The attacking player in this role drops deeper than most strikers to set up attacks, and this is very troublesome for the opposition's centre-backs who must then decide whether to track the false 9 and stray from their position or drop off and give them space in which to operate. In contrast to the traditional number 9 who is the furthest player up the pitch and acts as a focal point for the team, the false 9 operates much deeper and there is not as much focus on them to hold up the ball or be on the end of every ball into the box. While the false 9 lines up at the start of the match in the position normally taken up by the centre-forward, their approach and what is expected of them is quite different… Let's take a look at what is expected of players playing in the false 9 role, some of the pros and cons of using it, and how Guardiola's team swept up all trophies before them using a false 9.Ī false 9 is a deep-lying striker who operates between where a traditional number 9 centre forward and a playmaker number 10 would usually play. Operating neither as an out and out number 9 or as a playmaker number 10, the false 9 is an interesting and unique role in soccer.īut what does it actually involve and how did it come about? Out of fashion for many decades, it has resurfaced of late and players such as Messi, Firmino, and Totti have all played the role to devastating effect.ĭropping into space, drawing defenders out of position, and hitting the opponent with a dazzling dribble or dangerous through ball. While the 'False 9' has been used to great effect in recent years by Guardiola's mesmerising Barcelona and Del Bosque's Spain who won Euro 2012, the role surprisingly dates all the way back to the 1920’s and 30’s when the Uruguay National Team used it during a World Cup. It comes from studying tape, reading the game, and working hard on the training field.Throughout the history of soccer, tactical innovations have continually pushed the game forward as each generation of coaches has looked to gain an advantage over their opponents. Two attributes that set the best from the rest are timing and movement.īeing in the right place at the right time is a true skill and involves far less luck than you might imagine. High-level number 9s should be strong in the air, capable of one-touch finishing, and composed enough to take a touch or two before finishing if necessary. When the ball comes their way, strikers must demonstrate quality in their finishing technique to put chances away. Positionally, strikers are usually the most advanced players on their teams.Īlthough they can stray into deeper channels and wide areas, most center forwards play on the shoulder of the center back, looking to get in behind and onto the end of through passes.ĭuring attacking phases, strikers rely on clever movement to find space in the penalty area.Īs the team's primary attacker, it’s their responsibility to make their presence felt in dangerous positions. Most importantly, great strikers know where the goal is, and more often than not, they find the back of the net when an opportunity presents itself. Since they often find themselves isolated, a striker must be able to receive the ball under pressure, keep defenders at bay, and retain possession with controlled dribbling. While lone strikers can come short to receive the ball, they must be positionally disciplined to ensure teammates have an attacker to find in the final third.Ī key skill of a striker is hold-up play. Strikers of today have to learn to operate solo with their main support coming from the wings or centrally through the center-attacking midfielder (CAM). When one would come short to receive the ball, the other would dart in behind, filling the newly opened space to get on the end of a through ball.Īlthough there are still striker partnerships in the modern game, it’s more common for teams to play with a lone striker and two advanced wingers, completing a front three. In the past, strikers played and worked in pairs to create and finish chances in the opposition penalty area.ĭual strikers would interchange positions, make opposite runs, and play off each other to maximize their success. A striker in soccer is the furthermost attacker on the field.
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