Meaning & use
utility player in football
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrasesport
In football, a player who can be used in several positions instead of being limited to one.
Grammar: Use it as a noun phrase: 'He is a utility player in football.'
Patterns
- be a utility player in football
- use someone as a utility player in football
A utility player in football is worth a lot to a squad because injuries happen so often.
The manager described him as a utility player in football who can play full-back or midfield.
As a utility player in football, she never knew which position she would be asked to fill.
Common combinations
- a useful utility player in football
- Every squad needs a useful utility player in football.
- play as a utility player in football
- He spent two seasons playing as a utility player in football.
- a utility player in football terms
- In football terms, he is a utility player rather than a star.
Synonyms and how they differ
- versatile player
- A more general phrase that emphasizes many skills; 'utility player' specifically highlights filling different positions.
- utility man
- A common British variant used mainly for male players.
Opposites
Word family
- utility noun
- The quality of being useful in many ways.
Commonly confused: utility player in football or substitute?
utility player in football vs substitute
A substitute is a player who comes on for another; a utility player may start and is defined by covering several positions.
Practice
What does 'a utility player in football' mean?
Choose one answer.
The phrase describes flexibility across positions, so B is right. A describes a goalkeeper, C describes a training player, and D confuses 'utility' with equipment.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “utility player in football”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.