WHY is the no.10 playmaker dying out?

Maradona? Messi? Ronaldinho? Zidane? Who was the greatest playmaker of all times? One thing is for sure, he wore the number 10 on his jersey. In modern football, however, the classic playmaker with the magical number no.10 has lost some of its aura. Some would even say he no longer exists. Has the original playmaker disappeared? Or where on the pitch does the 10 live on? We take a closer look...
Report by: Pascal Jochem
Camera: Manuel Vering
Edit: Andreas Hyronimus
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[@kalotokidume]

This is the most insightful football video I’ve ever seen

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you man! Appreciated. Spread the word

[@stephenforson2189]

Diego Maradona was the field marshal of the number 10,he was like visionary in every game,the other teams try to counter his moves with his team.when ever he is in a game he dictates the nature of every match.While in the pitch there is panick on the opposite side,take him out the opposing team tend to have robust energy.

[@samypons3185]

true

[@brugttoiletpapir]

How can you not include Michael Laudrup when you list all of those great number 10´s?

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

Mourinho. That's what happened.

[@jessnoby9579]

Watching this after messi won the wc. I think we can definitely say Messi is the perfect No. 10 for ARGENTINA this WC. He was the playmaker and did what a no. 10 does.

[@ks-nk6jr]

PELÉ 10👑🏆🏆🏆👽

[@legendarybbg28]

Yaaa

[@Erik10hagdya]

Zizou he not only was a 10 but also a 6 he used to control the tempo of the game like he mentioned resista ( director)

[@yannick245]

At PSG today, he's also taking the position of a #10, instead of the s.c. _"false nine"_ at Barca.

[@catdemigurs472]

Well yes of course classic no 10's are now attacking wingers or second strikers. Messi is not the only one, Dybala, Rodriguez, Neymar, Firmino etc.

[@avatarkana1161]

That woman knows her football, that quote, “ the day you no longer have playmaking, is the day when football will have to be called something else” …beautiful

[@dwkickoff]

Absolutely 👍

[@kwesidadze4239]

This is why I think the Premier league and the German league is killing football

[@vincentmassouka5440]

@@kwesidadze4239 Why you think so?

[@mebansharaisantasticokhong7312]

@@vincentmassouka5440 they are killing the playmaker role

[@greatestanalyser2354]

Yep

[@portcybertryx222]

Messi actually has evolved and plays deeper in PSG and even during his final season in FCB. He is one of the best playmakers of all time while also being a scorer. Legendary…😊

[@zolaeight7574]

He’s not been that effective though. In his prime and at his most successful, he was part of a well-oiled system.

[@gastonlanteri1147]

I mean, in it's prime Messi could run 70 meters with the ball on his feet at full speed while avoiding rivals like if he was made out of thin air. "Playmaking" was unnecesary and frankly, quite counterproductive at that point hahaha. Now that he doesn't have crazy levels of stamina, explosion and speed, and plays more or less to the physical level of the rest of the players, he has to rely more on his raw talent and skill. See his work on the world cup, yes, he was one of the top scorers of the tournament along with Mbappé, but he also created so many many score oportunities for his team it's actually unbelievable.

[@netweed09]

@@gastonlanteri1147 Well said. Plus - I always love a 'non-striker' Goalscorer; 1 of the most inspiring things ever!!

[@ks-nk6jr]

PELÉ👽

[@aidan2849]

@@zolaeight7574 and he was the best player on that team by far and has the most assists in football as well as the most chances created

[@edogaktop]

Zidane is my favorite playmaker of all time and I just cannot imagine Zidane not being able to adapt to modern football. His playstyle was unbelievably modern: never dribbling/shooting too much, never doing fancy moves/passes just for the sake of being fancy. Instead, it's almost like there was a reason (and a good one) for every move he made on the pitch. Well, perhaps except when he headbutted Materazzi.

[@alexzero3736]

Never doing fancy moves? That s why 180 degrees turn with the ball called the Zidane move?

[@edogaktop]

@@alexzero3736 "never doing fancy move just for the sake of being fancy" is how I described Zidane. The turn is nothing fancy btw, every one who plays football at half decent level should be able to do it. The timing and situation Zidane did it in is what makes it special.

[@AzizDoufikar2280]

@@alexzero3736 He means stepover,rabona,fancy backheels etc etc

[@siri5784]

Nah that head butt was important as well. Mans was dissing his sister

[@StoneCoolds]

He would be a super star now days to, its just that modern football doesnt like good players, just average joe that run and obey their coach to the letter without having a mind of their own The rest is marketing, journalist pay to say "this is an amazing player" supported by playstation stats, ans there you have it, modern football, requires no talent, just physique and a good stylists + extra tattoo for instagram boost

[@michaeluzoho5838]

I honestly feel that if a manager has a player, who is mercurially talented like Messi, and Maradona, they will just have to let him play how he likes instead of trying to change how he plays.

[@dwkickoff]

True dat!

[@harukrentz435]

Ancelotti once said that when he first arrived at Juve he must change his rigid 4-4-2 system because he couldnt waste a mercurial talent of Zidane.

[@michaeluzoho5838]

@@harukrentz435 Exactly. Zidane is a once in a lifetime talent, so you can't waste him. You have to make him your centre piece and build around him.

[@dwkickoff]

@@michaeluzoho5838 Why aren’t more coaches these days doing exactly that, building their system around exceptional playmakers, what do you guys think?

[@michaeluzoho5838]

@@dwkickoff Well, I think it's down to the managers preference, or the players he has at hand. For example, look at Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund when he had a young Mario Gotze. Well, he had a young Lewy, Marco Reus, and Gundogan, but Gotze was a special talent then, and I felt as if, he made or bought those pieces to fit around Gotze. When he came to Liverpool, it was a bit different because he had Coutinho and Firmino, who I see as natural no 10s. He gave Firmino the false nine role and he is one of the lynchpins on how Liverpool press at the front. Meanwhile, he played Coutinho on the left before Salah arrived, and then he moved him to the advanced no 8 role in a midfield 3, or when we played a 4-2-3-1, he was the no 10. But on the flip side, look at Sven Goran Erikson with England during the golden generation. He couldn't find a way to fit in Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes. He even shunted Scholes out on the left, which was a bit embarrassing. If he played a 4-2-3-1, then he could have fit all of them in the same team.

[@akashbarman4849]

And then Messi came and Scored more then a goalscorer and assisted more then a playmaker

[@pyrkhatlangtiewsoh1177]

Exactly what I was thinking through this whole video. So weird that they barely mention him in this video yet he plays the role of 10 and 9.

[@akashbarman4849]

@@pyrkhatlangtiewsoh1177 I know right

[@patrickhauser588]

He is a very good combination of a 9 and a 10. But he is neither as good in playmaking as the best playmakers of all time and neither is he as good in goalscoring as the best goalscorers of all time.

[@pyrkhatlangtiewsoh1177]

@@patrickhauser588 😂😂🤣🤣 what a joke.

[@patrickhauser588]

@@pyrkhatlangtiewsoh1177 no he just isn't. He was never able to be as influential on the pitch as Platini, Cruyff, Zidane, Maradona. As they clearly said in the video, Messi needs to fit in a team that fits him. A well-oiled machine. If he was playing with a smaller Club, he couldn't do a lot.

[@aaronbarlow4376]

Messi a real magician too, he does things that no one else has done or even should be able to do, the way he beats multiple players all around him, his speed, footwork, nutmegging and timing is unprecedented.

[@zolaeight7574]

Looks like a magician because the bar is low. He’s effective for sure, but I’d rather watch Ronaldinho, who could actually do things no one else could.

[@TheRealDarth_Vader]

@@zolaeight7574 how the bar "low" ?

[@abhrajitmal6334]

@@TheRealDarth_VaderThis guy is in every comment undermining Messi for some reason

[@notaspeck6104]

@@zolaeight7574 idiot. Scored four goals against arsenal. Scored a hat trick against real madrid as a teenager. Made defenders like roberto carlos look like their knees were made of jelly... how is the bar low exactly?

[@ho-mt7pn]

​@@abhrajitmal6334they became more salty after Messi won the World Cup

[@wolfaagman]

Modric is a great no.10 and most importantly he is the main playmaker of the team. Hope more kids will be inspired from his role. He plays in a different system where interception and play making is key for him but can’t deny that he is the last of the dying breed

[@kenmelothegreat]

No he is not. Madrid right now is a combination of vinicius and King Benzema. You know what's coming, but you cant stop it for 90 minutes.

[@pahlevymu]

He was played as 10 role at Spurs, but with modernity, he adapted to more deeper role as number 8. He’s still go up front as box-to-box, not traditional no 10

[@tomislavcosic4185]

@@kenmelothegreat Calm down, Modric remains the king of Real Madrids attacking and in many ways even defensive line.

[@hoodriplifestyle3633]

@@tomislavcosic4185 don’t even entertain kenneth ekhuemelo lol he don’t know a damn thing about modric

[@AzizDoufikar2280]

@@tomislavcosic4185 Ozil

[@electricmahadev_2138]

If we're talking about Maradona, Ronaldinho and Messi, never ask me how they'd cope with certain playstyles. These 3 are the magicians of football. Players that are once in a lifetime. They'd cope anywhere, in any style. Nothing would change.

[@dwkickoff]

LEGENDS of the game

[@Aazam28]

Just imagine Diego into days game with all the ref protection and conditions and surfaces of today's games.

[@frozengreenland]

@@Aazam28 he will just learn it all...its easy for genius..dont put them at the same level as u..

[@Aazam28]

@Heaven Vault Izanagi hahah you are a funny guy. do you not mean You! 🤣

[@Joelll15]

Technically yes...but I would like to see Messi or Dinho excelling in an style like, let's say: under Cooper, Trappatoni or Simeone's... or playing for Napoli at mid 80s. Yeah, uhuh.

[@thabisokevinmbili9158]

This is why we have to appreciate Lionel Messi even more because he is last top Number 10 of the dying breed. GOAT

[@edimihai3375]

He is incredible , the best player who ever lived . But not the nr 10 who Diego Maradona was . Different style and position .

[@catdemigurs472]

@@edimihai3375Well i think if Maradona was playing in this era of football he could have become a attacking winger and played a style similar to Messi's

[@tamasoltyan1575]

He is not and never was a classical 10 playmaker. He was more like Del Piero or Dybala (mixed seconda punta/trequartista) Riquelme was the last in the Argentine national football team. Look at the 2006 World Cup's group games. That was masterpiece what they did but they screw up the game against Germany later. I might have never seen such amazing choreography, tempo and rhythm changes, that was orchestrated mainly by Riquelme. It was much more beautiful than the games since then. If you talk about playmaking skills, then Messi might not be even in the top 10 of the world which is fine as in his age (as the video told) there is no more classical 10 role, but some new 10 roles and the regista role which was perfected by Pirlo (no one came closer to him so far unfortunately but I hope some will in the future).

[@olivermirez6667]

Pep's Barcelona broke the number 10, that team changed football forever. Now almost every top team incorporated 4-3-3 in order to be more effective in high press. Messi is the only player that was able to be the best number 10 and the best number 9 at the same time.

[@sagarsingha3670]

Diego was the essence of football. The lady at the last said what I was thinking. Diego would just play a couple of minutes and score the magnificent goal in a very tactical game on 0-0.

[@matthiasw8777]

I really appreciate the love that is given to Müller on this channel. He is worldclass and a reason that he has 29 Players under his belt. Genuinly a worldclass Player that rarely gets appreciation.

[@sonofapollo6814]

funny enough, I think the closest thing to Muller inn the EPL is Dele Ali of totenham. He also seems to thrive in space and confuses people a lot. Morinho didn't like him but Potchetino did. he is not so fast that you make him a winiger, Not an outright ball playing No10, Not an out and out striker, but he always seems to be at the right place and the right time ..!

[@grahamdemoraes2992]

💯 Muller is so underrated but yet have outstanding, goals assists and honours…

[@TiNiB]

Roberto Baggio was my favourite no. 10. He was a true fantasy player and made me fall in love with the game. Such a shame Messi is the only player like that in the current era.

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

I take it you have not heard of Sadio Mane.

[@TiNiB]

@@emmanuelenyinwa1443 Sadio Mane is nothing like Baggio or Messi. He can’t dribble past 3-4 players and curl the ball into the top corner. He also isn’t given a free role by Klopp where he can do what he wants. He also can’t put through balls in like Baggio and Messi.

[@rickvey9076]

He is more like a winger

[@adnan4688]

@@emmanuelenyinwa1443 Hahah dude,did you just compare Mane to Baggio? 🤣 Do you even....

[@leatherneptune6631]

@@emmanuelenyinwa1443 💀

[@randomuser1249]

Messi dominating as a 10 in the World Cup rn.

[@someasiandude8645]

I absolutely love the role of a playmaker, and I think it's a shame that this role is dying out. But what saddens me more is that when people talk about some of the greatest footballers who occupied this role, the name Michael Laudrup seems to have been forgotten. He was without question one of the greatest playmakers to ever step foot on the football pitch, so it really puzzles me how nobody talks about him anymore. He played such an important role for Johan Cruyff's dream team, and the success of Barcelona. “Michael had everything except for one thing: he wasn’t selfish enough.” as Michel Platini put it. “I always say that Laudrup had three eyes, not two like everyone else. As a forward, I had to be aware all the time, because he could make you a chance out of nothing and you had to be prepared for that moment. Michael was a magician and one of the greatest players ever. He was amazing in one-on-ones too.” - Ivan Zamorano. In 94-95 when Zamorano became top scorer in the league, 82% of those goals were assisted by Michael Laudrup. He was a true playmaker who understood that he didn't need to score goals. I could go on forever and write paragraphs about this legend of the sport, and state why this name must be mentioned when talking about some of the greatest playmakers in history.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? 10 Olympic Medals USD SGD

[@robert2690]

Kevin de Bruyne said it himself, he wants to be a “COMPLETE” midfielder.

[@juuglord8509]

Exactly. In fact most squads have a number of players that could very comfortably fulfil the role of 10. City alone have at least 5.

[@007Fusiion]

He’s a bit weird though and just happens to be a complete midfielder with high vison, passing and shooting attributes.

[@saedsoud9181]

He is far from being complete midfielder, don't believe in epl hype. He is not press resistant, one of the reason why pep can't win UCL, in tikitaka you need at least two press resistant midfielder. The only midfielder that came close to being a complete midfielder was Iniesta. He had vision, press resistant, great dribbler, control tempo etc

[@mandilivembethe4992]

@@saedsoud9181 Don't lie here, De Bruyne is not benefiting from epl hype. He is just that good. He may not be Iniesta, but he is very close to being a complete midfielder. Have you consistently watched him in the past 5 years for both Man City and Belgium. How he keeps playing and being used in different positions to accommodate the team and still do well in those positions. De Bruyne is world class and is very consistent.

[@saedsoud9181]

@@mandilivembethe4992 No doubt he is world class, but being a complete midfielder is another thing.

[@Neoyorchese]

In Italy, Pirlo fulfilled a "regista" role like a 10, but he was quite defensive, too. It was in teresting that he played behind two attacking midfielders Nd just in front of the central defenders. He seemed to be everywhere though. To me he is one of the greatest creative players who was underrated. He won so much with Milan and including a couple of CLs and a WC, where he was instrumental. Good video here though. Lots for people to understand

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks, Davide. We’re glad you liked the video. Spread the word. What a player he was! Maybe Pirlo even paved the way for all the other no.6 players that followed and are so successful now in that role…? We should make a video about that 😎🚀

[@caturmuharjab5947]

@@dwkickoff maybe you guys should make video about pressing and how it evolve from the days of arrigo sacchi that inspired today games and tactics with brutal and innovative regime training Jurgen Klopp would be an interesting source since he love sacchi so much

[@Neoyorchese]

@@dwkickoff right on, a vid on that is appreciated

[@bri1085]

And he was originally a 10 funny enough.

[@bri1085]

@Dark Knight Xabi Alonso is another player who has a similar conversion

[@rishabh3150]

The meta position has been evolving ever since... from the classic 10 in the 2000s, to the inverted wingers in mid 2010s, to a holding midfielder that can control the tempo in the late 2010s.. Now the fullback is the new meta... not just a defender.. but a defender who can attack... run up and down the pitch.. they are the new creative hub...

[@dwkickoff]

Good analysis, Rishabh!

[@chigozieemeka6446]

I love ur input broh. U are following the game.it keeps evolving

[@amrarif5951]

Alves was a playmaker too

[@Chip_Fuse]

@@amrarif5951 I see Alves as more of a provider than playmaker. But looking at the current state now, with the likes of Hakimi, Davies, Reece James, Arnold, Meunier, Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo and many more, the trend is indeed much more prevalent now.

[@Sledgehammer003]

@FootballFanGGMU Also Paul scholes was used as a winger , drop deep striker , and made into a centre midfielder as a playmaker ... Sir Alex .

[@CarlosOliveira-fv3hh]

Watching this video after world cup's final and thinking how this video is just wrong. Thank you Messi! Thank you 10!

[@niharg2011]

The no. 10 died with Mata and Ozil's decline and David Silva, Fabregas and Santi Cazorla dropping in deeper roles Muller is the last one still at his best and maybe maybe Bruno Fernandes, but he also drops somewhat deeper despite starting right behind our striker and ahead of a Pivot and has a better workrate and defensive contribution than a traditional no. 10 like Mata or Ozil

[@pranavkalbhore7708]

KDB , Odegaard, Maddison, Eriksen ?

[@akibtafhim]

Right. What seems like classic no. 10 nowadays actually kind of shadow striker/centre forward. Bruno's recent games are showing that clearly.

[@hulk8384]

@@pranavkalbhore7708 yeah

[@Glory-Compass]

@@pranavkalbhore7708 none of these are a no10 other than Maddison, I would say Kai Havertz is a No.10

[@jonnstewart2023]

@@pranavkalbhore7708 odegaard and de bruyne are not number ten's , maddison isn't that good , eriksen has been mediocre for the last 3 years

[@KenDeo1997]

Lol Messi gets pressed in every game he plays, still he manages to make those passes and score 2-3 goals almost every game.

[@dwkickoff]

Messi is outstanding yeah, he’s not a classic 10 anymore, he’s everywhere. Has even created a new role maybe…

[@decharibrooks2319]

@@dwkickoff For me messi is a tribrid, he's somewhat of a Winger ,Centre Forward, and a 10 sometimes you even see in the 8 and 6 positions he is just type different type of player.

[@nehalzade4661]

@@dwkickoff It's strange ....you talk about no10 and haven't put anything about messi in this video...much hate?

[@AnimeLover-hg4sg]

@@nehalzade4661 did you really watched the video? If you did and still not understand why he didnt put Messi than you really didnt get the point of the video.

[@yrnseventh]

@@dwkickoff Messi is a classic no. 10. He's just better and more versatile lol

[@monstergaminghd1083]

Messi has the most playmaker awards in football history

[@angelicadossantos7614]

Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. He is the creator of the magic of the number 10 shirt.

[@Hassani_70]

Football is changing just like everything else but the no.10 role will never be replaced 😢

[@morepropertyzbycoachtechnique]

:)

[@jasonkumar1802]

Football operates in cycles. It will be back in the future

[@dwkickoff]

@@jasonkumar1802 Which players of the younger generation have got what it takes and could bring it back, Jason? What do you think?

[@decharibrooks2319]

@@dwkickoff Musiala has a good future has a ten I think

[@michaelballack3051]

There was actually 1 player playing the no.10 role not too long ago. Papu Gomez played it perfectly in Atalanta. Unfortunately he left the club because it was a joy to watch that team with Gomez on the pitch

[@dwkickoff]

Good shout, Zack! Is Papu Gomez the most underrated 10 ever one could say?

[@1998Cebola]

And some national teams too. Sweden has Forsberg as a very natural (due to his qualities and the conservative system) central point in all of it's attacking football.

[@rockonileva]

One take about it. When we talk about creative / improvisational players, we often talk about South American players. For years the top teams on the European leagues had a Brazilian guy as their 10, or as their difference maker, or simply as their star player. Players like Raí, Falcão, Socrates, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Djalminha, Kaka, Alex, Neymar, Diego, Mazola, Juninho Pernambucano, (all of those were 10s) Robinho, Ronaldo, Denilson, Casagrande, had great success in Europe. Others had more success in Brazil like, Garrincha, Jairzinho, Tostão, Rivelino, Ricardinho and have huge impact on the National Team. Some left Brazil to be ambassadors of football in other countries like Zico in Japan, Pelé and Carlos Alberto in the USA . But a thing about them is that all is that they made their names in Brazil. they developed in Brazil before leaving to Europe. And this list is WAAAAY longer, I'm just throwing the first names that came to mind. Argentineans can make such a list easily. In brazil we have a tradition of improvisation, creativity, fast thinking and it's applied on many cultural aspects including football. We give a lot of value to the guy that can improvise, can be creative, can put their teammates on great scoring situations. We value a lot the 10 player. But, now we take our current National Team that Played on the World Cup. EVERY SINGLE of the 10 starters (not talking about the GK) - and many of the bench players left Brazil early (18-21 y/o). They were developed as professionals in Europe. They are in fact European players. And they have the right to go, they can change their lives, their families' lives. Brazil lives in a very delicate social situation. With these transfers, the teams can earn a lot of cash. The players can have way higher salaries as many of them go to top teams in Europe, like Real Madrid, Milan, Porto. But, the Brazilian football loses talent, the national teams doesn't have ties with our nation. only 3 players are from Brazilian teams (the 3rd goal keeper, and 2 bench players). Other example is the Flamengo (one of the best teams today in Brazil - just won the Libertadores). They have guys like David Luiz, Arturo Vidal, Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, Diego, Everton Ribeiro, Gabigol. Guys that were in their later years of the career and/or had a career in Europe and then came back. Atletico Mineiro came with the same strategy bringing players like Hulk, Diego Costa, Eduardo Vargas and came strong a couple of seasons ago. And maybe it's the same situation in argentina. Football is changing and maybe some of these changes come from a shift of cultural influence of it.

[@khutso2285]

Its sad to see the demise of the position, especially for a special football player like mesut ozil

[@dwkickoff]

100%. Check out our film on Özil here kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2ewh5KCfbyIidU

[@rmzidann]

2006 WC: Requilme was taken out by Pickerman and Germany beat Argentina. Requilme was one of the best No.10.

[@dwkickoff]

What a game! INTENSE

[@leonardodelacruz3859]

Riquelme was that good at 10 that even brazilians adored him and named their children after him.

[@cristhianramirez6939]

You are right but is Riquelme

[@3tombstone]

Here after Messi won the WC! 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🐐🐐🐐

[@martiananomaly]

🐐

[@rajdas1201]

What a great video. Reminded me of an article I wrote called "The Evolution of the Enganche: How the Classic Number 10 has changed over time in Football" for Sportskeeda. This video offers possible solutions on how the enganche can save itself from being completely redundant in modern football by adopting a higher work-ethic and participating in the defensive aspects of play. Wonderful!

[@dwkickoff]

Kroos is perhaps rather a classic '8' and Neymar started out on the wing?

[@zegsi364]

Thing is... Playmaking cant be taught... Its a talent and no matter how much a manager wants his players to play all positions... A playmaker wont have enough brainpower for playmaking and defending and switching positions all the time. That brainpower gets exhausted after a while and the playmaking talent dies out. Let a playmaker be a playmaker. Make a team around him. Its a formula that works.

[@dwkickoff]

Let a playmaker be a playmaker. Loving that 💯

[@sr3821]

If you deploy such plan, in latter stages of tournaments opponents will mark your playmaker and you will almost certainly lose the game.

[@zegsi364]

@@sr3821 No, if the playmaker is marked, he adapts and instead of playmaking, he passes it to wingers and striker to playmake instead of him. If the playmaker is more marked, that means the rest have more space. Its still a formula that works.

[@sr3821]

@@zegsi364 In that case, the team deploy 2 or 3 playmakers. But if you play with 2 or 3 playmakers, the playmakers will have to do some defensive work. It is impossible to defend with 8 or 9 players when opponents attack with 10 players. So, playing with playmaker who doesn't do defensive work is not realistic anymore.

[@zegsi364]

@@sr3821 It is realistic, u just dont know football.

[@ahmedjiman]

Such a great video , scrolling thru the comment section i would agree Messi is not a classic No.10 he has his own position where he is everywhere doing everything , I would like to see this kind of videos on other sub-positions/roles like the striking Wingers , Attacking wing backers or the infamous false 9

[@dwkickoff]

Hi Ahmed, thanks for your analysis and the nice comment. Spread the word 👍

[@thierryhenry674]

The #10 is not dying. It has evolved. Look at City for example, they have eleven #10 on the pitch. Even their defenders or gk are so technical/skillful that they can play as a #10 in other teams. Football now is less about “position”. It’s more about space occupying. Your starting “position” might not be a #10 but when you arrived to the opponent’s half space/edge of the box, you are occupying the #10 “position” and doing what a #10 would do. Those type of players are definitely not gone. They are just operating in other “positions”. Cazorla, Modric, Thiago, KDB are #10 type of players who played a deeper role. Hleb, Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin are #10 type of players who played as wide midfielders. Firmino, Benzema are doing a #10 duties, occupying the #10 spaces at times in the striker role. To break down a compact defensive block, you can’t have just 1 or 2 #10 creating against the whole block, and have the strikers just waiting to be served, creating a numerical disadvantage in the build up. You need 5 to 6 or even more creative player to create against a low block. The more skillful/technical “#10” you have, the better you can control the ball WITHIN that block and penetrates through, and the better you can create numerical advantage, possession, space, number of chances, high quality chances, and goals. I think that in the future: 1) The #10 will be needed all over the pitch. 2) Limited one dimensional poachers who are waited to be served will die out, replaced by the likes of Firmino/Suarez/Van Persie/Sanchez/Benzema/Aguero....who offer a lot in the general play for the whole 90 mins, rather than just touching the ball on the second when a shot is needed and doing nothing for the rest of the time. 3) Boring rubbish players who rely purely on athleticism, physicality, passion and hardwork will die out. They will be replaced by skillful, technical, creative players with great game reading and flair.

[@ahmedjiman]

@@thierryhenry674 that is one way to look at it , and wise words btw

[@ayanbhattacharjee1076]

Striking winger: Mo Salah/Mane Attacking wing back: Hakimi

[@ikhe3547]

@@ayanbhattacharjee1076 attacking wing back: Trent A Arnold Reece James also

[@Rohin98]

Underrated Messi10 on Playmaker Role.. He carried most attacks for Argentina by himself 🤷. To understand this check the ball possession, inorder to be threatening on attacks, needs possession which is the core for intelligent plays. Only problem i see is that sometimes he does decide to go solo which decreases a successful goal opportunity. I can see messi goes wild for Argentina, 2021 Copa and vs Italy. Messi was the key man in organising attacks led by messi to Di Maria. For example: Argentina got a corner and messi spoon fed to di Maria for a half volley and the fact this is incredible is that di Maria doesn't move a inch to claim this pass from messi.

[@icygreens3726]

She really said that messi needs to fit into a system unlike maradona😂ridiculous

[@thenextcr7]

Luka Modric wasn't really a number 10, more like a 6. But his workrate and simplicity to his game made him one of the best midfielders ever. He outlasted Ozil.

[@dwkickoff]

Agreed.

[@AzizDoufikar2280]

But he achieved more than Modric.Modric may have longevity

[@anijeepa]

@@AzizDoufikar2280 Ozil achieved more than Modric? In what way?

[@AzizDoufikar2280]

@@anijeepa in terms of titles

[@why1811]

@@AzizDoufikar2280 lol Modric won 5 ucl...how many Ozil have?

[@shahinhaque4585]

I have watched Zidane play. An absolute beauty. The WC match I watched against Brazil is still fresh on my mind. Though Maradona is beyond the game. Inspiring millions in the world to watch and play the beautiful game of Football.

[@dwkickoff]

That game against Brazil. A masterclass...

[@ashred9665]

Zidane was like a cool magician, pulling tricks out of his hat. All the while at peace. Effortless, sheer class.

[@vampycaltm5273]

This is exactly why people are currently loving the Mbappe-less PSG. Messi and Neymar (2 of the greatest showman/creators of all time) just absolutely balling out of their skin, constantly creating goals from imagination and boldness rather than forced errors or pressing. That is football. Somehow PSG know what football needs, there's a reason why people look back at MSN so fondly, they dunked on the best "system teams" in the world.

[@lamp6121]

To me, Messi is the last real number 10 we have seen, in a modern role, playing on the right wing but always dropping to create game, always pushing the team forward with key pases, not letting the team ''sleep'' with posession, passing the ball forward and not backwards, making the team take some risks in order to push for a goal, personally i think you can see if a player has the qualities of a real number 10 when the pass isn't obvious, when the team has the ball and needs that extra push, then you can see who has the courage to take the ball and do something with it.

[@grillsanegh1194]

My little brother is on just that he finds himself in a very poor home trying to come up has been difficult. We trying to get him out there, when we are through u will see another messi from Africa Ghana.

[@lamp6121]

@ssc ka baap He has never been a number 9 lol, he played a false 9 role under pep for a while, but he's always played on the right wing, he himself has said that he feels more comfy playing on the right wing than in any other part of the pitch

[@vitonguyen3347]

neymar??

[@catdemigurs472]

Well yes of course classic no 10's are now attacking wingers or second strikers. Messi is not the only one, Dybala, Rodriguez, Neymar, Firmino etc.

[@catdemigurs472]

They don't track back on a average level and thier ball winning attributes are mid. That's the reason why ozil disappeared in the modern game but players like Dybala,Neymar, Messi still stay relevant in the game because they are the first players another player thinks of passing the ball to when they're attacking

[@chidiekweonu]

My favorite number 10 of all time has to be Jay Jay Okocha. He was everything and more, he had the skills, strong, he dictates the game. Simply fantastic. A joy to watch.

[@dwkickoff]

He was brilliant, Chidi! When did he peak what would you say? At which club? Late nineties maybe?

[@augustinetwumasi5031]

He didn't win World Best player 😥😢😢😢😢

[@chidiekweonu]

@@dwkickoff He was always Class in Every Club he played, fenerbahce, PSG, Bolton etc, I think he played his best football at Bolton simply because it was EPL, widely watched league and he was more recognized. Sadly he didn't play for any Top, Title winning Clubs in Europe, and didn't play in this generation where Social Media and fans make a player world best even before the award is given, if he was playing now, all the top clubs would be fighting for his signature

[@murcusmphashi2272]

@@augustinetwumasi5031 there werr other great players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Figo, Weah, Zidane

[@sfisosguda3951]

Jay Jay was so genius

[@Icegaze88]

Favorite traditional number 10: Zinedine Zidane. He made me love football to the extent I do now. Messi is my favorite player of all time, and he is also considered to be a playmaker. Just not in the traditional sense.

[@dwkickoff]

Absolutely, Icegaze! Perfect summary. Both legends 🥰

[@Joelll15]

Could you explain how can someone be a playmaker... not in a traditional sense? Although...

[@thisguyrighthere3]

@@Joelll15 cause his favorit player is messi and he thinks the playmaker role is cool so he just combined the two. like if my favorite player is oliver kahn and i think the shadow striker role is cool i say oliver kahn was a shadow striker but not in a traditional sense

[@Alejoacuna]

There have been great No. 10s but for me he was the most elegant. What a player

[@vaibhavsridharan9734]

If they included Messi's stats in Europe's top playmakers he'd be above KDB and Pogba in progressive passes and ones into the penalty area. On top of that his goalscoring would be among Europe's best, there simply isnt a position or role to describe Messi.

[@lopeswenli6494]

Excellent video!! Your arguments matches with a lot of the ideas i had about this "classic number 10" disappearance in nowadays football. All the data info and stats that you showed in the video just make it even clear and easier to understand. But i think you did not mention a very important part of this discussion, Lionel Messi. Since the departures of Xavi and Iniesta from Barcelona, Messi´s been playing more and more as a midfielder when his team is with the ball possession, being responsible for the creativity and playmaking of his club. But his role as a midfielder, even now in PSG, is much more offensive that De Bruyne´s or Thiago´s at their respective teams, examples of modern playmakers. Also, Messi has not the intensity required from the modern attacking-midfielders and his presence in the defense is almost nule. Messi does not do the same role in the midfield as De Bruyne, this box-to-box midfielder, neither does the role of Thiago, "regista". So... What role plays Messi in midfield? I think Messi is the answer for the "modern classic 10" problem. For me, he is the last world class number 10 still palying. But how is that possible? To sustain the "10 role" with all the lack of space, high intensity and preassure that nowadays football brings, it is need, beyond the vision, ball control and pass quality, for the playmaker to have an incredible dribbling in progession and a great coletive work notion. To be able to use his "thinking" qualities at the front area (the classic 10 region), Messi receives the ball in the midfield and goes using his high speed dribbling and coletive work trying to acquire enough seconds at that region to make the final move (passing or finishing). Players like Ozil and James Rodriguez, altough having classic 10 characteristics, dont have this dribbling in progression and coletive work notion necessary to find enough time for them to show their thinking at the best region of the field. The truth is being a number 10 is harder than ever, but players like Messi, Maradona, Zico, etc... that gather all this mentioned characteristics can still make this role possible to exist, but the number 10 wil never be as much used as before, because, to sum up, Number 10 has become a genius exclusivity role.

[@arontung]

I was in my mid 20s during Ronaldinho era. It was an event for us. Ronaldinho is playing and we knew we gonna see something fantastic. Amazing times. As a football lover I also appreciate the tactical game we have today, but for an average person I don’t think their that interested as during the Ronaldiho era.

[@dwkickoff]

Do you think we could have enjoyed more seasons with him at his very best, Supremo? Did he waste his talent at some time in his career?

[@Marcus_Berger1701]

@@dwkickoff He definitely wasted it. I would like to see somebody with that joy again.

[@thingshappen4062]

In 2001 I took a holiday to Madrid. I have always loved ZZ onscreen--and he still remains my favorite player of all time. Seeing him live @ the Bernabeu was remarkable. We were still talking of his brilliance days after the match in coffee shops & metro rides. In my book he's hard to top. This vid gave us visuals of him but no in depth details/analysis.

[@zakmukhtar8672]

I absolutely agree, Zidane to me is the best #10.

[@dinosutra]

You can replace magic with machine but it's the magic everyone will remember... Number 10s forever... 🐐🇦🇷🐐🇦🇷

[@LeonardoFerreira-jg6gb]

For me Lionel Messi. I didn't like how he was citted like "yeah, not so much" in the video, I understand that for Argentina Diego will always be greater than Messi but in overall I think Messi is already in another level. For me he is one of the last number 10s and the last with classical number 10 features but made mainly in the modern football. He is a player that despite using his incredible dribling and running skills, passing through defenders like they're made of paper, he has elevated his accuracy in shots and passing to another level, also possessing and improving another playmaking traits like vision. We can't underestimate the fact he remained a dominant goalscorer and the top assisting maker (he is now the player with most assists in History if I am not wrong) for such a long time in high level league with high level competitors (like CR7), being the main contribuition to the majority of Barcelona's goals. Furthermore, we can see now, that even he not being at his prime he can keep those playmaker habilities that was crucial for Argentina triumph in Copa America, in the Finalissima against Italy and now in the conquest of the World Cup, so we can't say his playmaking is just a product of a system made for Barcelona.

[@ahaanverma580]

If messi were in maradona's time, im pretty sure everyone would consider him a number 10, but because modern football has changed, he has had to adapt, like when enrique came in with MSN, messi played on the right and accommodated suarez and neymar

[@sergeistalin7916]

I just dont think so. Playing for Argentina there were a lot of times in which they almost asked for him to be that player that ran the offense but he just isnt that type of player that would hold the ball and dribble until he found a play, if he doesnt see a quick play he passes the ball.

[@rahatibnemushfique1989]

Diego Maradona without any question the best playmaker I have seen. Even in 1990 when you was hardly himself, he produced a beauty against Brazil which Caniggia finished of.

[@RKT310]

Lets get something straight... Messi plays like a number 10 (playmaking, creativity, good thinking,+ all the attributes you mentioned). The only reason you didn't mention him was because he doesn't play in the real no_10 position on the pitch or maybe you're not a fan of Messi, which is fine. But that Doesn't mean you should ignore the fact that he has the skills of a number 10 and a striker.

[@ehiedu4you]

Messi is a mercurial giant of a talent but the number 10s mentioned were all 10s through out their careers while Messi only became a provider after Xavi and Iniesta left. My opinion

[@alialwahaibi1234]

@@ehiedu4you he was a provider but now it’s more than before just because Barcelona and Argentina play like crap he must be the one who scores the goals, create goals, build up play and move the ball up the field, for me as a Messi fan that’s both amazing and annoying because everytime he is not in his game, or heavily man marked and isolated from the others or isn’t playing the team just crumbles and can’t pass the ball to save their lives. Hopefully this season Barcelona will know how to play without him

[@ehiedu4you]

@@alialwahaibi1234 Messi is a legend undeniable. But I have never liked a team built or dependent on one player. As a Chelsea fan I couldn't wait for star players (non on Messi level) to be sold

[@Usario321]

Neymar and Messi are the last great number 10s in football nowadays

[@grinchoi1]

@@ehiedu4you wasn't the false 9 role similar to the traditional 10? Behind the forwards?

[@Lcjbc7r]

I will alway love roberto baggio the only man who play with one leg. due to his injury even he retired whatever he did in football will live in my heart. and the other players I admire was messi seen after baggio retirement. I love this play maker.

[@cosvideo2008]

soooo true....Baggio was something else! Magical and so much class with one leg only

[@OwenDLC]

Riquelme was the last number 10 in my opinion. A true enganche. A purist in the playmaking role whose creative passing made me fall in love with football.

[@echoqsam]

Him and Alex

[@dragsterairide4459]

Roman is a step above the rest, 181 assists , 108 goals, 443 games, blowing the likes of Zidane, and many others out of the water...dude was magic on the ball, Ray Hudson's favorite playmaker...

[@nyeeezy]

Totti?

[@flawfulfeelings]

You can't expect a soulless man to breathe No 10.was ,is and always will be my favourite position,even though i don't have the skills to play that role ✨✨

[@rmzidann]

The greatest, most consistent, most prolific, and most long lasting number 10 has to be Messi. Respect from a Real Madrid fan. Zidane is second though! 😉

[@876jamaicanyouth]

So you're saying Zidane beats Ronaldinho as a ten really

[@blenderx6754]

Ronaldinho a complete magician

[@zakmukhtar8672]

Zizou is the best #10 ever for me, the man had no weakness, charisma, leadership, vision, control, could play with both feet. And rose to the occasion in every big game for both club and country. He was pretty much the best player in every team we won a trophy with. 🏆

[@876jamaicanyouth]

How is Zidane second to be honest Zidane career has highlights yes but if were honest there have been many other 10s better than him who played longer than him

[@876jamaicanyouth]

There's Roberto Baggio, Francisco Totti, Ronaldinho and Maradona

[@elifilhan2946]

A glimpse of Okocha in Fenerbahce jersey and having tears in my eyes. Those were the days! Btw, player of the year Baggio in ‘93 was a different player then the veteran Baggio leading Brescia in early ‘00s. Started as a striker and finished as a playmaker..

[@lautarogabrielotal830]

10 or 6, what is undennieble is that you can always tell when a team lacks a playmaker. See Spain in the world cup, all of them could play any position and make great passes. None of them had that extra bit of creativity that pushed the game forward and changed things.

[@carlosarguinarena105]

Very cool and explanatory video! My favorite N10, that i saw with my own eyes was Ronaldinho. I feel that he made the transition of a playmaker, but standing on the sides of the pitch. He brought a much more physical game, in terms of speed and raw strengh (it was not easy to move him lol). And in the role of a playmaker N6, my favorite of all times is Steven Gerrard (i know, some might say not a big deal), but he controlled the midfield with very accurate passes, and had a cannon on his foot!

[@ichigobane1373]

Very Rightly said bro...

[@jefurihartono1630]

Del Piero is also very great 10 which sadly Juventus cant replicate even with Dybala.

[@emmanuellalfakzuala252]

watching this made me realise how good Maradona really would have been, I'm a little surprised why Pele never came up though. Was it bc this type of position didn't really exist back then? That aside, this video was really insightful, thank you.

[@fusososososo3507]

Pelé was the guy that made, or at least popularized, this position.

[@talbech]

Loved the video. I always enjoyed to watch Michael Laudrup, when he had a 'floating' playmaker role at Barca. Some of the most spectacular through passes came from that era.

[@BlazinBlz]

it's honestly a kinda sad thought that if Maradona played in the current game, he'd probably be suffering the same curse that's struck Ozil, Coutinho, or all those absolutely amazing, fantastic players, who just play in the "wrong" position, much like most people, the classic number 10 is my fave position, but it's just dying in the current game, with the last few holdouts, and it's so sad to me it's very much evolve or be extinct, we see players like KDB become more well rounded, or Firmino who gets pushed much further forwards and drops back, or Muller who reinvented the role, but those Maradona types, at least for the next foreseeable future, are just gone

[@sahilagarwal6601]

football doesnt have the flair that it used to have in the 2000s

[@ojberrettaberretta5314]

müller`?lmao müller is not a 10 and never was a 10

[@truth6074]

Bro really think Maradona is same level as Ozil 💀

[@yaboyjay7202]

My favourtie player is Marc Wilmots. He is actually a great example of a 10 with a high workrate. Actually similiar to De Bruyne today (not the same level of players of course). But the best player ever is and always will be Zidane, who by the way created the role of the modern 8 after he lost his speed. So in a way Zidane was the precursor of the 10 shifting to other positions.

[@dwkickoff]

Great shout, Joern! Marc Wilmots, "Kampfschwein" they said in Germany where he won the UEFA Cup with Schalke back in the day...

[@arturomansour-hull930]

DeBruyne is a number 8 not a number 10

[@Julian-wg1vt]

@@dwkickoff I’m a number 8

[@hulk8384]

@@arturomansour-hull930 he is a 10

[@kferra1a]

My favorite number 10 is Pibe Valderrama, he had an incredible ability to give the perfect assist.

[@seanstevenson9891]

The game adjusts around Messi, as it should. 🇦🇷🐐🇦🇷

[@stanbeyani5089]

Hard to choose, but I'll go with Raberto Baggio. Though it's really a hard one..

[@dwkickoff]

1994 💔🇮🇹

[@bullymaguire9100]

The divine ponytail

[@tesla5297]

modern playmakers are full backs. Liverpool has trent, City has Cancelo, Bayern has Davies, Leipzig has Angelino. The creativity comes from wide position now. And attack has more verticality

[@dwkickoff]

Good shout!

[@tesla5297]

@@dwkickoff numerical superiority upfront is the key after all. Every elite team attacks with a front 5. That's why you don't need playmakers to find a player between 3 or 5 opponent players. Same with defence. Every team in defensive transition makes a back 5. And the forwards drop deep to help. Today the model of football is, they attack with 5 men upwards and quickly counterpress/ defend with a back 5. In other words, today's football has more adrenaline and less beauty.

[@derrickbaustin]

My favorite # 10 is Carlos Valderrama! He would thrive in today's football under Klupp's or Pep's system; damn I loved watching Carlos orchestrate on the pitch.

[@jasonkeju8174]

Real good insight. This clearly explain all the really good footballers failing out at young age, due to high tempo and pressing games.

[@brunoxro]

The Brazil had five 10 in 70: Pelé (Santos), Jair (Botafogo), Gerson (São Paulo), Tostão (Cruzeiro) and Rivelino (Corinthians) The beautiful football The 10 must have talent, if he doesn't, the team has to play differently. The best I saw was Ronaldinho

[@apegraham9819]

Yeah that's true. Because I watch a documentary where all the guys you mentioned were actually surprised to play the way they did at the 1970 WC and still win. I mean all #10 in a team within a match. Thanks for letting me think from that angle. I personally believe it's the best team ever.

[@Bruno-gj5vn]

That may be true but is also misleading, because if you analyze the individual traits of those 5 players you'll see there were "only" 3 actual #10s there: Gerson (the quintessential #10 amongst them), Rivelino and Tostão. Pelé was a CF who was too technically gifted to wear the #9 (with a playing style not unlike Ronaldo's decades later) and Jairzinho was a classic winger with lightning pace. So, that 5 #10s story is true but also just a folk tale repeated ad nauseam in football punditry here in Brazil.

[@johndolan9859]

Michael cox made the point that in 2012, Spain played with 6 midfielders who began careers as CAMs Busquets Alonso Xavi Iniesta Fabregas Silva They played the tikiest taka we’ve ever seen

[@jorged06]

The best team EVER

[@emmanuelenyinwa1443]

You forgot Zico.

[@amos723]

The moment he started saying in modern football at 6:43 before anything KDB came into my head and at 6:45 he mentions him 🤣

[@michaelberhanu245]

pirlo makes you love football i have never seen a player like him so relaxed with the ball makes the most accurate passes

[@MrTapafacil]

Thats a common misconception to think that playmakers and number 10s are the same thing. Playmakers and number 10s are different. A "number 10" is a rare thing, a player that dominate every single one of football aspects. Dribbling, passing, shooting, set pieces... A playmaker is a player who starts most of the attacking phase. Like Modric, Thiago, Kimmich, De Bruyne... But they are not a number 10 like Messi, Maradona, Pelé, Baggio...

[@elr492]

This is all wrong. Maradona played as a second forward, who dropped back to playmake, most of his career in a similar position that Messi or Neymar play currently. He rarely played as 10 in 4312 (or 442 diamond). Messi and Neymar currently play as 10. They are do not play as wingers anymore, as you can clearly see as they tend to start wide but play in centre when they get the ball. They drop back and generate play, instead of playing at the same line as the defenders. They are now considered forwards because they do not have such heavy defensive obligations, which is similar to the traditional 10. So the 10 still exists, but only when a team has this quality players. There used to be two types of 10. The dribbling 10 (maradona, messi, neymar) and the slower playmaker 10 (Riquelme, Zidane). This last type is really extinct though. Kroos, Modric, Iniesta, Thiago, Veratti, would have been 10s 30 years ago. They moved elsewhere to accommodate.

[@876jamaicanyouth]

Thats what im saying hows the ten fading players like Juan Mata were classic ten Ozil Robinho this articie is misleading

[@babajideodusanya8843]

Let me tell you. You can see from this video that the only purpose it serves is to claim Maradona is the greatest. They didn't even give Messi much thought. See the way the old delusional lady spoke about Maradona, and see how she spoke about Messi. She said Messi needs a system and certain players to operate, whilst Maradona is the heartbeat of his team, everything goes through him--- this doesn't make any sense, because she's basically saying the same thing in a different manner. Everything goes through him-- isn't that a system? What happens in a situation where a manager wants more balance and wants Maradona to track back? Like I said, this is just an agenda to praise Maradona and belittle Messi.

[@CosmicBarrilet]

honestly, and with all the respect, as an 80's guy, Argentinian, and having watched both of them play, imo, Diego has more to do with the classic number 10, than Messi, because Leo has a more defined position in the field... Diego was like a free player moving everywhere. Many people, and heard many saying that free player was invented by Distèfano during 50` and 60`s... The day Leo became a more classical number 10, finally he won a Copa America with Argentina`s national team. Is just my opinion.

[@desmondachocky537]

@@CosmicBarrilet You are contradicting urself.When you watch messi play,he literally plays the free role as he is always everywhere on the pitch.If u are watching for the first time u will think he is a winger,a centre forward,the classic 10,a number 6 midfielder when he usually drops deep on the midfield.So what tha hell are u talking about.Its messi who has been playing this free role than I have ever seen a player do and unbelievable exell in a phenomenon way.I never saw that in Maradona.This is just a video intended to hype Maradona.

[@ehiedu4you]

@@babajideodusanya8843 she said that within the context of a classic number ten who didn't need to defend. Messi is a miracle but honestly he didn't become a provider until Xavi and Iniesta left

[@Seanopp7]

Zidane is not only my favorite 10, but my favorite player of all time. But even I will admit that if he played for my club today, I’d be constantly cursing him out on Twitter for not releasing the ball quickly enough, and also for being a showboat. It’s funny how much football has changed.

[@dwkickoff]

And the next moment you would love him for that genius touch and the most spectacular assist you’ve ever seen 😍

[@Seanopp7]

@@dwkickoff Oh 100%! 😅

[@zakmukhtar8672]

Zidane is the best player ever to me as well and if he played today would win Ballon d'or every year 😂😂😂

[@cybertron50]

You just earned a subscriber. Respect 🙏

[@dwkickoff]

Much appreciated, man. We're glad you like the film. Spread the word...

[@nomadicsoul34]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks.

[@lumeaeamea1]

My favorite number 10 is Gheorghe Hagi. He bring me alot of joy when playing for the national team of my country Romanian.

[@dwkickoff]

LEGEND Hagi! Greetings to Romania. How's his son doing in the no.10 role?

[@pedjatrninic]

My favourite n10 was Dragan Stojković.

[@OwenDLC]

Riquelme was the last true number 10. My favorite player. The most elegant midfielder I've ever seen. When at his best, he was truly a unmatched. So good at retaining the ball and dictating the pace of the game. Best through balls I've ever seen. If you have any doubts, ask Ray Hudson who his favorite player is.

[@dwkickoff]

100% true, Owen! What a player he was! Why do you think he did not make it at Barca? Seemed like a perfect fit, but never clicked...

[@OwenDLC]

@@dwkickoff Riquelme's move to Barcelona was, as he put it, "a political move." Van Gaal did not ask for him. He didn't want him, and as a result he never played him as enganche, which is his natural position. Riquelme didn't fit into Van Gaal's style and he wasn't willing to sacrifice his tactics and build the team around Roman like Peckerman and Bianchi did. Roman was not your typical versatile midfielder that can adjust to different playing styles. Roman was a different type of player, he was special. Roman was the type of player that needed understanding and, in many cases, special treatment from a manager. However, when Roman gets what he wants and has a solid team built around him, he's capable of some of the most artistic and incredible football one can witness.

[@reneihuoma4642]

he was indeed great. he floats in that role, the teams needs to be built around him. Love Baggio too.

[@rmzidann]

Roman was one of my favorites. I still remember the quarterfinals in the 2006 WC. When Pickerman took out Riquilme, Argentina looked lost and eventually lost to Germany.

[@tomipalasnenas9844]

@@rmzidann I hate the fact that it was the only WC Riquelme ever played with Argentina

[@louisjwiese5515]

Well, Messi is the only one I can think of that creates as well as score goals consistently these days. These days he is becoming more of a playmaker. But he will even be great as a playmaking-attacking midfielder. So he can play many many years still. But I cannot really think of someone that consistently fulfills the role of a 10 as you describe it.

[@yasserfbaksh]

Gr8 video, very insightful

[@laureanoalfaro9351]

Mora and Araujo is way off in his description on Messi, on contrair Barca adapted more to Messi than Messi to Barca and Lio had changed his game while growing old for a total free offensive role, more when his teams needed him to fulfill that job. Yet, these two are out of the norm, like Zico and Pele were too, these are geniuses that play of "themselves" and the 10 just becomes a symbol of their talent to produce in every aspect and role regarding the offensive tasks of a team. These fellas are the sum and mixture of: effortless technique, excellent pace, athletism and a management of time and space that defies belief. More traditional 10's that didn't have that physical and technical combination, were more tactical players, like: Platini, Riquelme, Bochini, Gerson, Di Stefano, Cryuff. Yet let's hope that there is some kid growing out there that will impose himself like these fellas did in the past.

[@masterkka2574]

Without 10 thr is no football.... In my Era.... Ronaldinho...Messi...

[@theunspoken4102]

Messi winning the world cup at age 35, probably single handedly as the classic no.10 is proof that this position will rise up again.

[@Entertainment-do1bp]

Bruh no one plays like messi do play no. 10,not everyone is messi

[@DanyCesc83]

Messi is my favorite 10 but my favorite player is Xavi Hernandes and the way he operated in that Barca system.

[@dwkickoff]

Classic 8 ;) what a great player he was

[@YavHeHe1337]

The last "magical" 10 i can remember is Ozil. Absolute magician

[@dwkickoff]

Great player! Check out our documentary about him, Emre: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2ewh5KCfbyIidU

[@et34t34fdf]

No, Messi still is a number 10.

[@attentionseeker8336]

@@et34t34fdf he is 30 lol

[@hulk8384]

@@attentionseeker8336 so?

[@rickproductions9497]

@@hulk8384 he thinks its just the kit number instead of role lol, let him be

[@saifmalik7684]

At least with messis example hes changed the number 10 role for the better yes you can say you prefer the old style because of nostalgia, but messis style is that plus much more, record goal scorer while still being the central playmaker of the team

[@Itonde]

Zico and Platini scored many goals also

[@ferdinandhoessler4861]

I think the last real fun, classic number 10 was Ronaldinho. He stands for the beautiful game like no other. Maybe Okocha. That fun element has gone missing with the evolution of the game.

[@poorchigga5209]

Isn't messi is a Falsenine???

[@rickproductions9497]

@@poorchigga5209 winger, false nine, offensive midfielder, playmaker, sometimes even defence

[@dbz3487]

@@Itonde did they score more the Messi????NO!!!

[@pkgnitt]

Great video. I subscribed 👌🏾

[@mecongberlin]

Thanks. Very interesting documentary. Toll recherchiert und präsentiert. Subscribed👍

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you, mecong! Much appreciated. Spread the word ;)

[@Psychphuq]

The #Iceman commeth... Dennis Bergkamp playing along side Thierry Henry was silky & sublime... #Raumdeuter also entertains...☺

[@michaeluzoho5838]

The No 10 role/position has always seen the most technically brilliant players. In this generation, you got Messi, Ozil and KDB, in the past generation, you got Ronaldinho, Kaka, Okocha, Zidane, Rui Costa, Aiman, Riquelme and co. Before that you got Baggio, Maradona, and co. Damn, that position has seen the most gifted players in the history of the game.

[@Yeahagreed]

Thats the entire point. The best forward or midfield players are usually the brain of the team the classic no. 10.

[@michaeluzoho5838]

@@Yeahagreed The game has gotten faster so you normally see natural number 10s being shunted out wide, I.e. Messi, playing in the false nine position, I.e. Firmino, or being played in a central midfield role, I.e. KDB

[@Yeahagreed]

@@michaeluzoho5838 thats because the midfielders are supposed to do basically everything these days. And the 10 does not have a lot of space in between. I'm sure the no. 10 will make comebacl again in the near future. Because football is impossible without a 10. Its just some different form of it. Im sure football will require the same type of free no.10 again in the future

[@michaeluzoho5838]

@@Yeahagreed There'll be another evolution in the future, where no 10s will come back

[@laxus9451]

wasnt ronaldo a 10 at united

[@TitoHerreraB]

GREAT VIDEO!!!! Excellent and very educational.

[@dwkickoff]

Thank you, Tito! Spread the word...

[@SecondCitySaint97]

These videos are brilliant

[@khanhcung1200]

Glad I found this channel. High-quality stuff you guys are making! :)

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks, Khanh. We're glad you like the content. Spread the word and keep watching...

[@TheRealPingu]

The traditional No. 10 is giving way to the Prolific Winger. The burden of playmaking is shifted to the wingers. The success of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in the winger position is also a big reason for that decline.

[@dwkickoff]

Good point, Comrade! Can the winger out wide really perform the great playmaking we've seen in the past, what do you think?

[@yannick245]

@@dwkickoff Comrade? What is this? The communist party?

[@yannick245]

@NMA 55 NIDHIN JOBI Ay, thank you!

[@kennymaluleke5638]

Quality work

[@decklonashton2200]

Great video ! It mentions De Brunye's hybrid role ; this role existed long before . Maybe previous players weren't as successful as him , but quick mention . Dani Alves , Roberto Carlos , Patrice Evra Carlos Edwards to name a few . Keep up the good work , great insight !

[@user-fu3fu4ye7j]

My favourite since I was a kid has and will always be totti, but shout-out to riquelme Ronaldinho Rui Costa too. Man I love football but I loved it so much more from late 90s to 2012..

[@dwkickoff]

Those were the days 😍

[@samfisher2306]

Totti was definitely a dangerous number 10 while in his prime.

[@budo4]

I remember back in my junior high school days there were fights and arguments in the locker room over who gets the #10 jersey. Fun times. We had another position however that was almost equally coveted. We nick-named it "the link" which is basically a box to box midfielder. Anywhere on the pitch where plays are being made you are involved. Teams members would gladly settle for that role if they didn't get the play maker role. As for my favorite #10 playmaker, it is Carlos Valdarama from the Columbian national team - even though I am a Brazil fan.

[@Gibonni91]

Crazy they don't mention Messi, a player famous for going back to his half to ease the ball transition. And still scoring and assisting. Only thing he's bad us his defensive play, but that's not his job anyway. And dude has more playmaking abilities than most of the players mentioned in the video

[@diegolisandror2]

Fantastic video, I've been thinking the same for the last 10 years, those pure 10's don't exist anymore. Pirlo, Busquets are passive 10s, Messi Neymar are agressive 10s, KDB and Muller are both part of 2 different systems, they are the most important piece in the machine. But really there's no pure 10s in football anymore, those guys who were completely free to do whatever they want and shine with their class in the midfield, those like Zidane, Maradona or Totti. I would say Messi is been playing as a real 10 for the last 5 years, maybe the only one left in the world, Neymar is becoming a real 10 too