In this way, they know where to take their first touch to avoid any incoming pressure, especially from behind. If the false nine gets their timing right, they can cause havoc.Ī top-level false nine needs exceptional awareness and the ability to scan regularly. This movement into deeper positions can give the opposition’s centre-backs a dilemma as to whether to follow the forward into midfield or leave them and stay in their slot. One of the most important responsibilities for a false nine is timing movements away from the centre-backs to receive between the lines, both during sustained periods of possession and as a link to the forwards during counter-attacks. What are the in-possession responsibilities of a false nine? The first example of the false nine in a modern-day formation is Johan Cruyff using Michael Laudrup in the role at Barcelona – in a team that included Pep Guardiola, who later used Lionel Messi in the role (below). The idea is that the striker might have a number nine on their back but move into 'false' positions – that is, areas in which you would not usually find a number nine. 'False nine' is a term that has only been used in more modern times, however. Later, Nándor Hidegkuti and Péter Palotás were used in the same way for the renowned Hungary team of the 1950s. In the 1930s, Matthias Sindelar was used as a dropping centre-forward in the Austrian national side. This was a shift from staying as high as possible, as was customary for the striker.įurther examples include at 1920s River Plate, whose centre-forward acted as what at the time was described as a “conductor” in a five-man front line. Then, centre-forward GO Smith preferred to supply the wingers with through balls and create for others. It is thought that the false nine was first used by Corinthians in the late 1890s. Where does the term false nine originate from?

The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs – and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence.

A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally.

Efootball 2022 wikipedia