What is centre forward? How to use in English

The term "centre forward" originated in association football (soccer), which is played with a round ball on a rectangular field by two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by kicking the ball into the opposing team's net. In traditional soccer formations, teams would line up in a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 formation, with five forwards. These five forwards would spread out across the field, with the "centre forward" position being the most advanced and central striker. The centre forward would be responsible for scoring goals from inside the penalty area or "box," which is the 18-yard (16.5-meter) area surrounding the opponent's goal. The term "centre forward" first appeared in the early 20th century and became widely adopted as teams evolved towards more attacking formations, such as the famous WM formation used by the Hungarian Golden Team in the 1950s. Today, the centre forward role may still be found in various formations, from the traditional 4-4-2 to the modern 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations. The role may also be referred to as "centre striker" or "target man," depending on the player's preferred style of play. Whether played as a classic "striker" or with a more diverse skillset, the centre forward remains a pivotal position in the modern game.