SUMMARY
- Soccer is a sport of many different positions, divided in numbers.
- One of the most critical spot is the number 10 spot, responsible for making the team function like well oiled gears.
Number 10 is often given to the best player in the team, such as Kylian Mbappe at France or Marcus Rashford at Manchester United. A player wearing the number 10 is respected a lot because of the legacy of the number. It was worn by greats such as Zico, Hazard, Rooney, and Neymar Jr. However, there is a huge difference between a player wearing the number 10 and a player who actually plays at number 10.
A traditional no.10 is a position in soccer, also known as “A Hook” in simple terms. The main objective of a number 10 is to connect the midfield with the offense. It acts as a pivot between the attack and the midfield. The player playing in this role needs to be very creative and should have control over the team. They are the most important players and the managers often give them a free hand over their style of play.
Understanding the no.10 role
A number 10 is an attacking midfielder who plays behind the central striker. They are responsible for the distribution of the ball and the creation of chances. A classic number 10 operates in between the small spaces and defenders. The player should be very good at dribbling and passing to excel at this position.
In formations such as 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-1-2, managers expect their number 10s to carry the team. For example in a 3-4-1-2, the number 10 is the most important player, as it is a solo provider. The player is responsible for controlling the tempo of the game, distribution of the ball, creation of the chances, and taking shots if required. Former Manchester City player David Silva was a prime example as he used to operate in similar conditions.
To become a good center-attacking midfielder, players should be able to collect the ball from the midfielders and pass it on to their offensive teammates. Their vision becomes the most important attribute when it comes to the collection and distribution of the ball. The ability to find spaces, and beat the opposition’s defense with a single pass sums up their entire role.
The best part of being a midfielder is the creative freedom, the opportunity to run the game, the ability to score a goal, and the chance to lead the team. All these responsibilities make this role even more special.
The legacy of the infamous role
There is a reason why the best player in the team plays in this position. The player doesn’t need to be fast or strong to get results as their imagination and vision do the trick. In the history of soccer, it has been observed that the smartest players have excelled at this position. In the 90s, the great Pele used to play as the center-attacking mid-fielder.
Then in 2000, it was Ronaldihno and Zinedine Zidane. Both of them were different in terms of their strengths, Ronaldinho was a bit offensive and full of tricks, whereas Zidane was calm and more central. However, the only similarity between them was their creativity. They both were known for their playmaking skills and vision.
However, the number 10 is also close to the false 9, and that’s why modern-generation players like Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi, and Mesut Ozil are called advanced playmakers. They are the number 10 but have a bit more attacking abilities. These players can operate in the midfield, participate in the attack, and score many goals.
In fact, Messi and Dybala are only known for playing in offensive positions. However, greats such as Diego Maradona, Francesco Totti, and Dennis Bergkamp played in the number 10 position and are famous for staying central.
Modern soccer is losing the once-iconic role
With the evolution of the game, soccer is becoming more defensive. Managers are shifting their focus from one player to the entire team and instead of depending upon one player for their chances, managers want their entire time to participate. They don’t want to slow down the game, just so that their attacking mid-fielder has time to create space.
Managers such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti are examples of playing such football. Both managers are known for playing classic 4-3-3, where, there is no room for a number 10. In 4-3-3 there are three midfielders, with one being the central defensive mid-fielder. With this approach, the workload of midfielders is reduced as there are now two midfielders with the similar role.
Players such as Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are examples of modern-day creative midfielders. Due to the increase in the intensity of soccer, players are now forced to excel in both attack and defense. Full-backs in modern-day football are seen in offensive positions, while center forwards are dropping back to collect the ball.
The classic Number 10 role is no longer required, as the strikers can now play as False 9, whereas wingers are so wide and offensive that there is enough space for the mid-fielders. However, with a formation like 4-2-1-3, there is still hope for the number 10s in modern football.