however, gets a jersey number to go along with it. That’s position number 10, the attacking midfielder, almost always paired with a jersey bearing the same number. (There’s also the keeper, but we’ll keep that for another guide.)

Position 10, central to the art and strategy of the game, has been a canvas for some of the sport’s most creative and impactful players. In this short guide, we explore the role of the attacking midfielder, its evolution over time, and a few professional players who played it with 10-out-of-10 execution.

The Role of Position 10: The Attacking Midfielder

The attacking midfielder sits in a pivotal space on the field, orchestrating play between the midfield and the forward line. That’s also where you’ll typically find position 10 on the pitch. Though, no matter where players are positioned, just look around for soccer jerseys sporting the number 10. Odds are, those are the attacking midfielders. It’s a tradition started decades ago with clubs and national teams across the world, and it’s still upheld today.

Attacking midfielders are often seen as the team’s creative conduit, tasked with crafting opportunities, breaking down defenses with precise passing, and frequently contributing goals. The position demands a high degree of technical skill, vision, and spatial awareness, as well as the ability to perform under pressure.

Players in this role are expected to navigate tight spaces, maintain control under duress, and deliver accurate passes to advancing forwards. Additionally, attacking midfielders often take on the mantle of leadership, steering the team’s attacking tempo and making crucial decisions in the heat of the moment.

Evolution Over Time

Historically, the attacking midfielder’s role has undergone significant transformations, mirroring the broader tactical evolutions within soccer. In earlier formations, such as the classic 2-3-5, the emphasis was more on forward play, with the attacking midfielder positioned closer to the strikers.

As the game evolved, so did the tactical nuances, leading to more structured formations like the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, where the attacking midfielder began to operate from a slightly deeper position, bridging the midfield and attack.

The fluidity and dynamism of modern soccer have further expanded the attacking midfielder’s role. Today, these players often drift across the field, finding pockets of space and exploiting defensive weaknesses. This evolution reflects a shift towards more versatile and adaptive playstyles, where the attacking midfielder’s influence can be felt across the pitch, not just in predefined zones.

Notable Examples of Professional Attacking Midfielders

Several players have become synonymous with the storied number 10, leaving an indelible mark on the game with their performances.

  • Diego Maradona: Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Maradona’s dribbling ability, vision, and scoring prowess epitomized the attacking midfielder’s role. His legendary performances, including the “Hand of God” and his solo goal against England in the 1986 World Cup, showcased his unparalleled talent in this position.
  • Michel Platini: The French maestro was a classic number 10, known for his incredible vision, precise passing, and scoring ability. Platini’s leadership on the field and his role in guiding France to victory in the 1984 European Championship highlighted the attacking midfielder’s potential to influence games at the highest level.
  • Zinedine Zidane: Another French icon, Zidane’s elegance, control, and tactical intelligence made him a quintessential attacking midfielder. His performances for Juventus, Real Madrid, and the French national team, including his two goals in the 1998 World Cup final, demonstrated his profound impact on the game.
  • Lionel Messi: Although Messi’s versatility allows him to play in various positions, his role often embodies that of an attacking midfielder, especially in his ability to create opportunities and score. Messi’s tenure at Barcelona showcased his extraordinary dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring talents, making him one of the most influential players in modern soccer.

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