- Sep 22, 2008
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Nah at all. You're conflating Fellaini having played as a SS in his career with him being a #10.
He's not a #10.
Fair enough, guess I'm the only one who uses 10 as a catchall term for anyone playing behind the striker.
Would you still call a striker a 9 if they often come deep to receive the ball? Or if they venture out wide?
How would you describe a 10 and a SS?
SS don't get involved with playmaking as much and bringing other players into the build up. The sit a little further back than a #9 and a little higher up than a #10. I remember being told that some people referred to them as 9 1/2. They are in the middle of two positions. When you're no scoring goals, you're creating opportunities for the main striker. The SS plays off of the main striker, their movements and etc. Bergkamp is a prime example of a SS, ironically he was a #10. He could dribble, pass, score, etc. Maybe years ago, the #10 was more of a SS than anything. Especially if you look at the 4-4-1-1 was so traditional. Nowadays I think of Rooney and even Thomas Muller playing as a SS. But otherwise, I think of the #10, a CAM who is the play maker who tries to play in whoever in the build and create opportunities. The score here and there but don't have the eye for goal as a SS does. Also, I think a modern #10 doesn't have the defensive responsibility that a SS has/had.