What is a number six?
A number six is the deepest or defensive midfielder of the midfield unit. A team can have a player in the number six position, who usually supports two inside players. In that case, the six is part of a triangle in the center of the field in a 4-3-3 formation.
When a team plays with two number sixes, these players act behind a playmaker, which inverts the midfield triangle. An example of this is the image below. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka form a double pivot, with Jamal Musiala as the only playmaker.
A single number six player can also operate in a 4-4-2 (below), 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 diamond structure. Two number sixes are also part of a 3-4-3 or 4-2-2-2.
What is the origin of the term ‘number six’?
The term ‘number six’ has its origins in the introduction in English football of numbered shirts for the starting eleven. An important milestone for player numbering occurred on 25 August 1928, when it was tested in two Football League matches: Arsenal against The Wednesday (now Sheffield Wednesday), and Chelsea against Swansea Town (now Swansea City).
At that time, the 2-3-5 was the most popular formation. When a team was announced, the goalkeeper was listed first and the striker last, with the players numbered 1 to 11, from left to right. That meant that the goalkeeper was number one, and the defensive line with two full-backs, two and three. The midfield line—right back, center back, and left back—included the numbers four, five, and six, respectively (below).
As formations evolved to include a back four, the positional meaning of the numbers 1-11 often came closer to the assignments of the 2-3-5 system. In this way, the left and right backs kept the numbers two and three. The number six was usually assigned to the furthest central midfielder (below). Although worn by a center back, the player with the number six had key functions in defense and in building the game from the central areas.
In fact, some countries and coaches use the number four or five to refer to the deepest central midfielder or pivot. However, regardless of the number, the function remains the same.
What are the responsibilities of the number six with the ball?
The number six is usually the main link between the defense and the midfield. He operates mainly in spaces in front of the centre-backs, and must offer short passing options through subtle and timely movements.
It may also be necessary for a number six to be placed on the back line during the kick-off. In this case, it can be embedded between the central ones (below) or moved to the side. Your movements must be tactically versatile, with a good understanding of what your teammates are making and the timing of any subsequent position exchange.
Another key attribute is good tactical reading, which increases your perception of space, teammates and rival pressure. They must be able to receive and play forward as often as possible, oriented correctly to get the ball out after receiving and breaking lines.
The number six is usually the main link of the team. He must be able to change the direction of play with precision throughout the field, away from rival pressure. Some can also drive forward and dribble to progress the ball, before passing it to their advanced teammates.
When acting higher up, the number six must know when to change the pace of an attack. By speeding it up or slowing it down, you can manipulate opposing defenses and blocks. With a varied and precise range of passes, a six can overcome defences. He can filter passes, play around or over an opposing defensive block, as well as make quick changes of play (below).
The number six can also connect directly with the first line of attack, using longer passes over the opposition block. If he looks for spaces behind the rival defense, he can send diagonal balls to the winger. He can also play cross-field passes, usually off a corner, to a centre-forward.
What are the responsibilities of a number six without the ball?
The number six must stop, interrupt or limit rival counterattacks. They often become the first line of defense in transition. In this case, they can act behind the ball when their team reaches the final third of the field (below).
A six can stop counterattacks by gaining first and second contact, breaking up play, recovering loose balls and dominating duels. He can also keep the opponent locked in their own half, which helps the team maintain repeated attacks.
Without the ball, the number six helps the high press by blocking access to the opposing center forward. He often does this by timing. The six must also jump over opposing central midfielders when his taller teammates move forward.
In a more fixed block, the six focuses on controlling and monitoring the filtered passes between centre-backs, blocking rivals’ access inside.
You can also mark a direct opponent if they operate within a low block. This would normally involve covering and following the opposing playmaker.
A number six can stand in the backline and act as an additional defender. In a line of three, he can cover the central spaces if one of the outside center backs comes out to protect the wing.
A six can also provide cover for a back four if the opponent drags a defender out of position. Likewise, he can become part of a provisional defensive line of five, providing an additional defensive presence.
Who are good examples of number sixes in modern football?
• Sergio Busquets, at Barcelona, Inter Miami and Spain.
• Jorginho, in Naples, Chelsea, Arsenal and Italy.
• Rodri, at Atlético de Madrid, Manchester City and Spain.
• Joshua Kimmich, with Bayern Munich and Germany
• Declan Rice, West Ham, Arsenal and England.
• Casemiro, at Real Madrid, Manchester United and Brazil.
• Fabinho, with Monaco, Liverpool and Brazil.
What are the advantages of playing with a number six?
Under a formation with three players in midfield, the number six can help generate numerical advantages against rivals with two midfielders. They can dominate possession, find space to break the opponent’s pressure and advance the ball (below).
The number six adds additional defensive cover, balance, projection and protection just in front of the central defender. He can also block access to the feet of an opposing center forward.
A single number six allows a team to operate with two interiors, who can join the attack earlier. With the six offering cover, support and protection just behind, the interiors can occupy attacking positions in the first line.
What are the disadvantages of playing with only one number six?
If teams playing with a single number six need this player to also come into wing cover, leave the central space exposed.
Likewise, any rival who plays with several playmakers or players between the lines can generate numerical advantages against a single number six. In this way, he will not be able to defend, cover or protect key areas within his own field.
Finally, a single six is unable to cover the passing lanes to two rival center forwards. This can put greater pressure on the centre-backs.
You can learn more about tactics and the work of coaches in The Coaches’ Voice Training.
Written by: The Coaches’ Voice
2023-09-18 22:36:56
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