters • Mar. 24, 2016

"I thought the team was outstanding. We were sensational in the first half and did really well. "It was total football.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2014