If you think back to the formative years of the English Premier League, the competition was dominated by enigmatic and extremely creative number 10s. From Eric Cantona to Dennis Bergkamp, these players were afforded positional freedom behind the striker and rarely tasked with too much in the way of defensive work.
Of course, modern football has changed significantly, and the classic number 10 is arguably a thing of the past. In an age of high-intensity pressing and structured positional play, there’s little room for a creative fulcrum who has the potential (and license) to disrupt a team’s shape.
Instead, teams are now more likely to play with at least one number eight, who often attacks a similar position but starts as a central midfielder. In this post, we’ll appraise the differences between an eight and a 10 and ask how the latter has become less prevalent over time.
The Main Differences Between and Eight and a 10
In simple terms, the classic number 10 will play in between the midfield and attacking line. He’ll largely operate centrally and on the shoulder of the main striker, often receiving the ball on the half turn and attacking the space. Usually a highly technical player, he’ll look to commit defenders, feed his strike partner and attempt shots on goal.
Although a number eight will often end up attacking the same spaces as a 10, his start position is usually much deeper and based in central midfield. However, he’ll typically be supported by a defensive minded number six or another eight, affording him a solid foundation from which he can drive forward.
While number 10s were historically inventive players who wanted to get on the ball and create chances for others, eights are synonymous with breaking forward off the ball and ghosting into the penalty area. From here, they can provide a genuine goal threat.
Because of this, players who take up the number eight role will typically boast excellent stamina and running power. This also helps them to fulfil their greater defensive responsibilities out of possession, as they participate in a more compact midfield shape.
Is the Classic Number 10 Position Now Outdated?
Due to modern tactical thinking, elite teams are increasingly inclined to play with two number eights, especially when they take possession of the ball. For example, teams may invert one of their fullbacks when they construct attacks, creating a double pivot alongside a dedicated defensive midfielder.
This allows two number eights to operate centrally, as they look to exploit the half spaces and support the forward line. When possession is lost, teams often revert to a defensive 4-5-1 shape or similar variation, with both number eights dropping back into a tight midfield three.
By switching seamlessly between a 4-5-1 and 3-2-4-1 (as in the case of Manchester City and Arsenal), teams can operate more flexibly from a tactical perspective. However, this also places significant responsibility on players in the number eight role, who must boast excellent stamina, sound positional awareness and a solid, all-round game.
Of course, this leaves little room for a sole number 10, especially one who is able to remain high up the pitch and has minimal defensive responsibility. As a result, the classic number 10 role has largely been phased out by recent tactical developments, as sides prioritise more rigid positional play and structured possession.
Do Any Traditional Number 10s Remain?
It’s hard to think of an active player who operates in the mould of a classic 10. Enigmatic German midfielder Mesut Özil was one of the last to play this role at the highest level, alongside James Rodriguez of Colombia and Real Madrid.
It can be argued that Bruno Fernandes plays similarly to a number 10 for Manchester United. He typically has a degree of freedom in his positioning, while he regularly leads the press for his club side. He’s also a prolific goalscorer and highly creative player, creating the most chances of all footballers in the 2024/25 Premier League.
However, Fernandes also placed second for the number of balls recovered in the attacking third, highlighting his all-round game and defensive contributions. He also completed more than 70 tackles and interceptions, so it’s hard to describe him as a traditional number 10.
Since the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, Fernandes has largely operated as one of two players behind a number nine in a 3-4-2-1 formation . Once again, however, the Portuguese plays this role as more of an attacking number eight, performing diligent defensive work both centrally and out wide when the team is out of possession.
The Last Word
By contrast, the number of players who now operate in number eight roles is almost endless, from Martin Ødegaard and Enzo Fernandez to Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool.
This status quo is unlikely to change anytime soon, especially with an increased emphasis on positional play, maintaining team shape and retaining possession of the ball. Such trends make a classic number 10 something of a luxury, especially as they’re likely to vacate their position and give away the ball attempting dribbles or difficult through passes.
This will disappoint older fans, many of whom will remember the enigmatic brilliance and creativity of players like Cantona, Bergkamp, Juninho and Wayne Rooney. These players undoubtedly added excitement and unpredictability to top level games, while often serving as match winners.
Still, we’ve also seen some incredibly talented number eights ply their trade during the previous decade, including Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Fernandes. They’ve also contributed goals, assists and creativity, while working tirelessly and paying greater attention to their defensive work.
