EVERYTHING you need to know about the No.8 Position. (And I mean EVERYTHING).

Summary

This script offers an in-depth guide to the pivotal role of the number eight in soccer. It emphasizes the player's dual role in both the team's build-up and attack, highlighting the importance of positioning, creating space, and dominating the half-space. The video illustrates tactics such as diamond formation, dropping deep for triangular passing, and the art of being an outlet. It also underscores the need for game state awareness, versatility in the modern game, and the ability to switch play effectively. The summary is a must-watch for number eights and soccer enthusiasts alike.

Takeaways

• 📌 The number 8 position is crucial for both the team's buildup and attacking phases, often creating chances and facilitating play.
• 💎 Staying away from the ball helps create a diamond formation with the number 6, 2, and 5, positioning the number 8 at the top to provide passing options.
• 🚀 The half-space is the primary area of operation for a number 8, where they should dominate and win 1v1 battles, especially when the ball is loose.
• 🔄 Dropping deep at an angle, rather than vertically, allows for triangular passing options and helps avoid attracting defensive pressure.
• 🔄 The role of a number 8 is dynamic and varies based on the game state, requiring them to read and interpret the game to know where the team needs them.
• ↔️ Interchanging positions with other players like the striker or winger can be beneficial when the team is dominating possession.
• 🔄 The outlet role is essential when the team is building up on the far side, where the number 8 should stay away from the ball to provide passing options.
• 🔄 Rotating with the number 6 and 10 can help lose markers and create space, especially in aggressive man-marking situations.
• 📍 Operating in the square between the center back, left back, left winger, and left center mid creates a problematic area for the opposition to mark.
• 🔄 The ability to switch play is vital for a number 8, allowing them to exploit spaces opened up by the opposition's shifting focus.
• 🏃‍♂️ Making runs around the corner after a pass to the number 9 can create opportunities for follow-up plays and shots on goal.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a number eight in soccer?

The number eight is involved in both the team's buildup and attacking phases, creating chances and making things happen on the field.

Why should a number eight stay away from the ball instead of running to it?

Staying away from the ball helps to open up space and create a diamond formation, which is crucial for offering passing options without collapsing the space and suffocating the play.

What is meant by 'the half space' in soccer?

The half space refers to the area on the field that extends from the center to the wide areas, where the number eight operates, dominating this area and winning 1v1 battles.

How should a number eight position themselves when dropping deep?

When dropping deep, a number eight should do so at an angle to allow for triangular passing options, rather than dropping vertically which can lead to playing backwards and attracting pressure.

What is the significance of the 'diamond' formation in relation to the number eight's role?

The diamond formation is created with the number six, two, five, and the number eight at the top. The number eight's movement side to side at the top of the diamond provides passing options and helps maintain the structure of the team's possession.

Can a number eight interchange positions with other players during the game?

Yes, a number eight can interchange with the striker, winger, or even double up with the winger, depending on the game state and the team's needs.

What does it mean to be an 'outlet' in soccer?

Being an outlet means being a player who stays away from the ball, ready to receive it when there's space, and can drive the play forward or switch the play to the other side of the field.

How can a number eight facilitate play when the ball is on the far side of the field?

A number eight can stay in position, realizing they are the outlet, and when the opportunity arises, receive the ball on their back foot and aggressively drive with it or switch play to the far side.

What is the importance of rotating with the number six and number ten in the midfield?

Rotating with the number six and number ten helps to lose markers, create confusion among the opposition, and provide passing options that can lead to goal-scoring opportunities.

Why is operating in the 'square' area beneficial for a number eight?

Operating in the square area allows the number eight to be in a position where they are not easily marked, causing problems for the opposition's defense and creating space for teammates.

What is the significance of the ability to switch play for a number eight?

The ability to switch play is crucial as it adds another dimension to the number eight's game, allowing them to exploit spaces on the opposite side of the field and create scoring opportunities.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Role of the Number Eight in Soccer

The first paragraph explains the multifaceted role of a number eight in soccer. This player is crucial in both the team's buildup and attacking phases. The script emphasizes the importance of staying away from the ball to create space and form a diamond shape with other key players, facilitating passing options and avoiding congestion. The number eight is advised to dominate the half-space, act as a leader in winning one-on-one battles, and strategically drop at angles to create triangular passing opportunities. The role varies depending on the game state, with the player sometimes needing to interchange positions with other forwards or operate in different areas of the field.

05:02

🔄 Outlet and Rotation Strategies for the Number Eight

The second paragraph delves into the importance of the number eight as an outlet and the strategic use of rotations in the midfield. It discusses how the player can drop deeper while still staying away from the play to link the defensive and attacking phases effectively. The script highlights the need for the number eight to be ready to receive the ball when the opposition is drawn to one side, allowing for aggressive play to exploit the space created. It also touches on the importance of rotating with other midfielders to lose markers and create confusion among the opposition, leading to goal-scoring opportunities.

10:02

🎯 Tactical Movements and Playmaking for the Number Eight

The third paragraph focuses on the tactical movements and playmaking abilities of a number eight. It details the significance of operating in a specific square on the field where the player is difficult to mark, causing problems for the opposing team's defense. The script mentions the ability to switch play effectively, using quick combinations and runs around the corner to create scoring chances. It also underscores the importance of being unpredictable, thinking two steps ahead, and using the number eight's position to dictate play and change the game's tempo.

Keywords

💡Number Eight

The 'Number Eight' refers to a specific position in soccer, typically a central midfielder who plays a crucial role in both attacking and defensive strategies. In the video, the position is described as being involved in the team's buildup and attacking phases, making things happen and creating chances. The script emphasizes the importance of this role in dominating the 'half space' and being a facilitator in attack.

💡Diamond Formation

The 'Diamond Formation' is a tactical setup in soccer where the midfield is structured in a diamond shape with four players. In the video, the number eight is positioned at the top of this diamond, which is crucial for creating passing options and maintaining the team's structure. The script explains that the number eight should stay away from the ball to open up space and allow for better ball circulation.

💡Half Space

The 'Half Space' is a term used to describe a specific area on the field, typically between the midfield and the final third. The script mentions that the number eight should prioritize dominating this area to win 1v1 battles, control loose balls, and facilitate the transition from defense to attack.

💡Outlet

In soccer, an 'Outlet' is a player who provides a passing option when the team is under pressure and needs to relieve it. The script explains that the number eight should act as an outlet, staying away from the ball to draw the opposition's attention and create space for teammates to move into.

💡Buildup Phase

The 'Buildup Phase' is the initial stage of an attack in soccer where the team tries to progress the ball from their defensive third to the attacking third. The script emphasizes the number eight's role in this phase, staying away from the ball to create space and facilitate the team's movement forward.

💡Attacking Phase

The 'Attacking Phase' is when a team is in the final third of the field, looking to create goal-scoring opportunities. The script describes how the number eight can influence this phase by moving to receive the ball, turning, and playing forward, or by making overlapping and underlapping runs to support the attack.

💡Facilitator

A 'Facilitator' in soccer is a player who helps the team move the ball effectively and create chances. The script positions the number eight as a key facilitator, either by staying away from the ball to create space or by making runs to receive it and drive the attack.

💡Game State Reading

Reading the 'Game State' involves understanding the flow and context of the game to make appropriate decisions. The script explains that the number eight must interpret the game state to know when to push up, drop deep, or interchange with other players based on the team's needs.

💡Interchanging Positions

Interchanging positions is a tactical move where players swap roles or areas on the field to confuse the opposition and create space. The script uses the example of the number eight interchangeably moving with the striker or winger to exploit spaces and support the attack.

💡Rotation

In soccer, 'Rotation' refers to the movement of players to different positions to create passing options or to lose markers. The script describes how the number eight can trigger a midfield rotation to find space and dictate play, especially in tight marking situations.

💡Switch Play

To 'Switch Play' is to quickly change the point of attack from one side of the field to the other, often to exploit space left by the opposition. The script mentions the number eight's ability to switch play as a key skill, using diagonal passes to change the focus of the attack and create new opportunities.

💡Run Around the Corner

A 'Run Around the Corner' is a movement where a player makes a run beyond a teammate to receive a return pass, often used to bypass a defender. The script describes this as a key action for the number eight, using it to create space and make forward runs after playing a first-time pass.

Highlights

The number eight position is crucial in both the team's buildup and attacking phases.

As a number eight, stay away from the ball to open space and create a diamond formation with other midfielders.

The aim at the top of the diamond is to move side to side to be a passing option without collapsing the space.

Dominate the half-space area to win 1v1 battles and be the leader in that corridor.

When dropping deep, do so at an angle to facilitate triangular passing with the number six.

In the modern game, the role of a number eight varies and is about reading and interpreting the game state.

Interchange with other players like the striker or winger to facilitate attack and buildup.

When the ball is on the far side, stay away to be the outlet and not be drawn to the ball.

The ability to switch play with a diagonal pass is a key aspect of the number eight's game.

Rotate with the number six and number ten to lose markers and create confusion among the opposition.

Operate in the square area during settled play to cause problems for the opposition's marking.

The number eight position can be a game-changer with effective use of space and rotation.

Best players in the world often drift into the square area to make things happen during the game.

The ability to switch play is crucial for adding another dimension to your game.

Making runs around the corner and following your pass can create goal-scoring opportunities.

Being able to think two steps ahead and speed up play can make a significant impact on the game.

The number eight position requires a diverse skill set including passing, movement, and game intelligence.

Transcripts

this is everything and I mean everything

you need to know about the number eight

position if you're a number eight or if

you know someone else who's a number

eight make sure to send them this video

so this player right here is involved in

the team's buildup phase right here and

also the attacking phase making things

happen chance creation so for example

when this Center back has the ball here

this number eight if you're number eight

on the side of your Center back who has

the ball instead of running to the ball

and asking for the ball you stay away

from the ball why do you do that is to

open up that space to create the diamond

you're basically at the top of the

diamond if you notice your number six

your number two the number five and you

look you've created a diamond just like

this right here now when you're at the

top of the diamond your aim is to move a

couple of yards side to side either this

way or that way to be that passing

option and that is very very important

because the moment you say okay now I

want the ball the moment you enter the

diamond that's when you're collapsing

the diamond and you're suffocating the

space your priority should be to stay

away from the ball as much as possible

to allow your Center back to drive with

the ball forward and then as they drive

there will be a moment where there's an

opposition pressing like that and that's

when you move to receive the ball either

on this side of the opposition or on

this side of the opposition just like

that then you can turn and play forward

so you're operating in what we call the

half space space it goes from this here

up to here this is what you call the

half space your priority should be to

dominate this area as much as possible

winning your 1 V one battles when the

ball is loose and it's just bouncing

around this is your area this is your

Corridor to be the police officer and

the leader of this area right here so in

possession can you get the ball as far

as possible in this Corridor if you have

to drop deep that's fine so when you

drop deep you don't drop like that you

drop at an angles just to allow that

triangular pass the moment you drop

vertically what you get the ball with

your back to goal and then what you're

going to play Backwards you're going to

attract pressure what you need to do is

you drop sideways so then you can create

a triangle with your number six so that

could be the ball goes to your number

six and then to you or to you then to

your number six and whilst that is

happening when you've dropped deep into

this area here that pushes your fallback

High your Winger K tuck in and you've

allowed that triangular rotation Tony

Cruz at Real Madrid does this so many

times when he does it on the left hand

side that's Fon Mendy going very high

that's Venus junor tucking inside and

the number 10 would be Tony Cruz who

drops in there and he gets the ball and

dictates play from the deeper areas and

yet he's a number eight on paper but

look where he's receiving the ball so in

the modern game your role as a number

eight varies it's all about the game

state reading the game interpreting the

game understanding okay where does my

team need me to be if my team are

dominating possession I don't need to

drop in and you know do what my number

six and my center backs are doing why

don't I push up and operate in this

Corridor maybe interchange with my

Striker interchange with my Winger why

not maybe double up with my Winger so

for example there'll be moments where

your fullback makes that unselfish run

to open up space the ball goes into your

Winger and you do an overlapping run you

do an underlapping run as your Winger

gets the ball you're the facilitator in

attack and in the buildup phase you're

the link now that was to do when the

Ballers with your near side Center back

prioritizing staying away shuffling

horizontally a few yards interchanging

with your Striker swapping out with your

fullback when the ball is on the far

side now all the way on the other side

your priority is to be the outlet what

does that mean as your Center back gives

it to the left back then drops off gets

it back then gives it the gives the ball

to your number six number six gives it

to number 10 number 10 drops off to

number three into number seven back to

number three as your team is doing that

instead of being dragged to the ball

which brings more pressure you're

staying away because you know that

you're the outlet so there'll be a

moment where it's 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 your

number six turns you have so much space

because the opposition have been drawn

to this side obviously then you get the

ball on your back foot and then you just

aggressively drive with the ball maybe

you slide in your Striker maybe you

switch it back back out to your Winger

on the far side to the number seven or

to your number 11 and then for example

as You' passed it to the number 11 you

make that underlapping run that Kevin De

bruyne does maybe you get the ball maybe

you don't but even if you don't get the

ball look at the space for your Winger

to cut inside as well so when the ball's

on the far side and your team are

building building building you do not

need to be magnetized or dragged to the

ball you stay where you are realizing

that I am the outlet you're calling for

the ball hopefully your team and you are

on the same page knowing that if we're

building on the left bang bang bang bang

bang our Outlet is you on the far side

that's very very important and that

doesn't mean you have to stay high that

means you could drop deeper but you're

still far away from the play because

perhaps your fullback has gone very high

your Winger has tucked inside so you

need to be the link once again from the

defensive phase from the buildup phase

to the attacking phase so you could stay

here if your number six has the ability

to play that reverse pass that's fine if

you think okay maybe I should drop

deeper here no problem 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7

Bo boom bang as you get the ball can we

be very aggressive in making this

overload count because if the opposition

have been drawn to this side in this way

if they're trying to win the ball back

it's just a matter of time before you're

the outlet so this could this number one

could be the striker this number three

could be the number 10 these two number

four and six are the two Center

defensive midfielders and that's the

Winger for example so they're trying to

press the ball and that number two is

the right back so they're trying to

press the ball but you're passing it

around passing it around and then

there'll be a moment where the number

six is able to turn you need to be that

option to get the ball and aggressively

drive forward and make it count

something else you could do as well is

rotate with your number six and your

number 10 so in that Midfield three can

you trigger a rotation for example when

your center backs are passing the ball

and your left back and your right back

are getting involved and passing the

ball around the back for example it's a

very aggressive man marking situation

where they're marking you very closely

together like that you need to be able

to swap positions and lose your markers

so that could mean let's say this is you

the number eight the ball is with your

near side Center back as the ball is

being transferred maybe you drop into

that space your number six swaps bang

until they realize what's happened

there'll be a moment where it's the

situation is like this you've got the

ball now you have pressure but now it's

down to you to take a touch in the space

and then try and make things happen to

dictate play so it means you need to

have the ability of the number six as

well and the number 10 you're in the

middle you're the facilitator on both

sides of the pitch and that could mean

maybe you play a bounce pass two number

10 you Shuffle across you get the ball

back then as you have pressure like this

your number 10 moves out of the way

dragging this player out then your

Winger drops in maybe it's like that and

then into your number six who can turn

and play and guess what if there's a

goal coming from that situation you're

not getting an assist on the stats

you're not getting anything but if

someone's watching with enough football

intelligence they would know that that

goal has happened because of you because

you decided to rotate drop in play play

a bounce pass draw the opposition

towards you then you play that ball

ahead into that number seven who's

dropped into the pocket so so important

and what's very important is that you

operate in these squares when your team

are settled in play what does that mean

when your center backs are camping on

the edge of their own Center Circle like

this and your fullbacks have pushed up

very high your Wingers have tucked

inside like that and let's say this is

your shape in possession you have your

center backs your number six your number

10 here your number seven inside now

obviously you have the rest of the other

teams formation like that so your

priority should be to operate in this

square right here this is where your joy

exist as that number eight right here

Center back left back left Winger left

Center mid you operate in this area no

one is able to comfortably Mark you

because if this number four wants to

Mark you your Center back can play the

ball into your number nine if this

Winger wants to closely Mark you your

fullback gets the ball freely with no

pressure If this Center back wants to

Mark you tight look at that space for

your number N9 to run in or for your

Winger to run into if this left back

marks you the number 11 is free to get

the ball over the top so you are in no

man's land no one exactly knows how to

Mark you or no one knows who should be

marking you because the moment they Mark

you they've left space and defending

teams prioritize the space over the

player when they are sitting in their

block they're very happy for the plays

to rotate here no problem number 10 drop

here no problem number two come there no

problem that's away from their goal but

the moment you say you know what I am

just going to stand in this Square even

if that means you literally stand there

you'll see the problems it causes your

center backs your Center midfielders

pass the ball here here here here

there'll be a moment where let's say the

number seven wants to press you number

10 decides to press you number four

wants to press you but guess what

remember what we spoke about the diamond

you are literally at the top of the

diamond look at number five number six

number two and yourself you're the top

of the diamond you're not running to the

ball you're moving left or right to be

the option so in this case it would be

here as this number four is pressing you

get the ball on your back foot now look

at this big problems the number nine can

make a run here you either feed in the

number nine or you use the number nine

as a decoy to drop the shoulder cut

inside sending the center back this way

then you have a bit of space as the

opposition are shuffling across to have

a shot on goal even to slide in your

number seven through that Gap there so

you operating in that square causes so

many problems it's just such a dangerous

place to collect the ball you could even

get the ball on your back foot here and

then play it to your number 11 make that

underlapping run maybe you receive the

ball back and then you can make those

cut backs or the crosses into the f post

for your opposite Winger or even to

opposite fullback who could be making a

run there so that position is just

extremely important you look at the best

players in the world in that number

eight position they operate in that

square Ozil David Silva Isco

pedri Kevin De bruyne foden I can go on

forever Messi inesta shvy whenever they

wanted to really make things happen they

would drift into that little pocket and

just ask the question Neymar as well

they would ask the question all you're

doing is you're standing there you're

not speaking you're not literally asking

the question but you're saying hey I'm

standing here I could get the ball and

when I get the ball right here I'm going

to cause problems and another very

important aspect of your game is your

ability to switch play where necessary

so there will be times where your

nearest side Center back has the ball

it's going into your left back sorry

your right back it comes back it goes in

there it goes back then you say you know

what let me drop deep push my fullback

higher now as you do that there's a bit

of confusion between the center

midfielders marking you and the Winger

and then as you get the ball let's say

you get pressure maybe you just take one

touch out and you just switch it to the

other side because suddenly the

opposition would have shifted across

just a bit like that so then the space

on the far side can you effectively hit

that diagonal pass all the way to your

Winger on the far side or to your number

three to your left back on the far side

as well and just by doing that you've

added another aspect to your game so you

could play those quick onew combinations

with your number six with your right

back with your right winger with your

Striker even so at times when your near

side Center back has the ball as we said

you create that diamond with your Center

midfielder with the right back and then

as you get the ball here with pressure

like that a first time around the corner

you flick it into your number nine and

then you follow your pass you get the

ball back and then you have your left

Winger your left back your number 10

making forward runs you can either use

them or you just use them as a decoy and

you have a shot on goal so that run is

very very important the run around the

corner so the pass and the run around

the corner as you get the ball maybe

your number six gives you the ball maybe

your right back your Winger gives you

the ball as you get the ball you've

already checked your shoulder so you

know what's happening first touch into

the number nine and then you follow your

pass as you follow your pass when you

get the ball back that's when you can

make things happen preferably if you're

left footed and you can play right

Center Midfield right side of number

eight It's very effective just like

Martin odard but even if you're right

footed playing as a right footed number

eight you can still do it your Center

back gives you the ball use your right

foot outside of the boot outside flick

run into your pass as your number 11 for

example gives you the ball first touch

right foot into your number nine then

you run into the pass very very key

details that if you add to your game

you'll be so effective honestly you'll

be a game changer because there'll be

moments in games where you know you

you're playing easy three Touch four

touch two touch football one two three

then can you speed it up by doing one

and then running into your past if you

can do stuff like that as well if you

can add that to your game you'll see

things that you'll be doing that you

just you'll just be like wait how am I

able to do that is because you're

thinking two steps ahead the number five

here the number three here they don't

really know what you're thinking so you

use that to your advantage as you get

the ball first touch flick run into your

pass and then make things happen like

that so that concludes everything you

need to know about the number eight one

of the most important positions in the

modern game now drop in which position I

should do next peace