In football, the role known as “False 9” is intriguing and distinct, and it has become increasingly popular in the twenty-first century. A False 9 slips deeper into midfield, confusing defenders and creating space for other attackers, in contrast to typical strikers who are exclusively concerned with scoring goals. Some of the best players and teams of the modern period have benefited greatly from this tactical breakthrough. The top ten False 9s of the twenty-first century are listed below:
10. Müller, Thomas
Muller’s finest positions have frequently been as a false nine, where he is allowed to drift into and attack pockets of space, or behind a more traditional striker. He has succeeded throughout his career at Bayern Munich thanks to his grasp of the game and ability to identify and connect with teammates.
Müller is frequently referred to as a “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), yet his approach to play is consistent with a False 9. He enjoys drawing defenders out of position, dropping into pockets of space, and providing assists as well as goals.
927 games
Objectives: 331
Helps: 315
9. Villa, David
When Spain dominated from 2008 to 2012, Villa frequently played as a False 9. Even when he wasn’t playing as a traditional striker, his off-the-ball mobility and ability to finish from nearly any position made him a constant threat.
8. Griezmann, Antoine
Griezmann has been a False 9 a lot, especially for France when they won the World Cup in 2018. He was an essential component of Didier Deschamps’ tactical setup because of his mobility and ability to link with wingers and midfielders.
829 games
Objectives: 312
Helps: 158
7. Rooney, Wayne
Manchester United’s ability to drop deep and generate opportunities for players like Cristiano Ronaldo was crucial to their success. Rooney was a vital member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious teams because of his adaptability and hard ethic.
6. Firmino Roberto
A contemporary illustration of the False 9 is Firmino’s position at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp. In order to make room for Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, he frequently slides into midfield. Firmino is one of the most unselfish and successful False 9s in Premier League history because of his work ethic, pressing, and inventiveness.
5. Bergkamp, Dennis
Bergkamp’s style of play is ideal for this category, even though his best years occurred just before the False 9 became a well-defined function. He was one of Arsenal’s all-time greats because he was a master at creating space, connecting with teammates, and scoring incredible goals.
Bergkamp, Dennis Career data
884 games
Objectives: 366
Helps: 185
4. Benzema Karim
Benzema was formerly a hybrid forward who frequently played as a False 9. When Real Madrid dominated the Champions League, his ability to drop deep and connect with Cristiano Ronaldo was essential. Before relocating to Saudi Arabia and losing his form, Benzema added more goals and individual and team accomplishments to his career in recent years, but his intelligence in the False 9 role continues to be a defining feature of his performance.
923 games, 470 goals, and 220 assists
3. Fàbregas Cesc
Despite being a midfielder by trade, Fàbregas was a standout False 9 for Spain at Euro 2012. Without a conventional striker, Spain was able to control possession and generate goal-scoring opportunities because to his cunning and accurate passing. His contribution to Spain’s triumph demonstrated his adaptability and strategic acumen.
2. Totti, Francesco
In Serie A, Totti was a trailblazer of the False 9 role. Totti reinvented himself as a deep-lying forward who planned assaults with his exquisite passing and vision under Luciano Spalletti. He was one of the most famous players in Italian football history because he was creative and had a knack for scoring goals.
1. Lionel Messi
The False 9 role is best exemplified by Lionel Messi, especially at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. He was unplayable because of his ability to drop deep, link up play, and then charge forward to score. Messi’s historic 91 goals in 2012 demonstrated how successful this position is. His vision, dribbling, and clinical finishing transformed the way people think about the False 9.
Messi’s Career Statistics
1108 games, 866 goals, and 384 assists
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