Toni Kroos is one of the best examples of a number 8 with this kind of passing range. When central areas become congested, a switch of play or precision through pass is often the best option for creating a breakthrough. This is useful when opposition teams play a high defensive line. Talented passers can also set up attacks from deeper midfield positions, without having to get forward. He could punish teams with a key pass or shot from a distance if afforded any room in the final third. Steven Gerrard is the perfect example of this type of 8. When given time and space, they can carry the ball forward until they’re within shooting range. Here, they force opponents to commit a defending player, leaving gaps for strikers or wingers to run into.

Number 8s do the majority of their damage when they occupy the inside channels between the opposition’s midfield and defense. Here are some of the most important roles of a number 8 in soccer:Īttack-minded number 8s are a true midfield weapon, turning standard plays into goalscoring opportunities with a quick turn, killer pass, or a surging run.īox-to-box midfielders get on the ball a lot so they must be capable of making line-breaking passes and orchestrating attacks from central or deep areas. While when defending a lead, coaches might have them sit back and create a more solid defensive shield. When in need of a goal, a coach will often instruct the number 8 to venture forward and play as a more attacking playmaker. These midfielders slot into the most popular formations in the modern game, such as: Unlike the specialist number 6 and number 10 positions, the number 8 in soccer is generally more adaptable and capable of fulfilling a host of roles, depending on the strategy. However, most modern teams set out with three center midfielders, with at least one number 8 sitting slightly ahead of a CDM in a diamond. Whether your team uses a possession or counter-attacking strategy, these players are key to linking the defensive line and the forwards.Ī quality box-to-box can operate in a two-player midfield alongside a like-minded CM or a more defensive anchor. Virtually every elite squad in modern soccer has a world-class number 8 on their team.

Top 8's can run the midfield over 90 minutes and transition from defense to attack in a heartbeat.

Soccer positions numbers and roles