Growing up, every aspiring footballer wanted to wear the fabled number 10 shirt. It was the symbol of creativity, elegance, and genius on the pitch. The number 10 wasn’t just a player; he was the magician, the one who could unlock defenses with a single touch, the leader without the armband, and the player everyone envied.
From Diego Maradona to Zinedine Zidane, from Ronaldinho to Juan Román Riquelme, these playmakers were the soul of their teams. However, in today’s game, the traditional number 10 role is becoming extinct. But why? Let’s break it down.
Tactical Evolution and the Rise of Pressing
Football has evolved dramatically over the years. Teams now prioritize high-intensity pressing, defensive organization, and structured play over free-flowing creativity. The classic number 10, who once had the luxury of floating between the lines and dictating the game, is now seen as a liability unless he contributes defensively.
Take Mesut Özil, for instance. In his prime at Real Madrid and Arsenal, he was the epitome of a traditional playmaker—graceful, intelligent, and capable of producing moments of magic. However, as football became more demanding in terms of pressing and defensive work, Özil found himself sidelined, struggling to fit into modern tactical setups.
The Shift to Versatility and Multi-Functional Midfielders
Today’s game values versatility over specialization. Managers prefer midfielders who can do a bit of everything—defend, attack, press, and recycle possession. The number 10, traditionally a luxury player who thrives on freedom, doesn’t always fit into this mold.
For example, Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes are modern playmakers, but they aren’t classic number 10s in the traditional sense. They operate deeper, contribute defensively, and have the stamina to press for 90 minutes. Instead of relying on one player to dictate the attack, teams now emphasize collective play and fluid systems.
The Influence of Counter-Attacking Football
Another major factor is the shift towards quick transitions and counter-attacks. The modern game is played at a breakneck pace, and teams rely more on speed, directness, and vertical play rather than slow, methodical buildup. The number 10, who thrives on time and space, struggles in this high-speed environment.
James Rodríguez is a prime example. After his stunning performances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he was expected to be the next great playmaker. However, his inability to adapt to high-tempo, counter-pressing football saw him struggle at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before fading from the elite level.
Formation Changes: The Death of the 4-2-3-1
Formations like the 4-2-3-1 once allowed number 10s to shine in their natural habitat, operating behind the striker with minimal defensive duties. But today, many top teams favor formations like the 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, which rely on dynamic midfielders and wide forwards rather than a central playmaker.
Barcelona’s shift post-Messi is a prime example. While Lionel Messi was a hybrid number 10, after his departure, Barcelona moved towards a system that relies more on wingers and central midfielders rather than a single creative fulcrum.
The traditional number 10 still exists, but only in rare cases. Players like Paulo Dybala, who possess the skillset of a classic playmaker, have had to adjust their game to survive. Even Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest number 10 of all time, has had to evolve his role to fit into modern systems.
Gone are the days when a team was built around a single playmaker. Football has moved towards efficiency, athleticism, and tactical discipline. The number 10, once the heartbeat of every great team, is now a nostalgic relic of a bygone era.
While the romance of the number 10 may be fading, its legacy remains. The likes of Maradona, Zidane, and Ronaldinho may not have thrived in today’s football landscape, but their impact on the game will never be forgotten. The modern game may not allow for a free-roaming artist anymore, but football will always have room for moments of genius. The number 10 isn’t dead—it has simply evolved.
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