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False 9s in football are a fascinating tactical innovation that has revolutionized the traditional striker role. Unlike traditional centre-forwards who operate as target men or poachers, false 9s are known for their versatility and ability to drop deep into midfield, creating confusion for opposing defenses.
They eschew the conventional role of a fixed central striker, often drifting into wider areas or even midfield to link up play and initiate attacks.
False 9s possess exceptional technical skills, intelligence, and vision, allowing them to provide key passes, create space for teammates and disrupt the defensive structure of the opposition.
By pulling defenders out of position, false 9s can open up gaps in the defense for wingers or attacking midfielders to exploit. Without further ado, let's take a look at the five best false 9s in world football right now (2022-23).
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#5 Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Roberto Firmino bid farewell to Liverpool fans at Anfield in their latest game with Aston Villa. He marked the occasion by scoring an 89th-minute equalizer to keep Liverpool in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Firmino has been a key figure for Liverpool in the role of a false nine under Jurgen Klopp. With his exceptional work rate, intelligent movement, and selfless play, Firmino has been an integral part of Liverpool's attacking system in recent years.
As a false nine, he drops deep to link up play, create space for the wide forwards and upend the opposing defense. Firmino's ability to press relentlessly, win back possession, and provide crucial assists has been crucial to Liverpool's successes under Klopp.
While not always the most prolific goal scorer, Firmino's impact goes beyond his goal contributions, as he acts as a catalyst for the team's attacking cohesion and overall fluidity. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were so effective in the Reds' forward line because of how well Firmino played behind them.
Despite not being a regular starter in the team this term, Firmino has managed to put up pretty respectable numbers. In 34 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, Firmino has scored 12 goals and provided five assists.
#4 Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window of 2023. Overall, Gakpo has had a mixed start to his Liverpool career. In his initial days, the Dutchman missed some chances and was not always as effective as he could have been. He has also been criticized for his decision-making at times.
However, he has since grown into his role as a false nine at Liverpool. Gakpo's strengths are his pace, dribbling, and creativity in the final third. He also has a keen eye for goal and has all the qualities to become a long-term successor to Roberto Firmino.
In 25 appearances across all competitions since joining the club in the winter transfer window this year, Gakpo has scored six goals and provided three assists.
#3 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Thomas Müller is another notable player who has demonstrated his effectiveness as a false nine. While primarily known for his versatility and ability to play in various positions across the forward line, Müller has excelled when deployed as a false nine.
His intelligent movement, off-the-ball positioning, and ability to find pockets of space make him a difficult player for defenders to track.
Müller's understanding of the game, tactical awareness, and excellent link-up play allow him to create opportunities for his teammates and contribute to the team's attacking fluidity.
Having crossed well into his 30s, the German icon's powers look to be starting to wane. But Muller is still quite effective and has scored eight goals and provided 12 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich so far this season.
#2 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Antoine Griezmann can be considered a false 9 in certain tactical setups. Throughout his career, Griezmann has showcased his dynamism by playing in various positions, including as a centre-forward in a false 9 role.
His ability to drop deep, stitch attacks together, and create chances for his teammates aligns with the characteristics of a false 9. Griezmann's excellent technical skills, intelligent movement, and vision allow him to operate effectively in that position, providing a different dimension to the team's attack.
However, it's worth noting that Griezmann has also played in other positions, such as a second striker or in wider attacking roles, or as an attacking midfielder, depending on the tactics employed by his teams. The Frenchman has been in excellent form for Atletico Madrid this season.
In 45 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Madrid so far this term, he has scored 14 goals and provided 16 assists.
#1 Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Lionel Messi is often regarded as one of the greatest false 9s in football history. During his time at Barcelona, Messi frequently operated in the false 9 role, where he would drop deep from his central position and roam across the forward line.
This tactical approach allowed Messi to exploit spaces between opposition midfielders and defenders, creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. As a false 9, Messi showcased incredible dribbling skills, exceptional vision, and precise passing ability, making him a constant threat to the opposition.
His ability to orchestrate attacks, create chances and score goals from a withdrawn position revolutionized the role of the false 9. He set numerous records and won plenty of accolades during his time playing in that position.
Messi has been incredibly effective for Paris Saint-Germain this season as a false nine. He has scored goals and created chances in equal measure this term. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 20 goals and provided 20 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for PSG so far this season.
