Each of these is used because of the different strengths and attributes they provide to a team.Ĭertain positions require different attributes than others and contribute in unique ways to the overall performance of a team. In soccer, you will see many formations, positions, and types of players used. When defending, the number 8 will chase down and pressurize the opposing player who has the ball. In contrast, the number 8 position has more freedom to experiment and explore more spaces and opportunities. In many teams and formations, the number 6 position holds a defensive position and shape on the field that brings stability and support to the center backs.
Occasionally their positioning can be more offensive and higher up the pitch. Most central midfielders are the ball carriers and playmakers for their team.Ĭenter midfielders that play in the number 8 position are also players who can make attacking runs beyond their attacking midfield teammates or strikers and have attempts at scoring. The number 8 is a player that should always be looking to find space and positions on the field where they can receive the ball from their teammates. There will be many times in a game that a number 8 will need to attack the ball and try to win the ball back by making crucial tackles or interceptions. Most central midfielders will mark their opposing player in their position while also being aware of when they need to close the player carrying the ball down. You’ll notice that many central midfielders often drift left or right as they follow the movements of the ball and the opposing players. When their team is attacking, a number 8 needs to find spaces where they can receive the ball to carry it forward and pass to another attacking player, such as the striker or number 10. In most cases, they need to be behind or beside the ball when on the defense. Positionally, number 8’s need to be aware of where they are in relation to the ball.
Most of the time, center midfielders remain in that central channel between boxes.Ī number 8 in soccer plays centrally on the pitch and distributes the ball to the other players ahead, behind, or wide of their position. There may be exceptions during the run of play where a number 8 will drift wide or very deep in their box to help defend. This means that the player will cover the ground between the 18-yard boxes at either end of the field and run in that central channel. This position carries the responsibilities of both defending and attacking for their team.Ī box-to-box midfielder is one of the most common explanations to describe the areas of the pitch that a number 8 will cover. The traditional number 8 plays in the position of central midfield and is also known as a box-to-box midfielder. Let’s get started! What Position Does The Number 8 Play? and give you some examples of the best number 8’s ever to play the game.Why they have to be the fittest player on a team.The number 8 position in soccer is crucial! In this article, I will give you a complete overview of why this position is so significant. It is a high-energy position that requires a high level of stamina. The player in the number 8 position participates in both defending and attacking for their team, as well as taking shots at goal. The number 8 in soccer is traditionally a box-to-box midfielder who plays in central midfield. But you are probably here because you want to understand the meaning of the number 8 in soccer and why it is so important. Throughout the history of soccer, the number 8 position and role have developed and changed into what it is today. We will cover the different types of soccer positions, what their role on the pitch is, and the physical and technical characteristics required to play in each role.The soccer player wearing the number 8 on their back can often stand out from the crowd of other players. But at the highest levels, soccer can become a very intricate game with a team’s tactics and formations influencing where each player will position themselves on the field meaning it can get a little technical…īut don’t fret! If you’re wanting to watch more MLS or even start playing yourself, this guide will give you the basics of who does what on the soccer pitch. A fast game that is hard to keep up with.Įspecially for us Americans, it can be a little hard to understand what’s going on! While being the most predominant sport in the world, it hasn’t quite reached the same popularity levels here in the States as you might find in Europe or Asia.Ī soccer team is typically divided into 11 field positions with three main categories (defenders, midfielders, and forwards), with each player having a defined role during the match.