SOCCER NUMBER 10 POSITION HOW TO
SOCCER NUMBER 10 POSITION FREE

He consistently finds space in the final third, and makes constant runs beyond the centre-forward (above). He connects passes into the centre-forward well, but his main strength is getting into goalscoring positions. With the ball, his movements are varied and unpredictable. He is combative without the ball, effective and smart in instigating a press, and does a good job of screening and providing cover. Müller is a versatile number 10 with a very different skillset to Özil. Another strength was his understanding of when to stand still and hold his position while others moved around him. From there, he could turn to feed the ball through gaps in the opposition’s defence (above, top). He created space through his movement and passing, and constantly got on the ball in pockets of space between the lines. Özil was a creative number 10 at both Real and Arsenal, breaking lines through his clever passing, disguised touches and superb vision. This is very useful, whether the manager wants the team to press high up the pitch or drop into a mid or low-block. From this position, they will screen central passes, block forward runs and make interceptions. Often, they will directly engage and duel with opposing full-backs high up the pitch.Ī number 10 also plays a key screening role if the coach wants them to block access into the opposition's pivot.

They will often push forward to press the opposition centre-backs or move to defend in wide areas.

SOCCER NUMBER 10 POSITION HOW TO

While the rest of the midfield battled for possession and defended central areas, the number 10 was thinking about how to take advantage when possession was regained.Ī modern number 10 has far more defensive responsibility, though. When their team was defending, they would look for space to receive a pass following a turnover and launch a counter-attack.

SOCCER NUMBER 10 POSITION FREE

The classic number 10 had few defensive responsibilities – often, they had something of a free role. What are the out-of-possession responsibilities of a number 10? Number 10s are also expected to provide a goal threat by running beyond the striker(s), attacking crosses and supporting the second phase of play after a ball into a centre-forward. The modern number 10 might also drop deeper centrally to receive, especially when there is little space between the lines. They should help create wide overloads, to get teammates into spaces to cross. Movements into the penalty area to support the centre forward(s) are important, as well as moving out wide and into the inside channels to support a winger or full-back. Their responsibilities involve far more than just creating for others with on-the-ball actions. They often operated in tight spaces and under pressure from opponents from several directions.Īs the game has evolved, though, number 10s are required to do much more. They should create chances for teammates with clever dribbles, touches, crosses, passes, through balls and combinations. The original, classic number 10 was expected to connect defence and midfield with the front line. What are the in-possession responsibilities of a number 10? As a result, the role of the modern number 10 now requires more varied movements and a broader skillset. However, many teams now use defensive midfielders in the spaces where a classic number 10 would operate. A single number 10 is also used in a 3-4-1-2 shape. In the modern era, the number 10 usually plays underneath a single centre-forward, with a double pivot in behind in a 4-2-3-1 structure. As sides began to move away from the 4-3-3 of the 1970s to the 4-3-1-2 or 4-4-2 diamond of the 1980s, the ‘hook’ became even more important. It was called the ‘ enganche’ in Argentina, which translates as ‘hook’, to describe its importance in connecting midfield and attack. The classic number 10 role is so named because it was traditionally the number worn by the player in that position.

Where does the name ‘number 10’ originate? They often receive between the opposition’s midfield and defence – a space commonly referred to as ‘between the lines’. A number 10 is an attacker who operates in the spaces between central midfield and the front line.

Soccer number 10 position