mbrojtësi

mbrojtësi is an Albanian word that translates to "defender" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of sports, particularly football (soccer), to refer to a player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals. Defenders are typically positioned in front of their own goal and work to disrupt opposition attacks, block shots, and intercept passes.

In football, there are various types of defenders. Center-backs are positioned in the middle of the defense, while full-backs operate on the flanks. Wing-backs are a hybrid role, combining defensive duties with attacking runs down the wings. The specific responsibilities and positioning of a mbrojtësi can vary depending on the team's formation and tactical approach.

Beyond sports, the term mbrojtësi can also be used more generally to mean protector or defender of something abstract, such as an idea, a cause, or a person's rights. In this broader sense, it implies someone who stands up for and safeguards something of value. The root of the word comes from the verb "mbroj," meaning to defend or protect.