What is a false 9 position in football?

A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally. The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs – and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence.

How do you defend against a false 9?

The first step to defending against a false 9 correctly is to set both central defensive midfielders in positions where they will be directly in front of the false 9 if he faced the goal. In the following image, you can see McTomminay and Matić staying close to each other providing no space for Firmino to turn.

Who is the best false 9?

Lionel Messi is the best false 9 player in football history. The Argentinian enjoyed and thrived in this position while playing for Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. Messi recorded insane numbers under Guardiola scoring and assisting every game.

Is Firmino a false 9?

Firmino scored ten league goals and notched seven league assists in his debut campaign. Firmino is not your typical striker. He is as a false nine. He often drops deep and makes positional sacrifices to complement his attacking partners Salah and Mane, who have definitely benefited from this.

What position is number 7 in football?

The No. 7 shirt is reserved for wingers and second strikers, though there are some examples of legendary central strikers who have worn the shirt, thus giving the number classic status.

Is Messi a false nine?

Lionel Messi established himself as one of the greatest players of all time, operating as a false 9 in Guardiola’s 4-3-3 and winning 4 consecutive Ballon d’Or awards from 2009 to 2012. On May 2, 2009, Barcelona visited arch rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu for a pivotal league encounter.

What are the numbers for each position in soccer?

In England, in a now traditional 4–4–2 formation, the standard numbering is usually: 2 (right fullback), 5, 6, 3 (left fullback); 4 (defensive midfielder), 7 (right midfielder), 8 (central/attacking midfielder), 11 (left midfielder); 10 (second/support striker), 9 (striker).

What teams use a false 9?

Matthias Sindelar was the false 9 of the Wunderteam, the Austria national team, in 1934. A false 9 was also utilized by Hungary during the beginning of the 1950s, with striker Nándor Hidegkuti acting in the role. In 1953, English football was astounded by the Hungarian team which beat England 6–3 at Wembley Stadium.

Who invented the false 9?

Luciano Spalletti
Francesco Totti Luciano Spalletti is the man widely credited for reintroducing the formula of the false nine in modern football, so it’s only fitting to begin with his choice for the role.

Is Roberto Firmino good?

Firmino is an extremely gifted footballer who does his most eye-catching work in crowded areas, combining brilliant close control and dribbling with an ability to unlock a compact defence with a piece of skill or a deft through ball.