Former Parma and Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola reflected on the decline of number 10s in football, touching on the influence of Arrigo Sacchi.
The number 10 role refers to a position between the midfield and the strikers, which was usually filled by a creative and tactically-free player who was often tasked with producing moments of magic in attack as well as linking up play between the lines.
Famous examples of number 10s include Diego Maradona, Roberto Baggio and Pele. In recent years, the role has fallen out of fashion, especially with the rise of formations like 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2, none of which allow for a true number 10 role.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera via TMW, Zola discussed the tactical setup of Sacchi and how his influence affected the usage of a number 10.
“It is a process that began in the late 1990s with Sacchi. With him, much less space was given to creativity and much more to organisation. Before, all teams were structured in the same way, with very strong defences and goalscorers capable of nullifying opponents.
“The two midfielders who recovered the ball gave it to the number ten, or at least to the regista, who created play, invented the assist for the striker. A lot of work was put into defending, recovering and setting up.
“With Sacchi we arrived at a more rigid structure, with the four midfielders, the 4-4-2, there was great pressing, everyone took part in the movements…
“The 10 had to fit rigidly into a predefined tactical scheme. It wasn’t like before, when the number 10 was free to go where he wanted, follow the ball, set up the move.”
He then touched on how players had to adapt and why its rare to see true number 10s in modern football.
“I went through it, I was one of those players who, in order to fit into Sacchi’s tactical model, had to find a role that wasn’t mine. I was either a wide player on the right or left or second striker. Roberto Baggio also found himself in the same position.
“Now, even more so, everyone tries to attack, to keep possession of the ball, but in a very rigid tactical context and as a result the number 10 either becomes a seven, an 11 or a false nine. The number 10 role no longer exists.”