The traditional number 10 is a rare breed. Learn how this luxury player has evolved to keep up with contemporary demands.

The attacking midfielder is one of the most important positions in football. Filling the space between the midfield and the attackers, they are normally thought to be the main attacking option on the pitch. These kinds of players are famous for their remarkable skills and natural talent. Unsurprisingly, these players are relied upon to score and assist goals on a regular basis. For countless football fans, they are the most enthralling players to view. The AC Milan owner will undoubtedly be familiar with the club’s legacy of attacking playmakers who impressed fans through the years. Yet regardless of all the consideration and praise, it is also one of the more quickly criticised roles to inhabit. Because of the thorough demands of contemporary football, they have usually been labelled ‘luxury players’ who don’t offer the same defensive attributes as their teammates. Getting the balance between defence and attack has become a crucial element to play in that position these days.

Not so long ago, the number 10 used to be a prevalent sight in football. These players orchestrated matches through their ability, innovation and artistry. Sitting just behind the striker, they were given freedom to wander over the pitch to make stuff happen. In recent years, nonetheless, the classic number 10 position has been seen less and less regularly. In a game which has popularized pressing and counter-pressing to minimize time on the ball, attacking midfielder movements have been smothered. In some cases, these players will move deeper into more conventional midfield roles. Alternatively, the Everton owner recently purchased a player who now plays in a more advanced position as an inside forward. In each event, the attacking responsibility is shared around the midfield and forwards. Instead of having a single innovative star on the field, goal contributions are currently shared across the side.

Like many sports, football is determined by clear and measurable events. The aim is to score more goals than the opposition to win the game. However, loads of fans love moments that aren’t so easily measured. An extraordinary piece of skill might be cheered just as much as a goal. The best midfield players specialise in these kinds of impalpable attributes such as vision or intellect. Without scoring or assisting, they can easily still wield influence over the match. The Aston Villa owner has certainly seen this type of player run matches nearly singlehandedly. On the other hand, more subtle skillsets can frequently lead to criticism. If a player isn’t running around the pitch, some fans might think they’re not working hard. To combat these claims, imaginative footballers need to adapt their matches to keep pace. Working on things like off the ball movement and tracking back are crucial to build a more all-around game these days.