Position Spotlight: The Versatile Number 6 in Football

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The “Number 6” holds a position of paramount significance in modern football. It has evolved from purely defensive to encompass a more balanced blend of responsibilities, contributing both phases, defense and attack. This particular role is alternatively recognized as the “defensive midfielder” or the “pivot.” However, what precisely does this role encompass, and why does it hold such a crucial role in the beautiful game? In this discussion, we shall delve into the functions of a Number 6 player, the art of assuming this role, and the strategies for playing alongside one in your team.

What is the Number 6 Position in Football?

A number 6 in football position is a defensive midfield role that sits in front of the back four and behind the central midfielders. The number 6 player is often the first line of defense and the first point of attack for their team. They are responsible for breaking up opposition plays, shielding the defense, and initiating attacks with their passing and vision. The player must have a good understanding of the game and be able to read the situations quickly and accurately. They must also have good communication skills and leadership qualities to organize their teammates and coordinate the defensive and offensive transitions.

The position of number 6 holds immense significance in the realm of soccer, demanding a high degree of tactical awareness, physical prowess, and technical skill. A skillful number 6 player has the potential to influence the flow of a match, control the tempo, orchestrating the flow, and crafting opportunities for their fellow teammates. The number 6 player must exhibit the versatility to transition between various roles depending on the circumstances, adopting the role of a disruptor, a masterful regista, or an energetic box-to-box midfielder. Furthermore, they must demonstrate their adaptability across different formations and systems, whether occupying the role of a solo, a double pivot, or contributing to a midfield trio.

The number 6 position demands a high level of physical prowess and stamina. The player in this position must engage in both the defensive and offensive phases of the game.

How to Play as a Number 6 Player

To play as a number 6 player, you need to have certain qualities that make you suitable for the role. Some of these qualities are:

• Positional discipline: The pivot should remain within his/her designated area and keep focus on the primary defensive and offensive obligations of the position. Moreover, number 6 is required to always have a good understanding of what is happening around him/her and forecast the movements off the ball of both teammates and opponents.
• Defensive skills: The player should have good tackling, intercepting, and clearance skills. He/she should also be able to read the game anticipate where the danger is coming from and effectively communicate with all his/her teammates to avoid it.
• Passing skills: The defensive midfielder needs to be able to distribute the ball accurately and quickly to his/her teammates who are located in near or far away areas. Also, the switch of play, playing long balls and also playing through balls, should be of a high technical level.
• Support the attack: This central midfielder should always maintain a position where he/she will be able to support the team during possession and provide supporting passing options and safe passes (usually backward if the ball is in the opponent’s half).
• Vision: One of the most important skills of number 6 is to “see” the whole pitch and recognize potential opportunities for the team. Additionally, the soccer players in this role should have high skill levels in communicating with their teammates and offering valuable guidance while on the pitch.
• Leadership: The player’s capacity to serve as an example and inspire his teammates through his commitment, optimistic work ethic, and performance. Moreover, he should possess the ability to effectively orchestrate both the team’s defensive and offensive tactics.

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How to Play with a Number 6 Player

If you have a number 6 player on your team, you should make use of their abilities and support them on the pitch. Here are some tips on how to play with a number 6 player and what should the team and the head coach do in order to fully utilize their potential:

• Create space for them: Do not crowd their area or block their passing lanes. Move away from them and create space for them to receive the ball and operate. The coach should build a structure where different “pockets” will be created for the number 6 to move inside and receive the ball from the back line. A 4 – 3 – 3, 4 – 2 – 3 – 1 and 4 – 1 – 4 – 1 formations are ideal for this.
• Make use of their passing: Do not waste their passes or ignore their runs. Their teammates should be always available to support them asking the ball in their feet or to the space. Look for their through balls or long balls and finish them off.
• Trust their decisions: The coach and their teammates should not doubt their choices or criticize their mistakes. Trust that they know what they are doing and follow their instructions. Respect their authority and leadership on the pitch.

Top players in the Number 6 position

The number 6 position in the world of football stands as a dominant and complex role on the pitch. It necessitates the presence of a skillful player, talented in defending, orchestrating the ball distribution, and controlling the tempo of the game.

Below we present some of the players who have thrived in this position, encompassing qualities of previous years and the contemporary era.

• Sergio Busquets: One of the best examples of a number 6 is Sergio Busquets of Barcelona and Spain now playing for Inter Miami For more than a decade, Busquets has held a pivotal role in both the club and international realms, winning a plethora of trophies. He is celebrated for his serene composure when in possession of the ball, he possesses an extraordinary ability to read the game and manages to not allow his lack of speed to make him vulnerable during the defensive phase. His passing accuracy is almost over 90% in every single. game.  Furthermore, his positioning allows him to effectively stop opponent’s attacks without the need to commit tackles. Busquets is widely regarded as the torchbearer of the principles instilled by his mentor, Pep Guardiola, and has established the foundational characteristics that a modern Number 6 should embody.
• Rodri: In modern football, a player who shines as a number 6 is Manchester City central midfielder Rodri. Rodri, joined Manchester City in 2019 from Atletico Madrid and quickly adapted to Pep Guardiola’s unique playing style. Known for his towering presence and graceful playing style, Rodri possesses the remarkable ability to stop the opposition’s progressions, control the ball with finesse, and orchestrate forward passes. This has drawn comparisons to the legendary Sergio Busquets, who has dominated the same position for Barcelona and Spain for over a decade. His strength and height make him a noticeable presence, excelling in defensive duties such as shielding the back four, winning aerial duels, and intercepting passes. Additionally, his comfort on the ball and impressive passing range allow him to switch the game’s tempo or initiate rapid counter-attacks.
• N’Golo Kante: Another notable individual deserving recognition among the elite number 6 players is N’Golo Kante, the accomplished midfielder from Chelsea and the national team of France. Kante personifies unrelenting dedication on the field, tirelessly covering every inch of the pitch. He has earned people’s recognition due to his exceptional ability in intercepting passes, executing strong tackles, and displaying an unmatched work ethic. Throughout his career, he has celebrated victories in two Premier League, one FA Cup, claimed the one Champions League title and one Europa League, and even triumphed in the 2021 FIFA World Cup.
• Joshua Kimmich: Kimmich’s versatility and smart game sense enable him to excel in different positions, including right-back, center-back, and midfield. The Bayern Munich possesses remarkable skills in both defensive and offensive aspects, exhibiting his prowess in passing, crossing, and shooting. His impressive list of achievements includes eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal cups, a Champions League trophy, and a World Cup with Germany. Renowned for his unwavering work ethic, leadership qualities, and creative prowess, he is also known for his ability to find the back of the net from long distances or set pieces. Kimmich stands as an indispensable player for both Bayern and Germany, with both teams relying on his boundless energy and exceptional vision.
• Casemiro: The Brazilian player, a former player of Real Madrid, and now playing for Manchester United is a number 6 who is mostly known for his defensive ability and his passionate game rather than his exceptional passing abilities. Casemiro’s prowess lies in his strong and confident playing style, where he safeguards the back four defenders through tackling and strategic positioning. His repertoire also includes the scoring through long-range shots and header goals. Over the course of his career, he has won five Champions League trophies, and three La Liga titles, as well as earning one Copa America with Brazil. In essence, Casemiro stands as one of the most well-rounded midfielders globally, embodying leadership for previously Real Madrid and now Man Utd as well as for the Brazilian national team.
• Fabinho: Another prominent figure in previous seasons, wearing the Liverpool jersey, is Fabinho. Fabinho made his entry into Liverpool’s ranks in 2018 after a stint with Monaco. For a span of five years, he played a pivotal role in their triumphs, including securing the Premier League and the Champions League titles. He possesses robust physicality and remarkable agility, enabling him to exert control in the midfield. His skill set encompasses disrupting the opponent’s plays, emerging victorious in tackles, and regaining possession adeptly. Furthermore, he displays finesse when in possession of the ball, demonstrating a composed and precise style that greatly aids Liverpool’s build-up from the defense or swift transitions.

How to train Number 6

One of the best training drills that a manager and his football coaching staff can use in order to train the number 6 are rondos, positional games, and possession games.

Rondo 4 + 1 v 2

Description:

A simple 4 + 1 v 2 rondo. The objective for the players in possession is to complete 20 passes and force the defenders to remain inside. If a pass is made to the inside neutral and he/she will pass to an outside player (a back pass to the same outside player does not count) there is a bonus of +10 passes.

Positional Game 4 v 4 + 3 neutrals

Description:

A 4 v 4 + 3 neutrals Positional Game. The team in possession should always have two players in each sideline (width). The objective is for the team in possession to transfer the ball from one outside neutral to the other side to score one goal.

If the ball is transferred through the central area (between the cones) and the pass to the other side is done by the inside neutral then the goal counts for 2.

Phase of Game 5 + GK v 3

Description:

A 5 + GK v 3 Phase of Game. It’s a functional drill. The objective is to train the player in the build p phase to utilize the number 6 to progress forward. The coach should train the pivot how to effectively occupy the space, how to properly position his/her body, and how to always maintain a diagonal position to the ball without covering the passing lines to the attacking midfielders.

The 3 defenders should try to recover the ball and shoot to score with a minimum 2 or 3 passes. The attacking midfielders are obligated to remain in the red end zone. The defenders can move free in all the space BUT when the build-up is static (dead ball) they should be outside the penalty box.

Conclusion

Having a skillful player at position 6 team can significantly influence a team’s performance and results. A number 6 player possesses the capability to command the game, orchestrate the flow of play, and orchestrate opportunities for your team. Furthermore, they can serve as an extra layer of safety for your defense, keep away the opponents from central dangerous areas, and stimulate his/her teammates.

To summarize the role of a number 6 player, one must have specific attributes and follow specific fundamental principles, thus rendering oneself effective in the specific role. When playing with a number 6 player, it is imperative to create strategic space for them, allowing the full potential of their passing prowess, and instilling trust in their strategic decision-making.