The number 10 is the attacking midfielder who operates between the opposition midfield and defence, creating chances and linking play from midfield to the strikers. Often called the playmaker or the hole player, the number 10 is the team's creative hub, combining vision, technique and the ability to score and assist.
What Is a Number 10?
The number 10 plays in the pocket of space between the opponent's defensive and midfield lines. From there they receive between the lines, turn and create. The role is central to systems like the 4-2-3-1 and the 4-4-2 diamond, where a dedicated creator supports the forwards.
Duties of the Number 10
- Create chances: the primary job is to unlock defences with passes, through balls and vision.
- Link play: connect midfield and attack, receiving between the lines and combining quickly.
- Score goals: arrive late in the box to finish moves.
- Press from the front: modern 10s also lead the press on the opposition's deepest midfielder.
Skills a Great Number 10 Needs
- Excellent close control and passing under pressure.
- Vision to spot and execute the killer pass.
- Awareness to find space between the lines.
- Composure and finishing in the final third.
How to Use a Number 10
Give the number 10 freedom to find space rather than a fixed zone, and surround them with runners, wingers and overlapping full-backs who can attack the openings the 10 creates. Protect the shape with a holding midfielder or a double pivot behind them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a number 10 do in football?
A number 10 is the creative attacking midfielder who plays between the opposition midfield and defence, creating chances, linking play and scoring goals as the team's main playmaker.
What is the difference between a number 10 and a number 8?
A number 8 is a box-to-box central midfielder with more defensive responsibility, while a number 10 plays higher and focuses on creativity and chance creation rather than covering ground defensively.
What formation is best for a number 10?
The 4-2-3-1 is ideal because the double pivot protects the defence and frees the number 10 to focus on attacking. The 4-4-2 diamond also uses a dedicated number 10.
Build a system around a number 10 with our free formation builder, or read the false 9 role for a related creative position.