Understanding the Number 10 Role in Soccer and Its Historical Roots
During the World Cup, the term "number 10" comes up often. But it’s not just about the jersey number; it’s a label for a specific role on the field. For example, England’s Jude Bellingham wears the No. 10 shirt and plays that position, but many teams have a number 10 who might not wear that exact number.
The Role of a Number 10
The number 10 usually refers to an attacking midfielder, positioned just behind the striker. This player acts as a creative force, orchestrating attacks and often being the team’s most skillful playmaker. Greats like Lionel Messi have made this role famous by combining vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring.
Why Is It Called Number 10?
The name comes from football's early days when players wore numbers based on their positions. Jerseys were numbered from 1 to 11, corresponding to each starter’s place on the field. The goalkeeper got No. 1, defenders had lower numbers, and attacking roles received higher ones. The attacking midfielder, playing just behind the forward line, was assigned No. 10 and that tradition stuck.
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