When part of a low block, the number eights play an important role in keeping the team compact and preventing central passes penetrating through the team. The single pivot screens the defence and covers the space behind the two number eights. When playing in a three, the number eights are more likely to jump out of line to press, duel, tackle and engage the opposing ball-carrier. When playing as part of a pair, they must be athletic, quick, strong in individual duels and good at screening passes into the opposing centre-forward. The number eight is responsible for tracking central runs, protecting the defence and, when required, aggressively counter-pressing. What are the out-of-possession responsibilities of a number eight? The other number eight then moves across to fill the gap they have left in the centre of the pitch, and can provide height to support in attack if needed. When the number eight is part of a midfield three, they can stay deeper for longer when supporting build-up. In that formation, they are often needed further forward to help in attack. They may drop deep to receive and help in the build-up phase, but when playing as part of a midfield two they will usually only drop deep briefly. They play a key role in a team switching play (above), cross from withdrawn positions, shoot from distance and combine in central areas with the striker or strikers (below). Number eights move around the pitch to get on the ball and build play. These forward runs will tend to target the space in between an opposition full-back and centre-back, as shown in the diagram above. In this formation, there are two number eights, meaning runs can be made through each inside channel simultaneously. In a midfield three, the number eight will still provide forward runs, but more often through the inside channels. The number eight’s midfield partner will stay deeper to provide protection in front of the back four. These movements will often target the space between the opposition centre-backs. In a midfield two, the number eight will have more responsibility to add extra central presence underneath the front line with forward runs from midfield. What are the in-possession responsibilities of a number eight?Īs the number eight operates mostly in central areas, they are tasked with connecting defence with attack, and the right side of the team with the left. In what was then a popular 2-3-5 formation, the number eight shirt was assigned to the inside-right position in the front five.Īs formations evolved and back-four systems became more common, the number eight shirt was worn by one of the two central midfielders in a 4-4-2, or one of the two ahead of a single pivot in a 4-3-3. The name comes from the original use of numbers on players’ shirts in a starting XI. Where does the term ‘number eight’ originate? Number eights can operate in a central-midfield two, as part of a three, or on the side of a diamond behind a number 10. The role of the number eight requires lots of energy, and contributions to both the attacking and defending phases of the game. In the modern game, however, the role has evolved to include support play through the inside channels, with lots of matches seeing more control and less end-to-end football. A number eight is a central midfielder who traditionally operates as a box-to-box player, doing both attacking and defensive jobs.
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