#Number 8 position in soccer how to
#Number 8 position in soccer professional

Block shots on the edge of the box and ensure opponents cannot shoot from a distance.Read the game and be able to intercept forward passes from their opponents.Put pressure on the opponent’s midfielders whenever they have the ball.

Make challenges and tackles and excel defensively in 1v1 situations.

Try to be goal-side of the ball whenever their team is not in possession.

Work hard to protect the backline by covering all areas of the field in front of the defense.

As such, the number 8 has a lot of responsibilities when it comes to defending! When their team is not in possession of the ball a good number 8 should Unlike other roles that are primarily offensive or defensive, the number 8 is expected to contribute equally whether their team is on the ball or not.

Try to arrive late in the penalty box to get on the end of crosses & provide an additional attacking threat.

Be prepared and able to shoot from distance when chances arrive.

Play through balls behind the opponents defence to create chances for other players.

Look for opportunities to run beyond the forward line and get behind the opponents defense.

Look for opportunities to make forward runs and support the attack.

Carry the ball forward themselves, with the ball at their feet, when there is space to do so.

Look for opportunities to pass the ball forward and help their team advance.

Look to support and provide passing options for all other midfield and forward players whenever they receive the ball.

Provid a forward passing option for the goalkeeper, each of the defenders and the number 6 whenever those players receive the ball.

Help connect play and make passes with all players on the team.

Simply put, wherever the ball is in play, a good number 8 wants to get on the ball and make things happen! To play as a good number 8 when in possession, a player should This is true whether the ball is in the defensive third, the middle third, or the attacking third. When a team is attacking, a good number 8 is eager and enthusiastic to be involved in play at all times.

Be strong in the air and able to win aerial challenges against opponents.

Be a good passer of the ball over both short and long distances.

Have the ability to shoot effectively from a distance with a strong desire to score.

Be able to make tackles and interceptions and thrive in physical battles.

Have a good first touch & be comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces under pressure from opponents.

Be able to read the game and understand when to speed things up for their team or slow things down.

Have a competitive personality, a desire to win, and eagerness to be involved in play at all times.

Be physically fit, with a high amount of energy, stamina, and enthusiasm.

#Number 8 position in soccer how to

How To Play As A Number 8 In Soccer Qualities Needed To Be A Good Number 8Īn all-encompassing central midfielder, the number 8 in soccer has to have a wide range of qualities to perform the position successfully. This can most often be seen when teams play a 4-2-3-1 formation. Occasionally some teams forgo having a number 8 in favor of having 2 central defensive midfielders.

In a two-person midfield, they will play alongside a number 6, and in a three-person midfield, they will play just in front of the 6 and behind the number 10. In both of these cases, the number 8 plays a very similar role. Typically, a soccer team will play with either two or three players in the central midfield. For this reason, people often refer to the number 8 position as the most physically demanding on the field. Due to the many responsibilities number 8 players have, this position requires a high amount of energy and stamina. Unlike the number 6 (primarily a defensive role) and the number 10 (primarily an attacking role), the role of a number 8 player is to be equally effective in both defense and attack. Number 8 players are also referred to as ‘box-to-box midfielders’ because a good number 8 covers all areas of the field, including both penalty boxes. The Number 8 position in Soccer is a central midfielder.

#Number 8 position in soccer professional

We’ll also take a look at some of the best number 8 players in the professional game which can be a great example to young aspiring athletes.

We’ll also give some tips on how to play as a number 8 when both in and out of possession. In this post, we will look at what position the number 8 in soccer plays, the role of number 8 players, and the qualities needed to play this position successfully. Having a good and capable number 8 is an essential component for teams at any level of the game. The number 8 position in soccer is not the flashiest position, but it is often occupied by the most well-rounded and accomplished players on the field.